TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey

TX Bourbon APPEARANCE: The mahogany liquid is in a modern bottle. The stopper, topped with recycled boot leather, is a nice touch. NOSE: Surprisingly pleasant after some air. It starts like a typical wheated bourbon, dry and dusty with vanilla and fresh hay. After a few minutes, corn emerges, followed by new leather, raisins, peach, strawberry, and sweet iced tea. Occasionally, a strong cinnamon note appears. NEAT: The first taste is sweet fruit, but that quickly gives way to a dry, funky corn mid-palate (what a great name for an R&B cover band!). Fortunately, with more sips, the musty corn fades or the palate adjusts. Notes of new leather, vanilla, oak, and tingling black pepper emerge. It has a clinging mouthfeel and not much heat on the finish. A sweet, musty corn and oak spice aftertaste lingers. It's strangely delicious. SPLASH: Both the nose and palate gain some spice, and the musty funk lessens. Malt becomes dominant on the finish, leaving a sweet, leathery aftertaste. VERDICT: I was undecided initially. As a conventional bourbon, it would score below average. But then I asked myself, "Did I enjoy it?", and the answer was a definite yes. A reminder that not all bourbon needs to taste like typical KSB. Be aware that your experience may vary, as that corn note is certainly divisive. For $42, it might be worth trying if you want something unconventional.

As a Texan, I aim to eventually sample all available spirits from Texas. This was my initial opportunity to try this bourbon, so I seized it. A 750ml bottle cost me $54.99 at the Kelly Liquors location in Mountain Run. The only information I could find about the mash bill is that it's a wheated bourbon, consisting of corn, wheat, and barley. The liquid in the glass has an old copper hue. NOSE: A musty or dusty scent, or both, initiates the experience. Following that are notes of vanilla, grassy hay, a hint of honey, melted butter, and a touch of spice, including cinnamon and other elements in the background. MOUTHFEEL: Thick and buttery – this is the highlight of the whisky. TASTE: Honey, butter, and a very subtle grassy note. FINISH: Medium length, with only oak present. SUMMARY: I found this quite disappointing. It's a moderately good bourbon, but nothing more. The nose is fairly complex, but the palate is simple. At $20, I would purchase it again, but not at the current price. RATING: I assign it the fourth tier of my 'hick scale,' which signifies 'Okay.' This equates to: 2.5 stars 50/100 5/10

This bottle was acquired during a swift visit to Dallas, Texas. I had sampled another Texas-made spirit at a bar and desired a Southern memento to take home. En route, I purchased a bottle of TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The bottle itself is quite appealing, featuring decorative boot leather, elaborate etchings, and a substantial base. Regarding the whiskey, the aroma presents notes of brown sugar and corn. While tasting, elements of leather, oak, baking spice, peppercorn, and a hint of mustiness combine for an intriguing flavor. Despite its attractive auburn hue, I find this bourbon to be somewhat lacking in body with a rather brief finish. While it's light and easy to consume, I would prefer a more robust experience. Rated 7.25/10.

Not my preference. It's musty. I'm searching for a better way to describe it, but I detect a peculiar mustiness with corn dust and spice alongside vanilla. It's intriguing, but I'm uncertain if I would consume it again. The aroma presents vanilla with dark fruit, which I appreciated. The palate was less pleasing. I'm curious about the impact of the pecan yeast on the flavor. If asked for an example of a Texas Whiskey, I would not offer this one. I would choose a Balcones, Ironroot, or Garrison instead.

I know this isn’t a Weller bottle, EH Taylor, or any other Buffalo Trace bottle, but this is a nice clean very vanilla forward bourbon. If you’re looking for a bottle you want to pick up for a party to share with friends that aren’t bourbon snobs, you might want to consider trying this rather than the same old overly sweetened Canadian Whiskey that everyone thinks is good for some reason.

I truly enjoy this whiskey. Abundant vanilla and butterscotch on the aroma, with subsequent sniffs revealing a fruity sweetness like apples or possibly raisins. The palate offers a surprising shift with some pleasant black pepper notes that complement the vanilla, along with some acceptable warmth. The finish is swift and leaves your mouth somewhat parched. An entertaining experience that is consistently enjoyable.