Rough Rider Straight Bourbon

Another product from New York. I'm quite sure it's sourced from MGP, similar to Widow Jane. This is a high-rye bourbon aged in Chardonnay casks that were rinsed with brandy, all at a very good price. Batch 32. Aroma: Quite dry and oaky, with notes of leather, black pepper, clove, nutmeg, and allspice. I also detect plum, grape, raisin, and black cherry. There's some cocoa, butterscotch, almond, orange and grapefruit citrus, brown sugar, and caramel. It's oak-forward with some spice and subtle sweetness. In fact, it's much less sweet than a typical bourbon. Intriguing. Palate: Once again, oak is prominent. Plenty of spice: black pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice. Apple, caramel, cocoa, brown sugar, and vanilla. Almond, macadamia, and chestnut. Black licorice. Oak, spice, and nuttiness. The sweetness is noticeable but restrained. Finish: As expected. Medium length. Oak and all the familiar spices (black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and allspice). A touch of plum, raisin, and black cherry appears briefly before the spicy tingle fades. This offers great value at $30. The unique cask-finish choice is successful, particularly in the aroma. The palate could be improved; it mirrors the aroma structurally but lacks the more distinct notes I found in the scent. The finish provides a fine conclusion to this drink. I'll be watching this one. I'm curious to see what they produce with their own distillate. I can see myself purchasing this occasionally. A solid entry-level bourbon. If you don't expect too much from it, it's well worth the cost.

The initial complimentary sample from this latest batch of reviews comes from a fellow participant, in the form of Rough Rider Straight Bourbon Whisky from Long Island, NY. It's bottled at 45% ABV, has a natural amber gold color, and is very likely chill filtered. The aroma presents distinct notes of red and Concord grapes, peanut brittle, and toasted oak. It's quite sweet, with corn characteristics becoming evident after a few minutes. The wine influence is consistently prominent. There's a hint of cotton candy flavor and faint rye notes, but without the typical dill associated with rye. Some musty cardboard is present but not overwhelming, followed by a brief touch of cherry wood. Grape candy, banana, and at the bottom of the glass, some potpourri. The palate is directly peanut butter and jelly on rye. It's surprisingly odd, but in a good way, quite unlike anything experienced before. There's a bit of toasted oak and toffee with vanilla. The corn notes are significantly subdued, and the rye's spice is more dominant, with some banana balancing it out. A medium-light body with a slightly thin but acceptable mouthfeel. The finish is medium in length, featuring peanuts, oak, rye that becomes slightly metallic, and a bit floral. With a name like Rough Rider, I anticipated something a bit more... rugged. It's remarkable how strong the PB&J notes were. While not exceptional as bourbons go, its distinctive character kept my attention. This is a 3-star drink, but the sheer peculiarity of the PB&J profile elevates it to a 3.25. Enjoy!

A lazy Sunday afternoon. The smoker is working its magic on ribs and corn. Mac ‘n cheese is in the oven. The Beatles are playing on the stereo. The countdown to “Sharknado 6” has begun. Now I sit, wait, and realize it's the perfect time for a bourbon. This is a local Long Island whiskey that is sourced and aged in oak barrels (as expected) and finished in French oak casks that previously held Long Island Chardonnay which was “rinsed in high proof brandy.” [Batch 19] Distinctive bourbon notes of corn and vanilla begin the aroma. Red grape notes start to emerge as it opens up. Toffee with some rye spice follow, seeping into the initial scents. As these aromas combine and intertwine, carnival treats like buttered popcorn and peanuts appear, along with stone fruits (cherry and peach). A surprisingly complex aroma. The mouthfeel is medium-light, arriving with sweetness and spice. Brown sugar, vanilla, butterscotch with a grainy rye character. Towards the finish, grape and peanut butter and corn oil as it fades. The finish is slightly drying with some char, oak, rye and dill. Some black pepper and grape notes surround the char and pepper. I didn't anticipate much from this bourbon and was surprised to find it an enjoyable sipper. The wine finishing definitely softens the harshness that would otherwise be apparent. A good, average whiskey that is inoffensive and easy (for a Sunday afternoon) while smoking meats. [85/100][$29][Tasted: 8/19/18]

Used a PayPal promotion to order something I wouldn't normally purchase with my own money. This was the one I chose. I detect "grape" on the nose, along with some very good pecan and walnut notes (I appreciate nutty bourbons!). The walnut flavor carries through to the palate with spices, sweetness, and a mild astringency. Black pepper appears as the liquid is consumed. It feels a bit light on the tongue, lacking a heavy coating. There's no age statement, but I suspect this is a rather young bourbon. The flavors are pleasant, though not very deep — which is perfectly fine! The finish is of medium length with lasting spice and a slight warmth in the chest. I will very likely not get this again. HOWEVER... I will enjoy this bottle while it lasts.

This was an extra sample provided by a friend as part of our final round of scotch samples. This straight bourbon is produced on Long Island and bottled at 45% ABV. It has a polished gold color and forms thin legs and somewhat large, running droplets on the tasting glass. The aroma is of fresh oak and light corn with subtle notes of cardboard. There's no hint of alcohol. The palate has a light rye spice with some toasted banana and sweet corn. Typical young bourbon characteristics. The finish is short and watery, but not hot at all. Overall, it's a standard bourbon that was neither impressive nor offensive. It would work well in your favorite cocktail and is a great way to support local distillers. Thanks for the pour, friend. 2.5 stars. Cheers.

Jesus...my third attempt at writing a review...I really dislike these new updates. I wonder why these updates were necessary? Anyway...I'll try one last time...otherwise I'll call it a day...this here is a sample from a friend as part of our final round. A locally made bourbon from Long Island. I'm a huge fan of craft distilleries; it's a pure blood, sweat, and tears effort. Some are great and become successful (Westland). Others are one-man operations that still need improvement (Deerhammer). This falls into the latter category. Nothing special, decent...but I wouldn't pay more than $25. For $10 more, you can find something better. For $10 less, you can still do better if you walk over to the wine aisle.