Latest news with #bourbon
Elle
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Elle
These Genderless Fragrances Are So Good You'll Never Go Back to ‘His' or ‘Hers'
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Some days call for a bright floral scent, while others (or nights) call for sultry, darker aromas. Who said you have to go to a designated gender-specific section on a site or in a store to satisfy your olfactory taste? While anyone can wear fragrances (it's your money!), it's no secret that perfumes and colognes have been separated and marketed to consumers by notes, sizes, and packaging. Women's scents are often smaller in size and found in soft pastel boxes; men's cologne appear bigger and are typically doused in black, navy, and brown hues. Thankfully, times are changing, and fragrance companies are no longer marketing to specific people, but looking beyond the binary to make the scent world an inclusive place. Whether you prefer leathery, tobacco scents or a creamy, floral edge, we pulled the best unisex fragrances from our own stash. We pored over dozens of customer feedback to present the 13 best genderless fragrances you'll never grow tired of. Key notes: orange blossom, bergamot, cinnamon, bourbon vanilla, elemi, guaiac wood, ambrox, praline, musk Size: 2.5 fl oz The vibe: Althar houses everything you'd want a toasty cabin getaway to smell like—vanilla, woods, and musk. At first whiff, vanilla opens the aroma but slowly fades to the background to give the wood, musk, and bergamot notes the spotlight. Althar feels like a rich, luxurious version of your favorite seasonal latte. Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'I wish I could jump out of my skin and hug myself when I wear Althair. It's sultry and mysterious and feels like snuggling up under a fleece blanket on a colder winter night.'—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor Key notes: coconut water, cardamom, black pepper, sandalwood, salted musks, fig leaves, jasmine petals, lily of Size: 2.2 fl oz The vibe: While packed with a plethora woods—sandalwood, cedarwood—the salted musk and floral medley pull through more. Woodphoria is strong in composition but light enough to be a daily scent. Boy Smells rating: 4.57/5 stars A Boy Smells reviewer says: 'The packaging is very nice, the bottle itself sturdy and looks good on my vanity. The scent is one of the best, it makes me feel like a gender neutral woodland fae creature! Floral and woody, it's like magic.' Key notes: bergamot, plum, anise, leather, rum, vanilla, patchouli, amber, milk Size: 1.7 fl oz The vibe: Despite the title, Dark Rum by Malin+Goetz has a bright opening. The scent is made of fruity and earthy notes, like plum, patchouli, and amber, that meld seamlessly with the leather, rum, and vanilla ending. Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'This is a beautiful scent. Warm and slightly fruity and so perfect for autumn. I'll be wearing this daily all season. Lasts a long time on me and I love that it also suits my partner as I like that he loves it too as it cuts down on the amount of bottles we travel with. Very pleased with this one.' Key notes: bergamot, lemon, saffron, plum, praline, oakwood, papyrus Size: 1.7 fl oz The vibe: If you like leathery, spicy scents that leave you guessing by the minute, Rouge Chaotique takes you on a ride. Saffron, plum, and a hint of lemon are the first impressions you get as the wood and oud warm up to your skin. Nordstrom rating: 4.9/5 stars A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'I was waiting for a true gourmand from this brand since forever! Byredo usually goes towards fresh opening scents, unconventional uni fragrances. This one is definitely leaning feminine and is a syrupy bomb! Plum isn't for everyone, so I'd say it's not a safe blind buy. It's leaning heavy and autumn-winter appropriate. Lasts over 24h on clothing and all day on skin. Beautiful!' Key notes: apple hookah flavor, tobacco absolute, bourbon vanilla, pure jungle essence Size: 1.7 fl oz The vibe: As the name suggests, Smoking Hot is the compliment you'll receive from everyone passing by. At its heart is tobacco, a spicy, sexy note that usually overpowers, but plays well with bourbon vanilla. Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'If you could bottle a lingering stare of a sexy man from across the room in a smokey speakeasy in Harlem or Paris—that's the essence of Smoking Hot. It's sensual and alluring. Say hello to your new first date fragrance.' — Danielle James Key notes: peony, violet leaves accord, white musk Size: 3.3 fl oz The vibe: Where My Heart Beats is as romantic as the cream bottle it's housed in. The scent feels like a walk through a botanical garden at night time; soft florals mix with musk to leave an intoxicating sillage. Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'Whenever I have a scent that's too overpowering, Where My Heart Beats adds a subtle touch of softness without completely masking its darker notes. Musk blankets the skin with warmth for a sexy enhancement to any fragrance cocktail.'— Nerisha Penrose Key notes: apple, blackcurrant, saffron, vanilla, rose, tonka bean, moss Size: 1.6 fl oz The vibe: Channel your inner punk with this unique, nocturnal fragrance that works as an every day, signature scent. Punkstar isn't for those who want to be shy; notes like blackcurrant, saffron, vanilla, rose, and raspberry add a playful burst to the spicy scent. Moodeaux rating: 5/5 stars A Moodeaux reviewer said: 'Now the scent has been sitting for over an hour, I am in love with it. I was looking for a musky scent, but still fruity to match my personality and this is it. The incense smell comes through just enough but not to over power the other scents. Def a scent that will also linger when I leave the room, or your car or the person's bed. Excited to step out with this one.' Key notes: lavender, bergamot, neroli, amber, musk, tonka Size: 1.3 fl oz The vibe: We've been spoiled to think of lavender as a spa-only scent. Lavande 32 introduces a new way to enjoy lavender via fresh, floral notes with added richness from tonka bean and musk. Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'When I heard the brand was launching a new scent focused around lavender, I thought it would be more of a spa scent–light, more aromatherapy, perhaps pairing well with sleepytime tea. But if you've always loved the smokey, mysterious, slightly dirty tones of Santal 33, but want something a little less ubiquitous, try sniffing this. It smells like that slightly dirty base plus the top notes of your favorite male perfume.'— Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director Key notes: coconut water, peach skin, salted musk The vibe: No need to book a flight to experience a whiff of the tropics. Lost in Paradise by Chris Collins takes everything you love about vacations—coconut water, juicy fruits, and florals—and bottles it up in a salty-sweet scent you'll spray over and over again. Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars A Sephora reviewer said: 'One of my favorite fragrances! It's not a rich, milky coconut. It's like coconut water and sunscreen. Unisex but more feminine leaning. I smelled it once and HAD to have it. So happy I have a full bottle now!' Key notes: aldehydes, bergamot oil, white floral accord, jasmine, sandalwood accord, white 6.7 fl oz The vibe: Aquatic and fresh, 724 is the year-round scent that blends with whatever scenery you enter. It's a bit more complex than the classic, laundry-clean scent, thanks to white florals, musk, and sandalwood. An ELLE editor says: 'For me, it was love at first spritz with this scent and was crowned Best Genderless Perfume for our 2023 Noteworthies. The name plays off of 24/7 and is inspired by urban living. A powdery scent, it has an upbeat aroma that reminds me of days walking through the bustling streets of New York City (sans a subway smell). '— Danielle James Key notes: French mimosa, violet leaf, cashmere, crisp amber, white leather The vibe: Who needs a trip to a botanical garden with this in your purse? With a name like 13 Stems, you know you can expect florals and greenery to burst with each spritz—and that's exactly what happens. Thirteen Lune rating: 4.4/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'Relevant's 13 Stems scent is my favorite garden fresh perfume. I love that it's light, very clean, and invigorating, which makes this a energetic way to start your day.'—Nerisha Penrose Key notes: Myrrh, Australian sandalwood, vanille accord The vibe: Tom Ford fragrances capture your attention from the first spritz—and Myrrhe Mystere is no different. This dark, powdery, spicy scent is the warmth you need for the impending winter chill. Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars A Nordstrom reviewer said: 'This smells sophisticated and sexy. It is a very warm woody & spicy scent. My boyfriend tried it on and it wears so well on him! Works on me too but a different vibe.' Key notes: grass, vetiver, freesia, patchouli, vanilla bean The vibe: Dark Is Night isn't too dark to the point where it's standoff-ish. The scent is actually inviting and warm, courtesy patchouli and vanilla, and brightens with help from fresh grass and freesia. Henry Rose rating: 4.7/5 stars A Henry Rose reviewer said: 'Exceptionally long-lasting with fantastic projection. So sweet yet sophisticated, it's like a dream. This fragrance made my day - truly a fabulous experience!'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Is Jack Daniels Considered Bourbon Or Whiskey?
