Wigle Organic Pennsylvania Bourbon

It was great to see a distillery within the City of Pittsburgh. I have Batch 1 from both the small cask and barrel strength series. The use of local grains gives this bourbon a unique taste that is not harsh for its 90+ and 100+ Proof releases. I like it better with a rock than a splash or neat. However, anyway will not do you wrong. At first, I thought it was a tad pricey. However, after seeing other bourbons out there with higher price points and in my opinion, less quality I have reconsidered my view. I share this with my friends who hail from Western Pennsylvania as I do with the Monongahela Rye.

Nose: Corn, grain, barley Palate: Vanilla Finish: Short, light spice Located in Pittsburgh Strip District, this local craft distillery is now bottling 4-year make for it's PA Straight Bourbon. With a 68% Corn/18%Wheat/17% Malted Barley organic mash bill, the grains are forward on the nose and the palate is typical with vanilla. Overall it's a simple pour that does what it's supposed too- but does has room for more complexity and refinement.

Don’t let the “organic” label scare you. This is surprisingly complex and full or flavor. Nose is sweet and smoky. First taste was vanilla, second was oak, third was brown sugar. Opened it up with a small ice cube which really brought out the smoky flavor. One of my new recommendations at the bar. Great for sipping neat or in a manhattan.

The nose sweet and there are notes of acetone and ethanol. Clearly a young whiskey, but not harsh. After a rest, notes of fresh corn, slight vanilla, and fresh oak make their way forward. The low proof is given away on the first sip. Tasty, but simple. Light, a bit one-note.

Wapsie Valley corn front and center. Musty and dank. Paired with sweet hay, all machine cut and dusty corn grit on a hot summer eve. I drank it. Poured some more. And drank it again. Didn’t hate it. Nothing offensive.

If you love the way a campfire smells (and your clothes after sitting next to a camp fire) then you'll love this whisky. It's perfect for those who want something a bit lighter and smokier for summer without peat.