Old Emmer Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Last year, Old Emmer's Cask Strength was a pleasant surprise, offering sweetness, complexity, and satisfaction. So, while browsing Total Wine for budget-friendly everyday options, I decided to try their regular bottling. The bourbon's aroma is captivating. Rich honey and bright, lively apples are prominent, supported by slightly astringent oak and smooth vanilla. A faint hint of alcohol is present when you inhale deeply, but it's less noticeable than in their cask strength version. The taste begins soft and sweet with honey and caramel. An unexpected, slightly floral note appears in the middle, followed by tart cherries that linger into the finish. The finish is rather simple but enjoyable, featuring tart cherries at the start and a touch of oaky astringency at the end. It feels somewhat lighter than their cask strength. This is an easy-drinking spirit. While there are better choices in the $45 range, compared to their cask strength, I'd opt for the cask strength for its greater complexity and body, which makes it suitable for Manhattans or Old Fashioneds.

A delicate Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from IJW Whiskey, crafted in Kentucky using a high-wheat mash bill with an ancient wheat strain called Old Emmer. It was aged in new charred American white oak barrels for at least 4 years and bottled at 46% ABV. It begins aromatically with notes of grain, fruit, wood, and spice; its rich development adds notes of wheat, apple, sherry, caramel, and vanilla; leading to a balanced, medium-length finish with notes of honey-oak. September 2023 / May / October 2024

Incredibly smooth with a pleasant vanilla finish. A store employee suggested this as a good alternative to Weller Special Reserve that is readily available. It's quite similar to Weller and much easier to find. Very good, and it's now my go-to when I can't get Weller.

A 50ml sample feels insufficient for a proper evaluation. The initial rush of ethanol gives way to notes of toasted wheat, vanilla, honey, and baking spices. It's a little hot for its proof. The finish is rather short. The empty glass retains a scent of vanilla and graham crackers.

Nose: Smells identical to Maker's 46. Taste: Nothing like Maker's 46; very bland and one-dimensional. Finish: Extremely short, with hardly any lingering taste at all.

A nice bourbon for $45. It leans sweeter with a peppery finish. Not very complex.