I.W. Harper Straight Bourbon

I first had and reviewed I.W. Harper way back in May of 2022 — when I was still somewhat new to Bourbon. Time and experience have changed my feelings on it. I'm not going to say I don't like it anymore, or that it's not good, etc. Not the case. But it's just lacking in depth and complexity. Perhaps what I am experiencing tonight is what happens to an 82 proofer following a weekend where you drank several longer-aged, much-higher proofs. It just can't hold up against them, and I needed to bring things down to earth. I've included my original review below this updated review. Color: Medium-Light Copper Nose: Light with oak and classic low-proof honey — I think. Palate: Drinks a bit young. Not certain of the age of this bottle, but it comes off a bit youthful to me now — now that I've had soooooo many higher (some away higher)-proof bottles since first trying this one. There's a decent amount of sweetness here, and it's much better than some youthful Bourbons I have had. But it is indeed very "light". Reminds me a little of Cyrus Nobel, if you're familiar with that one. Finish: Short with some lingering sweetness. I used to count this among my absolute favorites (and originally gave it 4.5 stars!). Even as recently as this past April I was raving about it. But I can see now that it's really nowhere near deserving of that consideration. It's a decent and enjoyable low-proof pour. But nothing to search high and low for — as I had been doing prior to acquiring this most recent bottle. ~ Original review from 5/14/22: This is smooth and sweet stuff. Caramel and toffee on the nose, which continue on the palate. Top Shelf status immediately granted! This is THE perfect example of why I love bourbon, and how it should be. Added 4/26/24: After nearly two years, and several dozen different bottles later, I was finally able to locate another bottle of I.W. Harper. Had to literally travel across the country in order to acquire it. But I did it! LOL! This is so good. Getting strawberry on the nose — which carries over onto the palate — on this first pour in two years. One of my favorite Bourbons of all.

Another fading memory at this point but a good time had with @ghill40509 on a weekday afternoon. What is unequivocal is that this is better than the overpriced 15 year version complete with fancy decanter. The profile is similar to that of JTS Brown bottled in bond - lots of dry oak, vanilla, cherries, allspice and maybe a hint of clove and tobacco. It's not a stand out but for the value it is another bottle to strongly consider and puts the 15 year to shame in terms of both flavor and VFM.

Fresh crack, neat in glencairn. A:light orange amber hue with good legs. N: floral, orange, oak, allspice, vanilla, a little caramel P: dry but still pleasant mouthfeel, nose outshines the palate, nose notes are muted and barely come through, oak and smoke, some cinnamon and vanilla. Almost scotch like. F: ok, not spectacular. Overall: drinks hotter than 82 proof, palate was a disappointment after a pretty good nose. Will give it another chance in a week or two.

Quick Hit Review: This is pleasant. Displays all the classic notes you would expect from a well-made bourbon, although a bit more on the lighter , sweeter side. Suffers from low proof which keeps aromas and flavors of the nose, palate and finish somewhat muted and nuanced. If there was ever a 7 course whiskey dinner, this would be the appetizer, as it does a great job setting the stage for what’s to come but is definitely NOT a main course. Sláinte PoD!

So this is one of the few reviews where I do not agree with the distiller review at all. On the nose it's sweet and oaky. On the palate it's smooth with vanilla and a hint of barrel spice. The finish is short and fleeting. Overall I think it suffers from being 82 proof. Distiller rating this at 94/100 is laughable. It's definitely worth it's $25 price point, but nothing to write home about.

Nose: Very faint and slightly sweet with flowers and vanilla Taste: Simple smooth taste with corn and vanilla, just a subtle hint of flowers Finish: Medium finish with corn and very faint oak flavor Not very complex but overall a good tasting bourbon