When it comes to bourbon, people have opinions. Like, strong opinions. And one of those opinions at the top of the list is: what exactly should be considered bourbon? And that brings us to the point of this article -- is Jack Daniels a bourbon whiskey or not? To start, Jack Daniels doesn't call itself a bourbon. All you have to do is ask them because they are very adamant that Jack Daniels is a "Tennessee Whiskey." It's all over their branding. That said, don't tell them we told you, but Jack Daniels technically meets all the requirements to be a bourbon according to the Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits, including its proof. Bourbon starts with a combination of grain, yeast, and water. After the fermentation process, the leftover crushed grain is called a "mash." The "mash bill" is the specific types of grains used in making any particular whiskey. To be considered bourbon, the mash bill must have a minimum of 51% corn, though most have much higher. The liquid is then aged in charred oak barrels, and nothing else can be added other than water -- no artificial flavorings, colorings, nothing. So, all that said, why does Jack Daniels say it's not a bourbon? Read more: 12 Bourbons You Should Leave On The Shelf It's All About The Charcoal What sets Jack Daniels -- and any other "Tennessee Whiskey" -- apart is what is called the Lincoln County going into new oak barrels to age, "Jack Daniel's is dripped slowly - drop-by-drop - through ten feet of firmly packed charcoal (made from hard sugar maple)," according to the brand's website. Though unrelated to whether it's a bourbon or whiskey, Jack Daniels is also unique in that it draws its water from Cave Spring Hollow, a natural underground water source on its property. The company says it draws 800 gallons of water from miles below the Earth's surface every minute. This 56-degree water also brings minerals from the cave's layered limestone walls that help make the Tennessee whiskey so unique. To recap: Is Jack Daniel's a bourbon? Technically, yes. But is it also a Tennessee Whiskey? Yes, thanks to the Lincoln County Process of charcoal mellowing, it's branded as that as well. So, is that as clear as charcoal now? Read the original article on Chowhound. Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
William LaRue Weller: The Man Who Changed Bourbon Forever
William LaRue Weller is an Icon of Whiskey and credited with developing wheated bourbon Photo, J Micallef All Rights Reserved William LaRue Weller is a revered name in the annals of American whiskey history. Widely credited as one of the first American distillers to use wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain in bourbon mash bills, Weller helped shape the flavor profile of what is now known as "wheated bourbon"—a smoother, softer style that has become a cornerstone of the premium bourbon market. From his youth in Kentucky to his enduring legacy in today's whiskey industry, Weller's life is one of innovation, entrepreneurship, and an unwavering commitment to quality that mark him as a true Icon of Whiskey. William LaRue Weller was born in Kentucky in 1825. By the early 19th century, the state had already established itself as the epicenter of American whiskey production. While specific details of his early childhood are scarce, Weller came of age during a time when distilling was a booming regional industry, often run by farmers and small-business operators who combined their agricultural production with whiskey making. Coming from a family with deep roots in the state, Weller had ready access to the grain, the business contacts and the entrepreneurial spirit needed to enter the distilling trade. He began his career in the whiskey business in the mid-1840s, a time when whiskey was sold directly from barrels and quality control was inconsistent. Sensing an opportunity to improve transparency, create a brand, and build trust with consumers, Weller distinguished himself as a merchant with a focus on consistency and honesty. In 1849, Weller founded, W.L. Weller & Sons, in Louisville, Kentucky. Rather than operating a distillery, Weller was primarily a whiskey wholesaler and bottler. He selected barrels from distillers and sold the whiskey under his name, guaranteeing its quality to customers. His company became known for bottling whiskey that, according to an early advertisement, was "genuine, unadulterated, and true to label'. His tag line was a bold promise in an era when spirits were often cut with water, caramel, tobacco juice, or