Few Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Paul Hletko, who launched 'Few Spirits' in 2011 is a man in pursuit of flavour. Hence, his new micro distillery is perhaps best defined by what it doesn't make - vodka. His delicious White Whiskey, which we tasted in 2014, was a positive sign of things to come. His barrel aged whiskeys (Bourbon and Rye) hit the Australian market soon after, and just got better and better. In the 2021 Bourbon you can smell and taste the impact of extra age and experience. Flavours are more integrated and confidently defined, the texture creamier and richer, particularly at the finish where lashings of vanilla malt and dark chocolate coat the tongue. High quality American oak adds a fine astringency to the finish as minor grains peek through, though rye is most salient. Combining length, balance, body and persistence, it's no stretch to say this is a step up from many a Kentuckian. 46.5 Alc./Vol. From a mash bill of 70% Corn, 20% Northern Rye and 10% 2-row malt.

Other reviews... This distillery has moved a long way in a relatively short space of time. A real force for quality now on the US whiskey scene. 95 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022

...There is a freshness to the wood on the nose, laced with caramel and delicate minty notes. The palate pours pleasantly chewy with molten butterscotch and offers a pleasant jolt of cinnamon and clove that suggests rye at work, before settling on bitter orange peel, salted caramel, and cocoa, leading to a drying leathery and warm spice finish. Nicely done. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jeffery Lindenmuth 2017

First tasted 2015: Produced from a three grain mash of majority corn, as well as rye and a small proportion of malt. Deep gold. Subdued aromatics reveal soft notes of shellac, American oak, pop corn then boiled confectionary. Delivery is puppy-dog soft and atypically dry by Bourbon standards. Gets more robust at mid palate with a velvet gloved Bourbon punch that’s all American oak, dried corn and what tastes like a whack of rye to finish. Ends firm, confident, spicy and long leaving its best till last. Distinctive and contemporary styled. 46.5% Alc./Vol. 92 points