As a bourbon enthusiast, I recently came across Breckenridge Bourbon, a high-rye bourbon that has piqued the interest of many whiskey lovers. With a mash bill featuring about 50% yellow corn, a touch of unmalted barley, and a generous 38% portion of rye, this bourbon comes from the beautiful mountain town of Breckenridge, Colorado. Priced at around $40 per 750 ml bottle, it’s a great option for those looking to taste high-quality bourbon without breaking the bank.

During my quest to discover more about Breckenridge Bourbon, I found a diverse range of opinions among reviewers. Some praised it for its smooth, well-rounded, and easy-to-sip flavors, while others felt that it’s low proof and youthful age made the aroma and taste profiles somewhat lacking in intensity. Overall, though, this bourbon seems to have plenty of fans who appreciate its delicate, smooth, and inoffensive character.

With tasting notes that include cinnamon, rye spice, oak, and vanilla, Breckenridge Bourbon offers a unique palette that’s representative of high-rye bourbon or rye whiskeys. As I continue to explore the world of bourbon, I’m excited to share my thoughts and experiences with this intriguing spirit, and I hope fellow whiskey enthusiasts will find my insights helpful in their own journey.

Breckenridge Bourbon Overview

Product History

Breckenridge Bourbon is a product of Breckenridge Distillery, which is located in Colorado. This distillery was founded by Bryan Nolt in 2008 and has been producing high-quality Bourbons and other spirits like vodka and gins. Their Bourbon benefits from a unique mash bill of about 50% yellow corn, a bit of unmalted barley, and a considerable portion of rye at 38%. This high-rye Bourbon is aged for a minimum of 2 years in charred new American oak barrels.

Price Range

The price of Breckenridge Bourbon typically falls within the range of $40 to $50 for a 750 ml bottle. This bourbon has received multiple awards, making it a good-value purchase for those looking to explore the world of Bourbon and whiskey.

Tasting Notes and Distilling Process

One of the biggest factors that make Breckenridge Bourbon stand out is the water used in its production. The Rocky Mountain snowmelt, which serves as the primary municipal water supply for the town of Breckenridge, introduces fresh water with a unique mineral composition to the distilling process. The result is a Bourbon with a flavor profile that includes notes of:

• Caramel sweetness
• Vanilla
• Cinnamon
• Mint and peppermint

As I pour a glass of this 86-proof Bourbon and observe its appearance in my Glencairn glass, I can see that it has a warm caramel sauce or maple syrup color. On the nose, I detect creamy sweetness with hints of buttery corn, coupled with some spiciness from the rye content.

Upon taking a sip, I experience a delightful and smooth flavor that combines caramel, brown sugar, and cinnamon with the unmistakable rye spice complexity. There are also subtle hints of pine and citrus which contribute to a well-rounded taste.

The finish of Breckenridge Bourbon leaves a slight burn sensation on the palate, with lingering notes of black pepper, caramel, and green rye. As I savor the aftertaste, I can appreciate the craftsmanship of this Colorado distillery and the unique story behind each bottle.

photo source: breckenridgedistillery.com

Tasting Notes

Aroma

When I first nosed the Breckenridge Bourbon, I immediately noticed the oak influence, followed by a pleasant sweetness. The aroma is complex, with hints of honey and pepper making a gentle appearance. I also picked up on some warm caramel notes, which were reminiscent of maple syrup.

Flavor

Upon sipping, the Breckenridge Bourbon really impressed me with its full-bodied flavor despite its relatively low-proof nature. The sweet honey and robust rye character come to the forefront, while the oak adds depth to the overall taste. In addition, there were hints of pepper, providing a spicy kick and complementing the high-rye content of the bourbon.

Finish

The finish was medium in length, leaving a pleasant warmth on my palate. It was accompanied by a tapering of flavors resulting in a wonderful aftertaste, quite impressive for an 86-proof bourbon. The interplay of oak, honey, and pepper continued into the finish, giving the bourbon a well-rounded and satisfying experience.

Rating

My personal rating for Breckenridge Bourbon would be:

• Aroma: 7/10
• Flavor: 8/10
• Finish: 7.5/10

Seeing how Breckenridge Bourbon offers a complex and enjoyable experience, with its intriguing aroma, robust flavor, and satisfying finish, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a high-rye bourbon with a friendly price point.

Mixing and Pairing

Best Mixers

In my experience, Breckenridge Bourbon pairs well with various mixers due to its delicate and smooth nature. Some of my favorites include:

• Ginger ale: The sweet and spicy taste of ginger ale complements the cinnamon and rye notes of the bourbon.
• Club soda: A splash of club soda helps to bring out the vanilla and honey flavors, creating a refreshing and balanced drink.
• Cola: For a classic pairing, mix Breckenridge Bourbon with cola to create a smooth and easy-to-drink beverage.

Cocktail Suggestions

When it comes to crafting cocktails, Breckenridge Bourbon serves as a versatile go-to option. Here are a few suggestions:

photo source: Shutterstock.com

Breckenridge Old Fashioned: Combine 2 oz Breckenridge Bourbon, 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes of bitters, and a splash of water in a glass. Gently muddle the sugar cube with the bitters and water, then add the bourbon and ice. Stir and garnish with an orange twist.

photo source: Shutterstock.com

Breckenridge Mint Julep: In a glass, muddle 6-8 fresh mint leaves, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and a splash of water. Fill the glass with crushed ice, then pour 2 oz Breckenridge Bourbon over the ice. Stir well and garnish with a mint sprig.

Food Pairings

Finding the right food pairings for Breckenridge Bourbon can elevate the flavors of both the whiskey and the dish. Here are some of my favorite food pairings based on my experience and the information from the provided search results:

• Rye bread with pastrami: The bourbon’s high rye content complements the robust character of rye bread and pastrami, making for a delicious and satisfying pairing.
• Minty foods: High rye bourbons like Breckenridge work well with minty foods, offering a refreshing and balanced flavor profile.
• Milk chocolate: The smooth texture and sweetness of milk chocolate pair perfectly with the bourbon’s vanilla and honey notes.
• Sweet desserts: Breckenridge Bourbon can provide a delightful counterpoint to the rich sweetness of various desserts, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Conclusion

In my experience with Breckenridge Bourbon, I found it to be a smooth, well-rounded, and easy-sipping whiskey. At a price point of around $43 for a 750ml bottle, I believe it offers good value for its quality, especially considering its comparison to more expensive options like Rhetoric.

As a whiskey enthusiast, I appreciate the high-rye content of Breckenridge Bourbon, which lends it a distinct taste. The notes of warm caramel, maple syrup, and the subtle presence of barley add to its complexity. While it may not be the most memorable bourbon out there, it’s an excellent choice for those new to whiskey or anyone looking for a pleasant, unoffensive sip.

What sets Breckenridge Bourbon apart for me is its versatility. This whiskey can be enjoyed by both newcomers and seasoned bourbon drinkers. Although it might taste a bit youthful to some, it doesn’t detract from its overall appeal.

To sum it up, here’s what I appreciate about Breckenridge Bourbon:

• Smooth and easy to sip
• Good value for the price
• High-rye content
• Versatile and accessible to a wide range of drinkers

While it may not leave a lasting impression, there’s no denying that Breckenridge Bourbon is an enjoyable whiskey, perfect for those just starting their journey into the world of bourbon or for a casual drink among friends.