even more dangerous additives. What set Weller apart was his focus on innovation and brand integrity. While rye was the dominant secondary grain in most bourbons of the day, providing a spicy but sometimes harsh character, Weller believed there was room for a different kind of whiskey. Drawing from his knowledge of grain chemistry and whiskey maturation, he began using wheat instead of rye in his bourbon mash bills. The Birth of Wheated Bourbon Weller's choice to substitute wheat for rye was revolutionary. Wheat imparts a softer, creamier texture and a sweeter flavor profile than rye, resulting in a bourbon that is often more approachable for new drinkers but also complex enough for seasoned enthusiasts. This style of bourbon, now known as "wheated bourbon", has since become a major category within the American whiskey landscape and its fastest-growing segment. Though he may not have been the first to experiment with wheat, Weller was undoubtedly one of the earliest and most influential champions of this mash bill. He marketed his product as smoother and less biting than traditional rye-heavy bourbons. The strategy paid off with steadily rising sales. Weller's bourbons quickly gained a loyal following, particularly in the Southern and Midwestern states. Buffalo Trace's William L Weller range of bourbons Photo, courtesy Buffalo Trace Distillery Partnership with Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle One of the most significant chapters in Weller's legacy is his association with another towering figure in bourbon history: Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle. In the early 20th century, Van Winkle, another Icon of Whiskey, worked as a whiskey salesman for W.L. Weller & Sons. A major milestone was reached when Van Winkle and his partner Alex Farnsley purchased the A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery, which had been one of Weller's suppliers. In 1935, following the repeal of Prohibition, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery was born from the merger of W.L. Weller & Sons and the Stitzel Distillery. Though William LaRue Weller had passed away in 1899 and did not live to see the merger, his influence loomed large over the new operation. The Stitzel-Weller Distillery would go on to produce some of the most legendary wheated bourbons in history, including Old Fitzgerald and what would later become the Pappy Van Winkle whiskey range. Enduring Influence and Modern Revival For much of the 20th century, Weller's name was synonymous with wheated bourbon. Even after changes in ownership and the decline of Stitzel-Weller as an active production facility, the Weller brand persevered. The Sazerac Company eventually acquired the brand in 1999. Today, it is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, which has reintroduced and expanded the Weller line, making it one of the most sought-after collections in the whiskey world and an integral element of the distillery's Antique Collection. Modern expressions of Weller bourbon—such as W.L. Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107, and Weller 12 Year—are celebrated for their rich, smooth, velvety character. Over the last decade, the Weller range has developed a cult-like following. The whiskeys often sell at significant premiums to their list prices. Collectors and enthusiasts alike frequently compare them favorably with the much more expensive Pappy Van Winkle releases, as they share an identical wheated mash bill and similar maturation protocol. Recently, Buffalo Trace announced two new additions to the Weller range: the second edition of Weller Millennium and a Weller 18-Year-Old bourbon, the oldest Weller expression to date. Perhaps the most fitting tribute to Weller's legacy is the inclusion of the William Larue Weller Bourbon as part of Buffalo Trace's annual Antique Collection. This uncut, unfiltered wheated bourbon is often awarded top honors in international competitions and is prized for its deep complexity, high proof, and balance of spice and sweetness. A Legacy That Lives On Weller's contributions to American whiskey extend far beyond his brand. By championing wheated bourbon and focusing on quality assurance, he helped set a standard that influenced generations of distillers. His collaborative spirit, especially his indirect mentorship of Julian Van Winkle, created a legacy of whiskey-making that defines some of today's most iconic brands. In an era when many brands make grand claims about tradition and heritage, Weller's