J. Henry & Sons 5 Year Small Batch Wisconsin Straight Bourbon

We're prepping for our move to rural southwestern Wisconsin over the summer; it'll be a big shift, from life in a small apartment on the Northwest Side of Chicago to living on a micro farm outside of a small town. A good change in many ways, but a big one just the same. I decided to prep my palate by trying out the most well-regarded Wisconsin whiskey, produced within an hour or so of where we'll be living. The nose is immediate - this is a really fresh, crisp caramel covered apple sprinkled lightly with spice. Vanilla comes in next. The palate is remarkably smooth for only being a five year old bourbon; lush and buttery, with dulce de leche, apple, corn pops cereal, vanilla, a hint of cinnamon, and a dark chocolate dusted finish. If life in Wisconsin is as good as this bourbon, we're in for a great time!

Aroma- massive sugar candy and toasted oak. Subtle hints of Peppermint, Cherries. Taste- unfortunately this one doesn’t exactly follow the amazing aroma. There is still sugar candy and that unique oak. But I was expecting more just based off the aroma. It’s thin and had a moderate lingering vanilla note that is nice. The sweetness reminds me of a dessert. Initially I was going to give this a 3.75… but the more I sipped on it, the more I really started to enjoy this flavor. I’ll rate it a 4 but I would say it’s 3.9 Overall - think of OF 1910 but a touch watered down.

At 92 proof this bourbon is smooth and sweet. It’s flavor profile is unique and like nothing I have had before. I couldn’t quite put figure out what the unique flavor was but when I saw fig in the producers literature i had to agree its fig and honey. There are strong notes of vanilla and cinnamon finishing with oak and wheat notes. I find that I like J.Henry’s single barrel releases more.

Swirl the whiskey in the glass and check out the deep orangish amber. Nosing it brings an aroma of chocolate, toffee, caramel and a hint of sweet fruit. Lifting to the lips introduces custard, crème brulé, brioche, orange and toffee that spreads over the palate. Then, the custard swings back again to give a long, lasting finish. This is the best Bourbon you've never heard of! Cheers!

J Henrys Wisconsin small batch burbon at 92 proof. The color is a golden brown similar to the brown in my favorite flannel. The nose has deep notes of chocolate and oak. The first sip is light and easy, with the second sip revealing a youthful whiskey with notes oak, all spice, and brown sugar. Not a bad sipper for the age and proof.

Refined corn nose, mixed with, I wanna say apples, prairie wind, and a little caramel. I dont know how to sort out the rest except to say it's quite unique and pretty good. Definitely worth a buy, should you be passing through the fine state of WI.