Wilderness Trail Bottled-in-Bond Review

I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts last month, and as usual hear about a great new bourbon that I had to try.  

They were on-location at the Wilderness Trail distillery, and sampled the entire product line.  Their tasting notes were intriguing, and I talked enough about wanting to try it that it showed up among my birthday presents.  I opened the bottle for the first time that day, and I must say that I was not disappointed by this 100 proof wheated gem distilled in Danville, Kentucky.

To be honest, I'm usually a high-rye bourbon drinker when it comes to neat spirits, but this is the second wheated bourbon that has really turned my head this year. It displays the unique character you find in all craft whiskies, alongside the distinctive flavors and aromas of Kentucky bourbons.

Wilderness Trail Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Tasting Notes

I sipped this one neat from a Glencairn for this tasting.  Although it is 100 proof the ethanol is not overpowering and the flavors opened up fairly quickly for me.  

Mash bill: 64% corn, 24% wheat, 12% malted barley.

Color: Dark Caramel, 

Nose: vanilla, caramel, citrus, honey

Palate: Caramel, char, dark chocolate

Finish: Malt, chocolate

What's really interesting is I read other reviews after buying and tasting this bourbon and reviews were decidedly mixed.  Perhaps I got a lucky barrel selection, or maybe some of the other reviewers don't have a taste for craft bourbon. Mind you, I would not confuse this for a product of Beam, Buffalo Trace, or even Makers Mark, but I would be disappointed if I could.

Many of the negative reviews praised their Rye whiskey, so I'm eager to give that one a try soon. 

If you've tried either the BIB Bourbon or the Rye, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it, feel free to add your thoughts in the comments below.

Cheers!