story stands out as a genuine narrative of craft, courage, entrepreneurship, and conviction. His legacy endures not just in the bottles that bear his name, but in the evolution of an entire style of bourbon that might not exist without his vision. William LaRue Weller was more than a businessman—he was a visionary who helped redefine what bourbon could be. By introducing wheat into the bourbon mash bill, he softened the spirit without compromising its integrity, creating a smoother, richer experience that continues to resonate with whiskey lovers more than a century after his death. His influence endures in the thriving popularity of wheated bourbons and the continued reverence for his name among distillers and connoisseurs alike. Today, every sip of Weller bourbon is a toast to the man who changed American whiskey forever, making him a true Icon of Whiskey. More From Forbes Forbes Buffalo Trace Debuts Two New Bourbons In Its William LaRue Weller Range By Joseph V Micallef Forbes America's Top-Rated Wheated Bourbons And Whiskeys: Smooth, Bold And Affordable By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's Best Wheated Bourbons, According To The New York World Spirits Competition By Joseph V Micallef
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
America's Best Bourbon-According To The New Orleans Spirits Competition
Orleans and Bourbon intersection Streets Sign. Held in conjunction with Tails of the Cocktail, the New Orleans Spirit Competition is one of America's top whiskey judgings, getty The New Orleans Spirits Competition (NOSC) is an annual, internationally recognized spirits judging event held in conjunction with Tales of the Cocktail, one of the world's premier cocktail festivals. Established in 2022, the competition quickly gained credibility for its expert panels, rigorous standards, and focus on both craft and large-scale producers. Below are the top bourbons from the 2025 NOSC spirits judging. Heaven Hill's Bottled-in-Bond expression pays homage to one of America's most enduring whiskey traditions, reflecting the standards of the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act. It's aged a minimum of four years, bottled at 100 proof, and distilled by a single distillery within a single distilling season. This straight bourbon, typically aged for around seven years, showcases the craftsmanship and legacy of Heaven Hill. The whiskey features aromas of caramel, vanilla, cornbread, accented by toasted oak and a hint of black pepper. It's rich and full-bodied on the palate, showcasing flavors of toffee, charred oak, nutmeg, and baking spices, balanced by dark honey and a touch of dried orange zest. The finish is long, sweet, and flavorful, with lingering notes of wood spices, seasoned oak tannins, and vanilla. This approachable small-batch bourbon honors the founding year of Evan Williams' original distillery. Aged longer than the standard Black Label, it delivers remarkable smoothness and depth for its price point. The whiskey features aromas of vanilla and caramel with hints of seasoned oak, roasted nuts, and a trace of fresh buttered corn. It's smooth, with a candied sweetness on the palate, showcasing notes of brown sugar, marshmallow, and subtle cinnamon spice. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of seasoned oak and vanilla. Starlight Distillery Carl T. Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. $45 Starlight Distillery, part of the Huber family's farm operations in Indiana, blends heritage agriculture with modern distillation techniques. Carl T. is their flagship bourbon, named after patriarch Carl T. Huber. Aged four to five years in new charred oak, it captures the terroir of the Midwest grain belt. The bourbon is a blend of two mash bills: a three-grain mash bill of 60% corn, 20% rye, and 20% malted barley, and a four-grain mash bill of 51% corn, 20% rye, 20% malted barley, and 9% wheat. The whiskey features aromas of roasted corn, ripe apple, cinnamon, and baking spices. It's smooth and flavorful on the palate, showcasing caramelized sugar, dark fruit, graham cracker, and a gentle rye spice backbone. The finish is medium-long and sweet with lingering notes of wood spices, chocolate, and fruitcake flavors. A sample of bourbon whiskey in a glass being evaluated. getty Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Traditional Barrel Series, Wheated Bourbon, 60.5% ABV, 700 ml. $152 Part of Heaven Hill's limited Grain to Glass initiative, this wheated bourbon spotlights local grains and traditional