Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Who is Frank August? If you visit their site they say, "Frank August is a call to be open and undisguised. An invitation to come together and share in America’s spirit." Which is funny because there's not a lot to be known about the liquid inside the very stylish bottle. We know it's 100 proof, probably sourced from Kentucky, and small batched from 10-15 barrels. We also know Frank August isn't a person. The real person behind Frank August is Johnathan Crocker, a former fashion executive. Knowing that helps puts Frank August into perspective, to an extent this bourbon is very high fashion. Nose: Buttery shortbread cookie Palate: Rich, vanilla, and sugary like a baked chess bar Finish: Short, fades away as mysteriously as it arrived This bourbon is classic and refined- not edgy or complex like higher proof or older bourbons. In a sense, it's like a dressy pair of jeans: it looks good, it fits the role of denim, but you wouldn't wear it while doing some serious work outside.

Just taking a whiff, you get inviting vanilla right away with hints of caramel and warm sweetness that make you want to dive straight in. On the palate, Frank August Small Batch Bourbon stays smooth and balanced, layering vanilla, toasted sugar, light oak, and subtle baking spice. There’s a refined softness to it that keeps everything in check without feeling thin or boring. The finish is clean and lingering, with gentle spice and oak fading out slowly. It’s an easy drinker that still feels intentional and well crafted. This was one of my favorite go to bottles long before the awards and the price jump, and it earned that spot through consistency and balance, not hype.

Nose: light and delicate cherry, cinnamon, vanilla. Very hard to find specific notes but nothing offensive. Taste: cherry, nutmeg, cinnamon, long full mouth warmth, a hint of maple on the finish. More: this is a great bourbon to poor dor friends, and those looking to get into bourbon, also anyone who likes purity over uniqueness. There is nothing offensive, off or wrong about this pour, but also nothing new, unique or interesting. Its solid and does the whole "bourbon" thing well. Its a straight through down center plate. Personally I prefer more spikey and interesting pours, but Frank is doing what it does well even if its been done before.

The nose is gentle offering up oak, brown sugar, molasses, dried flowers and a touch of vanilla. It is all extremely well balanced giving you the opportunity to explore each note individually distinctly. It comes off as being incredibly inviting, setting you up nicely for the first sip. The pallet gives an easy burst of oak, black pepper, dried flowers and a hint of cherry. Smoother notes of vanilla and brown sugar round out the spiciness, just enough to take the edge off without becoming a dominant flavor. The finish is medium long giving you a lingering spiciness and a bit of a chewy oak that can coax out more and more flavors.

If an alien came from outer space and wanted to taste a “bourbon”….I would pick this. I’m not saying this os the absolute best thing you will ever drink however it is the best example of a traditional straight Kentucky bourbon I’ve ever tasted. The nose and taste are absolute traditional bourbon and a friend called it a “butted popcorn”. The back end is spicy which is a nice addition. I love this bourbon and if you look at my ratings I don’t go on and on about much. This is a definite buy if you see it.

Tastes like it is maybe a day over 4 years. Young. Color is a little light. Flavor is bright, light, probably due to the age. Aroma is normal high rye profile. Easy to drink, improved after a couple of weeks. Overall, it’s a decent bourbon. Probably won’t buy again especially at the $81 price tag. It does have a nice heavy metal topper that you could use to bean a party crasher with.