Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Batch #5
Mashbill: Corn, Rye, Barley (Percentages not listed)
Age: 3 Years in New American Oak Barrels
45% ABV (90 Proof)
Located in Denver just off of South Broadway, Bear Creek Distillery has a multitude of spirits, and the tasting bar is a great place to grab a drink and try some great cocktails. Also having met a few of the employees from Bear Creek, they are some wonderful people and a blast to talk to. Today we have their Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Batch #5, aged for 3 years in New American Oak Barrels. The Mashbill is listed on the Bear Creek Website as Corn, Rye, and Barley with no percentages. Being a bourbon, we know it is at least 51% corn.
Color: Brown Copper, deep and rich in color.
Nose: Leather and banana immediately jump out of the glass, with some baking spices, vanilla, and hints of oak complimenting it.
Palate: A thick, creamy mouth feel that has notes of tobacco, dried fruits, and baking spices all come together. It is not an overly sweet palate, but there are some molasses notes and brown sugar that compliment the more dry notes.
Finish: Leather, tobacco, and dried fruit all linger for a while on a remarkably smooth finish.
With Water:
Nose: The bourbon takes on an almost jammy quality on the nose, with the dried fruits coming through. The leather stays but the banana almost completely disappears.
Palate: The sip retains its thick and creamy mouthfeel, standing up to the water well. It is savory, still maintaining the rich, dried fruits paired with tobacco and molasses. There is also more spice that comes through.
Finish: Just as smooth and still lingers for a while, the leather fades but the tobacco and dried fruits still remain with a hint more sweetness.
Ratings:
Angela: 90
Zach: 92
Overall: 91/100
Bear Creek Distilling has really got their bourbon figured out. A layered, complex, and really delicious bourbon that’s identity is shaped by “Colorados’ warm days and cool nights.”
