I recently had the opportunity to try Axe Handle Distilling Bourbon, a high-rye bourbon from Virginia. At 93 proof, this bourbon packs a punch. The initial notes of cherries are quickly followed by a smooth finish with hints of sweet caramel.
Table of Contents
Axe Handle Distilling Bourbon Overview
Product History
Axe Handle Distilling is a family-run distillery nestled in the heart of Appalachia. They pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients and traditional distilling techniques to create their spirits. Their bourbon whiskey is high-rye and has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other bourbons on the market.
Price Range
Axe Handle Distilling Bourbon is reasonably priced, with a range of $35 to $45 per bottle. This makes it an excellent value for a high-quality bourbon that is perfect for sipping or mixing in cocktails.
photo credit: static.wixstatic.com
Tasting Notes
As a bourbon enthusiast, I was excited to try Axe Handle Distilling’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Here are my tasting notes:
Aroma
Upon opening the bottle, I was greeted with a strong aroma of cherries and vanilla. As I poured the whiskey into my glass, I also detected notes of oak and caramel.
Flavor
The first sip revealed a complex flavor profile. I tasted honey, vanilla, and apricot, followed by a spicy kick of cinnamon and fennel. The high rye content gave the whiskey a bold, grainy taste that I enjoyed. As I continued to sip, I also noticed a hint of licorice.
Finish
The finish was long and smooth, with lingering notes of sweet caramel and roasted oak. I appreciated the balance between the sweetness and spiciness of the whiskey.
Rating
Overall, I was impressed with Axe Handle Distilling’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey. It had a unique flavor profile with a nice balance of sweetness and spice. I would give this bourbon a rating of 7 out of 10.
Mixing and Pairing
photo credit: www.pexels.com
Best Mixers
When it comes to mixing Axe Handle Bourbon, I recommend using simple mixers that won’t overpower the whiskey’s flavor. Some of the best mixers for this bourbon include:
- Club soda
- Tonic water
- Ginger ale
- Lemon-lime soda
These mixers will add a subtle sweetness and fizz to the bourbon without masking its unique flavor profile.
photo credit: www.donjulio.com
Cocktail Suggestions
If you’re looking for some cocktail inspiration, here are a few suggestions that I think pair well with Axe Handle Bourbon:
- Old Fashioned: This classic cocktail is made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a splash of water. It’s simple yet sophisticated, and the sweetness of the sugar brings out the bourbon’s caramel notes.
- Whiskey Sour: A whiskey sour is made with bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The tartness of the lemon juice complements the bourbon’s spicy notes, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness.
- Manhattan: A Manhattan is made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s a bold and complex cocktail that highlights the bourbon’s rich flavor.
photo credit: www.pexels.com
Food Pairings
Axe Handle Bourbon pairs well with a variety of foods, but I particularly enjoy it with:
- Barbecue: The smoky, savory flavors of barbecue are a perfect match for the spicy notes in Axe Handle Bourbon.
- Dark Chocolate: The sweetness of dark chocolate complements the bourbon’s caramel notes, while the bitterness of the chocolate brings out its spicy side.
- Cheese: A sharp cheddar or aged gouda pairs well with the bourbon’s bold flavor profile.
Conclusion
I must say, I am impressed with Axe Handle Distilling’s Bourbon Whiskey. The high rye content gives it a unique flavor profile that I found quite enjoyable. The initial taste of cherries, followed by sweet caramel notes, was a pleasant surprise. At 93 proof, it packs a punch but doesn’t sacrifice flavor for the higher alcohol content.
Related Posts
Here are some other articles that might interest you if you enjoyed reading about Axe Handle Distilling Bourbon:
- Flaviar unveils second edition of its Deer, Bear & Moose Private Bottling: Flaviar is an online club for spirits lovers, and they recently released a second edition of their Deer, Bear & Moose Private Bottling. Check out this article for more information on this unique and exclusive whiskey.
- Weekly Review: Wemyss Malts Single Cask releases 2016: Independent bottler Wemyss Malts has released their first Single Cask release of 2016. This article gives you a rundown of the six casks that were selected and what makes them special.
- Weekly Review: Claxton’s Glentauchers 18 Years Old (1996): This article explores a single cask of Glentauchers that was bottled by Claxton’s. Learn about the history of this distillery and what makes this particular expression unique.
- BenRiach releases Peated Cask Strength Whisky: If you’re a fan of peated whiskey, check out this article about BenRiach’s new Peated Cask Strength expression. Find out what makes this whiskey different from other peated expressions on the market.
- Deanston unveils new 40-year-old expression: Deanston recently released a new limited edition 40-year-old expression. Learn about the history of this distillery and what makes this whiskey so special.
