Sam Houston 12 Year Straight Bourbon

This is the NY-1 batch for release 2 of the Sam Houston Bourbon, a 12-year-old bourbon created by Bardstown Bourbon Co. for Western Spirits Beverage Co. The mashbill is 74% corn, 18% rye, and 8% malted barley, bottled at 98 proof. Each state where the whiskey is distributed gets its own batch, made up of three barrels; the brand’s website provides details on the whiskey’s production and aging, including the areas of the warehouse in which the barrels matured.

T A S T I N G N O T E S

Color / Deep amber with shimmering copper highlights

Nose / Soft notes of caramel and molasses present first. Lighter notes of dried fruits and banana bread resound but quickly give way to a smoky, woody sensation. Apple cherry and heavy grains can be sensed throughout. 

Taste / An incredible balance between gentle impressions of mocha toffee and buttered corn instantly meld into sweet hints of dried apple, black cherry and molasses. Subtle waves of spicy rye flavor reside but are diluted by a sweeter essence to round out this approachable well-aged bourbon. 

Finish / A long, oaky finish lingers on the palate with flavors of brown sugar, orange peel and a hint of clove. Gentle warming is present but never overpowers making this bourbon finish smoothly.