Widow Jane Lucky Thirteen Small Batch Bourbon (Fall 2021)

I had the opportunity to try a 10-year store pick of this whiskey and was pleasantly surprised. Other bourbons have been in high demand in my area, leading many to overlook this nice little bottle, leaving it on the shelf for me. How thoughtful of the crowd.... The aroma isn't woody for a 13-year-old. It has notes of brown sugar, perhaps a little peanut, and I even detect a slight hint of cherries. The first taste brings out some light fruity notes. The cherry hint from the aroma carries through the initial sip. The alcohol content isn't overwhelming, and it doesn't hit hard. The cherry on the front end makes the biggest impression, while the middle and back end offer a gradual descent of cinnamon and brown sugar notes. The flavor profile is quite distinct, almost like a cherry pie. I might assume it was a finished spirit if I didn't know its origin. I'm uncertain if the gentle fade leaves me wanting more or feeling disappointed that there isn't a bit more complexity in this drink. Overall, the initial flavor is truly delightful. The cherry pie character in the glass is quite pleasant, but I wish it offered just a little more. If you haven't sampled it, it's certainly worth trying. I'm not sure I'd actively seek another, as few bottles reach that level for me. I'm glad I found this small bottle and I absolutely recommend picking it up, if only for its unique profile.

The aroma is rich, beginning with a blend of lime zest over coconut macaroon and aged oak, followed by dark chocolate-covered peanut brittle, then notes of orange sherbet, apple pie filling, and maraschino cherries, transitioning to spearmint, cloves, aged leather, and polished mahogany with a moderate ethanol burn. The taste has a medium body, starting with lime zest over coconut macaroon and aged oak, then a highly drying, bitter, and chalky spice overwhelms the other flavors before eventually fading to reveal dark chocolate-covered caramel peanut clusters, followed by orange sherbet, apple lollipop, and maraschino cherries, transitioning to spearmint, cloves, aged leather, and moderate ashy oak with a medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium in length, featuring dark chocolate-covered peanut clusters, Granny Smith apple peel, sour cherries, spearmint, cloves, and moderate ashy oak. The aroma was very promising, with some bold traditional bourbon characteristics, citrus, and aged oak, but the taste was a letdown due to the highly drying, bitter chalkiness that overpowered all other flavors until it finally subsided, allowing them to begin to emerge. At a price of around $100, I would pass, as there are many superior options available for less.

I've had this bottle for a while, contemplating trading it. An offer for a bottle of Booker's came up, which I now regret declining. A recent review sparked my interest, as I had a positive experience with the 10-year and assumed this was a definite upgrade, not just in cost. I acquired this for around $41, so I thought it was worth trying, and it appears my assessment is even less favorable than another's. It's simultaneously bland and unpleasant. Bitter, thin, with a strong medicinal note similar to a poorly made bottle of Dickel. I'm sure my evaluation is influenced by the persistent thought that I could be drinking Booker's instead, but I consider this not only a terrible value at the suggested retail price of $100, but a poor value even at the $40 I spent. You would be significantly happier purchasing four bottles of WT101.

My initial encounter with anything from this brand. A thoughtful birthday present from my wife. Upon opening, my first impression was that it seemed a bit potent. It also had a strong presence of baking spices, similar to red hot candies. I'm pleased to say that after a couple more servings (this being my third), it mellowed considerably and became much smoother. Interestingly, I detected a subtle smokiness combined with a distinct leather character throughout. There was also a hint of apple alongside the previously noted baking spices. It's clear this has opened up beautifully. I'm now curious enough to explore more of this brand's offerings. For now, I'll fully appreciate this one, which I feel is lucky given my birth date. 😎🥃

This one seems to be polarizing. I'm finding it to be decent but expected more from a 13yr bourbon. It's got some thin caramel and coconut milk with a heavy handed barrel influence. I do get a bit of Dickel flair with smoky vanilla and hint of flintstone. Dries out to bitter tannins on the too quick finish. Overall over-oaked and lacking deep bold flavors you hope for at this price point. Honestly grab some Dickel BIB or even #12 if you like this profile. You'll get a better whiskey and save some money at the same time.......74/100.....not bad but way overpriced for what you get....another thanks to a friend for sample

First sampled this during my yearly trip to Florida. Of the four of us tasting, I was the only one who enjoyed it, so a friend gave me the bottle. I took it home and stored it away. Rediscovered it today. While I do appreciate it, $100 is quite steep for what it offers. So, we have three 13-year-old bourbons from Indiana, Tennessee, and Kentucky. I suspect they are from MGP, Dickel, and an unknown Kentucky distillery. Considering the contents, I had higher expectations. It has a pleasant, rich vanilla-caramel aroma but lacks depth. The taste is similar, and the finish is disappointing, leaning towards bitter. I like it, but it feels more like a $40 bottle.