fermentation and distillation techniques. It showcases the softer, sweeter character of wheat as the secondary grain in the mash bill. Aged for 5-10 years, it's six years old on average. The whiskey is matured on floors three, four, and five in rickhouse W3. The bourbon features aromas of buttery pastry, dried cherry, cinnamon toast, and honeysuckle. It's smooth and velvety on the palate, with flavors of baked apple, butterscotch, almond nougat, and spiced honey. The finish is long and silky, with lingering notes of wood spices, cooked grain sweetness, and a subtle hint of aged tobacco leaf. Old Grand-Dad 16 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $206 This ultra-aged expression from the storied Old Grand-Dad label is a rare gem. Distilled from a high-rye mash bill and matured for 16 years, it offers a powerful and complex profile. It's bottled at a robust proof, featuring intense flavors and appealing to seasoned bourbon drinkers. The bourbon features intense aromas of leather, burnt sugar, aged tobacco, and stewed black cherries. It's robust and spicy on the palate, showcasing bold rye spices, black pepper, dark chocolate, black walnut, molasses, and charred oak. The finish is exceptionally long with lingering notes of black pepper, rye spices, and a dry, earthy leather note. Green River 1885, Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 42.5% ABV, 750 ml. $30 Revived in Owensboro, Kentucky, Green River is one of the oldest bourbon brands in the state. This young but lively bourbon is part of the brand's comeback, emphasizing high-quality production even at a youthful age. The mash bill consists of 76% corn, 15% rye, and 9% malted barley. The bourbon features aromas of vanilla pudding, cooked grain, and cinnamon candy. It's light-bodied on the palate and slightly sweet, showcasing flavors of cornbread, green apple, caramel drizzle, and allspice. The finish is relatively short, crisp and spicy, with lingering notes of toasted oak, caramel and black pepper. Blackland Prairie Gold Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $87 Crafted in Fort Worth, Texas, this bold Texas bourbon is made from a proprietary grain bill that includes flint corn and triticale. The intense Texas heat accelerates the maturation process, creating a robust and flavorful spirit even at a young age. The whiskey features aromas of mesquite, molasses, roasted corn, and saddle leather. It's robust and full-flavored on the palate, showcasing flavors of charred wood, dark fruit compote, chili pepper, and wood spices. The finish is long and intense, with lingering notes of charred oak, dried herbs, and a savory, slightly saline note. Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 63.5% ABV, 750 ml. $62 This innovative expression takes traditional Elijah Craig Small Batch and finishes it in custom-toasted new oak barrels. The toasting process enhances sweetness and wood influence without overwhelming char, making this a cult favorite. The bourbon features aromas of toasted marshmallow, graham cracker, dark caramel, and a hint of cocoa. It's rich and sweet on the palate with dessert-like flavors of vanilla custard, cinnamon toast, maple, and roasted nuts. The finish is long, sweet, and velvety, with lingering notes of wood spices, chocolate, seasoned oak, and caramel. Low Gap Old Fussbudget 8 Year, Cask Strength Straight Bourbon, 46% ABV, 750 ml. $130 Produced in small batches in Mendocino County, California, Low Gap is known for its grain-to-glass approach. The Old Fussbudget is a high-proof, barrel-finished bourbon aged for eight years and often showcases a range of finishing casks such as port or sherry. The mash bill consists of 65% corn, 20% malted barley, and 15% malted rye. The bourbon features aromas of fig, pipe tobacco, espresso, and plum jam. It's intense and full-bodied on the palate, with dark chocolate, wood spices, prune, dried herbs, and candied citrus zest. The finish is long, dry, and warming with lingering notes of oak, bittersweet cocoa, and wood spices. The bourbons honored at the 2025 New Orleans Spirits Competition reflect the incredible diversity and creativity shaping America's whiskey landscape today. Whether drawn from deep Kentucky roots or crafted by rising stars in Indiana, Texas, or California, each expression embodies a unique perspective on America's native spirit. From the accessible charm of Evan Williams 1783 to the bold maturity of Old Granddad 16-Year-Old, these award-winning bourbons deliver a rich spectrum of aromas, textures, and finishes that speak to both heritage and innovation. For collectors, connoisseurs, and curious sippers alike, these top NOSC medalists offer a masterclass in what makes American bourbon so globally revered. More From Forbes
