Traverse City XXX Bourbon

This bourbon was a gift from one of our Mafiosos who happens to also be one of my favorite uncles. His request was to open it and share it with the other goodfellas. So that’s we did last night.  But before I get to our initial thoughts and tasting notes let’s take a look at the distillery. 

The Traverse City Whiskey Company is located in…you guessed it Traverse City MI. Which is Northern Michigan on the bay by the same name. The area is best known for its cherries and offers claims of being the cherry capital of the world, which is probably why my first experience with Traverse City Whiskey is through their cocktail cherries which I really enjoy are available online.  There wasn’t much history to find on the distillery other that they are reconstructing a bourbon recipe that has been in the family for generations. They are a craft distillery making small hand crafted batches which I absolutely love. 

Traverse City XXX Bourbon is their entry level offering at 43% ABV and is a 3-4 year old straight bourbon.  The reported mash bill is 71% Corn, 25% Rye, and 4% Malted Barley.  

So when we cracked this bottle last night our first impression was not favorable, to be honest it was actually a pretty poor impression.  But in all fairness this pour came on the heels of several exceptional cask strength aged bourbons so I’m not sure it was a fair comparison.  Luckily it was also the last bottle of the night so as we sat, chatted, and sipped the flavors started to really come out and shine.  By the end of the evening we had all changed our minds and were enjoying our second rounds. 

Color: Light Amber

Nose:  light fruit, vanilla, toffee, sweetness and corn forward without the overpowering ethanol I often find in younger bourbons.

Taste: It’s got more bite to it than I had expected in a 43%ABV and you can definitely taste the spice of the high rye mash bill. Pepper, cinnamon, leather, and oak.

Finish: Short finish but with nice notes of peanut and oak. 

Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for a traditional well aged Kentucky bourbon this ain’t it.  But if you’re willing to take a walk on the bold side and give this craft bourbon a chance then it might just surprise you.  These guys also make a cask strength bourbon that would be interesting to try, I think the additional proof would pull out more of the favors we found, it’s not available in Maine yet but I’ll be keeping my eyes out for it. 

Cheers!