Sugar House Bourbon Whiskey

Full Bottle Review: Generally, I found it pleasing. I approve of Sugar House Distillery's efforts. They are a new, developing company with a solid selection of products. Their Bourbon is also immature and developing, likely under 4 years old, but it presents more complexity than expected. The initial taste delivers an alcohol sharpness with a sweet corn aftertaste, typical for many small distilleries. As you continue, it reveals more, offering notes of burnt caramel and toffee. The final sips possess more body and richness, though the sharpness persists… but the unique character diminishes, replaced by toasted barrel notes, leading to a more enjoyable drink. It still carries that distinctive aroma and flavor found in all the small-batch bourbons I've sampled, slightly like cooked apples – a characteristic I've always associated with the yeast, though I might be mistaken. The Sugar House distinctiveness leans more toward the Baker's and Booker style. If you appreciate aspects of those in the Beam range, this might be a pleasant discovery. At 92 proof, it boasts bold, well-rounded tastes with a mild sting, easily smoothed by adding ice, but allow it time to fully develop its flavors. Utilizing local components and quality water results in a pure bourbon, unlike some of the unaged spirits. Drink responsibly, and you should have no issues the following day. I'm eager to try an aged version, perhaps 8 or 10 years, in the future. The sole "negative" is the cost. At $40, you enter the price bracket of superior, more established bourbons – but their reasoning is understandable. Hopefully, SHD can survive the competitive whiskey market, as they are among the better small distilleries, and that's a challenging feat. Consider giving it a taste.

Improved my rating slightly after letting it rest for a couple of weeks. This bourbon is quite young. Corn on the nose, and it's sweet. The palate has a leather note, and a faint smoky note. The finish is harsh and unpleasant. I want to support local Utah distilleries, but this is not good. I suppose I will see how it performs in mixed drinks.

The only bourbon I've sampled where the first pour from the bottle was the most enjoyable. Neck pour: Notes of vanilla, brown sugar, popcorn, and caramel.

Drinkable. Tastes like dry Robitussin and looks like bourbon. Perhaps the best effort from Utah.

It's pleasant and has some depth, but it's clearly young.

Starts sweet like caramel, ends with a bitter finish.