Peach Street Colorado Straight Bourbon

Still new to Bourbon, so here's my take... Nose: It's got fruit and a hint of wine. Spice too (cinnamon maybe?). Smells like dark honey and marzipan. A bit harsh and slightly unclean. Reminds me of a less expensive Cognac, oddly enough. Palate: Tastes of burnt sugar and more marzipan. Also some darker fruits (like plums, figs) but it's not like a sherry whisky; it's rougher and less oak-forward. Dark honey again. Finish: The burnt sugar and marzipan stick around. Stays true to the palate; nothing new emerges, though the cinnamon spice becomes more distinct. Overall: It lacks the caramel and vanilla I'm accustomed to in Bourbon. The (dark/rough) fruitiness sets it apart from the typical lower-tier entry-level bourbons I've sampled. It's certainly acceptable, but a bit too raw for my preference, and it doesn't provide enough complexity to make up for that. I give it a 2.75, which I consider the upper limit of 'Okay.' It's definitely better than the cheapest entry-level bourbons and about the same as or a bit better than the mid-tier ones (still talking entry-level).

A small bottle tested for $4. Drank it neat. Golden brown and rather thin legs in the glass. The aroma is vanilla, oak, floral, and sweet corn, with a slight hint of baking spice. In the mouth, a big wave of vanilla and maple-flavored corn syrup sweetness. That gets tempered somewhat by baking spice and oak. Light/thin mouthfeel on the front of the mouth, that moves backwards on the tongue in a finish that grows with citrus and spicier rye flavors, and ends very dry. I like the aroma and don't mind the finish, but the thin, vanilla-sweet mouth lacks depth and is not my favorite. It thins out more with an ice cube. This is a sweet bourbon, an easy entry point for those venturing into the pool. Retasted 5/1/24: Similar reaction. Thin, sweet, I don't even catch the rye or baking spices. Nothing to see here.

Color: Golden brown with bright highlights. Ribbons descend at a moderate pace, leaving behind prolonged streaks. Smell: Intense vanilla leads, followed by a faint hint of caramel or toffee. Subtle wood and spice notes are also present. Taste: Corn and barley notes intermingle with warming spices and fruit, alongside a whisper of sweetness. The finish features a touch of toasted wood. A splash of water unifies the grain flavors, evoking a single malt character and emphasizing the mellow, sweet wood notes.

Despite its score and lack of sophistication, this bottle vanishes quickly once opened. I attribute this to its smooth, easy-drinking quality and fruity finish. At gatherings with bourbon enthusiasts, they soon abandon their Maker's Mark and Woodford Reserve to have several glasses of this little gem. I don't understand the distiller's tasting note of cinnamon Red Hots... if there's a Colorado whiskey to steer clear of, it's Stranahan's.

A very subtle aroma, especially for a bourbon. Mild wood notes and a touch of sweetness. The palate is more pronounced, featuring excellent caramel notes that persist into the finish. It possesses character without the harshness found in some other bourbons. A pleasant, oily mouthfeel. No ice is required. Very smooth and enjoyable. This five-year-old straight bourbon has caramel notes accompanied by light spice and more wood undertones. It's more traditional bourbon, but I favor the younger version.

I found this exceptionally smooth, with no harshness. Considering the small scale of this craft distillery and the single barrel nature of each bottling, some variation is perhaps to be anticipated. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Additionally, they produce an excellent pear brandy.