Old Charter 8

The spirits business can sometimes feel intentionally misleading. It’s not always a negative outcome, as the VOSN range (without doubt the most secretive brand encountered) is actually quite pleasant. This spirit is the first time a Buffalo Trace product has fooled me. It reminds me of how numerous knock-off romance novels with “highlander” in the title appeared after “Outlander” debuted on Netflix. I am aware of Old Charter 8-year. I desired to try Old Charter 8-year. But this is not that. This is a NAS straight bourbon whiskey named Old Charter 8. As a NAS straight bourbon whiskey, it must legally be aged for 4 years, but it does not present as much older than that. Additionally: this is the most inexpensive allocated bourbon I have ever seen. A limit of one per customer, at $16.99 for a 750 mL. We Americans have lost our sanity regarding bourbon. If you intend to get an aroma from this, you will have to put in considerable effort. Standard bourbon scents are present, but they are greatly subdued. I detect caramel, honey, and lemon. The body is sweet and mild. The burn is absurdly low. There is sugar, caramel, and smarties. I can also perceive dusty leather, but not within the same sip. The finish causes a tingling on the sides of your tongue, yet it remains very subtle. If I had to select a lingering flavor, I would say black pepper. Therefore, I retract all recommendations I have ever offered for “the first bourbon someone should try if they aren’t into bourbon.” This is your introductory bourbon. It’s not because it is exceptionally good, because it isn’t. But it is extremely accessible. What it does well is deliver a multitude of classic bourbon notes with minimal to no heat. It truly is as if someone reduced this on ice, even though it’s being consumed neat. The drawback is its mildness, which I find not very engaging. Personally, I seek more from a bourbon, and while this one commits no errors, it does not astound me in any way. Nevertheless, I would choose this over Jack, Evan Williams, all Beams except for SiB, and Woodford Reserve. It’s almost as if a delicious mash bill was created and then removed from the barrel prematurely. Because this is the most restrained bourbon, I would be very keen to sample this small bottle finished in a port or Sauternes cask, and I remain genuinely interested in trying Old Charter 8 year, as the foundational spirit is of good quality. Edit: I conducted my research. Apparently, I am not the only one who suspected BT was engaging in trickery with this. A class action lawsuit was initiated in 2016 for this precise reason. So, if you ever think my reviews become somewhat cantankerous, remember that others are out there initiating legal action.

Old Charter No. 8 is a whiskey labeled as "No. 8" yet is actually aged for at least 4 years. It presents a complex aroma with hints of oak, vanilla, tobacco, and toffee. However, the taste is somewhat underwhelming and one-dimensional, dominated by a sweet black tea flavor. The finish consists of leather, tobacco, and spice notes. Sadly, its excessive sweetness and insufficient aging prevent it from reaching its former greatness.

Old Charter has a clear, amber appearance with consistent alcohol legs. The aroma consists of sweet corn, charred oak, vanilla, and nectar. The flavor is mild, mirroring the aroma. Old Charter has a medium body and a short to moderate finish. RJT

Lacking in character and substance. It serves adequately in cocktails, but nothing more. I would not repurchase it.