I went on the whiskey enthusiast tour at Rock Town, sampling eight of their different whiskeys. It was an enjoyable experience, and the distillery produces some very interesting products. While I'm reviewing their entry-level bourbon, much of this feedback likely applies to many of their whiskey offerings. Except for their barley, all other ingredients are sourced locally, from the grains to the barrels. My assessment of this bourbon and all their sampled whiskeys is that they have potential for great things. However, at 22 months, it's simply not aged long enough for the price they're asking. Everything feels a bit too young. Their bottled-in-bond version tasted significantly better, likely due to its longer aging. I have a soft spot for smaller operations like this. Yet, considering how long they've been in business, they should have had enough time to ensure an entry-level bourbon like this spends more time in the barrel. I reside in Arkansas and can obtain Russell's ten year for less than this. Four Roses single barrel is priced similarly. I believe Rock Town is a worthy operation and definitely worth trying if you appreciate whiskeys. Will you discover the next hidden gem in the bourbon world that's exclusive? Not yet.
Rock Town Arkansas Bourbon
Whiskey Bourbon Arkansas No age statement 46% ABV
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About this bottle
Rock Town Arkansas Bourbon features a mash bill with a high corn content, specifically 82% corn, 9% wheat, and 9% malted barley. The whiskey matures in new charred oak barrels of both 15 and 25-gallon sizes. Rock Town oversees the entire production cycle, from milling to bottling, at its facility in Little Rock.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 11 parsed reviews.
Pleasantly surprised. Visited the area and decided to sample the local offering. The aroma is decent, a bit young on the palate, with a wonderful floral vanilla finish. I believe it's much better than its current rating suggests. I would purchase it again!
The aroma is malty. It tastes strongly of malt with a rye spiciness. I was surprised to learn this is bourbon. It's smooth, with a hint of mustiness and subtle floral notes. 1/18/18
A touch of oak and a hint of sweetness. It's not something I'd want to drink straight again. However, it has enough power for a respectable mixer.
The palate tastes very young. There's a slight burn, and it's sweet with vanilla notes, but I believe it would benefit from more time aging in the barrel.
Purchased on October 19, 2016, and the experience has been positive thus far.
5 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
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