A three grain bourbon from Chicago’s FEW Bourbon is made from a mash made up of 70% corn, 20% Rye and 10% two-row malt. Matured in barrels made up of a tighter grain called Minnesota oak, before being bottled at 46.5% ABV.
Appearance: Between Tizer orange and hazelnut. A lovely corrugated oily coating on the glass, culminating in many medium/thick legs.
Nose: Bags of typical butterscotch, caramel, maple and honey. The higher ABV works very well to add some heat and vibrancy to the nose too.
There’s also a floral side to the nose, in an ‘in your face’ kind of way.
Sharpness in the form of orange peel and baking spices fill the nose.
Great start (especially considering that I tried this a couple of years ago and didn’t remember liking it, at all.
Palate: A decent mouthfeel and an immediate spice heat, primarily hot cinnamon and aniseed.
Lovely wood notes, along with vanilla and barrel char.
There’s a flavour that I can’t pinpoint but is herbal. It’s ‘that’ distinguishing flavour of this bourbon. It’s a herb like lemon thyme or similar. Refreshing.
Finish: Medium. A nice heat on the chest (Kentucky Hug). Chilli, lemon thyme, black pepper and orange peel.
Overall: It’s a lot better than I remember. The high ABV, as is usually the case, works well with bourbon and gives it a real identity and depth. It’s a very nice drop!