Forbes
7 days ago
- General
- Forbes
This Distillery Pit Texas Against Kentucky In A Bourbon Head To Head
Milam & Greene The Answer Milam & Greene is one of the more esoteric and fascinating bourbon companies on the market today. Based in Blanco, Texas, they're an active distillery on home turf, though the team doesn't keep production just to the Lone Star State. In fact, they also produce a portion of their whiskey at Kentucky's Bardstown Bourbon Company, where members of their team oversee production while incorporating the company's proprietary yeast strain and in-house mash bills. That interstate ethos has resulted in some fascinating releases, including a Kentucky-distilled and aged bottled-in-bond bourbon that was actually bottled in Texas. One of the company's latest releases sets out to answer some fundamental questions about climate's impact on whiskey. Specifically, how does the same bourbon age in Texas versus Kentucky? Enter the evocatively titled 'The Answer,' a duel bottling of straight bourbons that pit climates against one another (or at least allow for a close to direct comparison). Back in October 2019, Milam & Greene produced a run of bourbon at Bardstown Bourbon Company. (The mash bill was 70% corn, 22% malted rye, and 8% malted barley.) They kept half the batch in Bardstown warehouses and shipped the rest of the barrels to Texas. For the next five-plus years, the barrels rested in their respective environments—and the bourbon aged accordingly. Milam & Greene reps call 'The Answer' bottle set the 'first whiskey in the United States to isolate and identify the difference in the impact of climate on whiskey flavor and proof between Kentucky and Texas.' 'We wanted to better understand how temperature fluctuation between the two environments influences flavor extraction in our whiskey, so one of the first activities we did together as a team was lay down these barrels in two states in 2019,' says Heather Greene, CEO and Master Blender at Milam & Greene, in a company press release. 'The popular hypothesis that the hotter, drier climate significantly differentiates Texas bourbon across the board with higher oak extraction compared to a Kentucky bourbon is a good one, and now you can taste it.' Bardstown's famed whiskey-aging climate averaged 40°F in January and 86.5°F in July, with humidity ranging between 65% and 85%. The final proof of the Kentucky half of The Answer was 108. In comparison, Blanco's climate featured an average January temperature of 60°F, and an average July temperature of a whopping 93.7°F. Humidity ranged between 50% and 60%, contributing to a final batch proof of 116. We had the opportunity to taste both halves of The Answer. Starting on the nose, the Texas-aged whiskey is bigger on oak, dark caramel, chocolate, and vanilla bean. While not entirely absent in the Kentucky version, those notes are dialed back, while light herbs, lavender, rosewater, and mint chewing gum are relatively more pronounced. (For what it's worth, both are captivating for five year-old bourbon.) On the palate, the Texas-aged bourbon hits with an initial pop of astringency, followed by a thread of dry dark chocolate that never lets up even through the finish. Vanilla bean and dark, nearly-burnt praline add a nutty backbone through the midpalate. Lighter by comparison, dominant notes on the Kentucky-aged bourbon bob back and forth between apple butter and butterscotch. The result is a less-impactful first sip, but overall more perceived complexity the more time (and sips) one allows to pass. The Texas version has a leather-forward finish with—again—lots of bittersweet dark chocolate. The Kentucky-aged whiskey doesn't boast quite the same intensity, but ultimately its flavors linger for a greater length of time, creating the perception of a noticeably lengthier finish. Our experience generally syncs with the brand's own chemical analyses, which found compounds contributing to woodier flavors more pronounced in the Texas-aged bourbon. The Kentucky-aged bourbon was more biased toward 'fruitier, flowery 'estery' notes,' according to a company press release. Just 800 sets of two 375 milliliter bottles were sold nationwide, with an MSRP of around $150. Hopefully this isn't the last time we see Milam & Greene go deep on aging experiments.
