I recently had the pleasure of trying Traverse City Barrel Proof Bourbon, and I have to say, it did not disappoint my taste buds. This bourbon is distilled from a mash of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley and aged for four years before being bottled at 117.44°. The result is a bold and complex flavor that is sure to please any bourbon lover.

Traverse City Barrel Proof Bourbon Overview

Product History

Traverse City Barrel Proof Bourbon is a premium expression of Traverse City Whiskey Co., a distillery located in Traverse City, Michigan. The company was founded by Chris Fredrickson, Jared Rapp, and Moti Goldring, and it has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality whiskey.

This particular bourbon is made from a mash of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. It is aged for four years and bottled at a robust 116.6 proof. Traverse City Barrel Proof Bourbon has won several awards, including Gold at the 2019 Denver International Spirits Competition and a spot on Wine Enthusiast’s “Top 100 Spirits of 2018.”

Price Range

Traverse City Barrel Proof Bourbon is a premium bourbon, and as such, it has a price tag to match. At the distillery, a bottle of this bourbon will set you back $75 to $80. However, it is important to note that this bourbon is highly sought after and can be difficult to find. If you do happen to come across a bottle of Traverse City Barrel Proof Bourbon, don’t hesitate to pick it up, as it is sure to be a treat for any whiskey enthusiast.

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Tasting Notes

Aroma

I poured a dram of Traverse City Barrel Proof Bourbon and was immediately hit with the aroma of vanilla and caramel. The scent was sweet and rich, with hints of oak and a slight floral note. I could tell right away that this was going to be a complex and delicious whiskey.

Flavor

Upon taking my first sip, I was blown away by the depth of flavor in this bourbon. The initial taste was sweet and oaky, with notes of vanilla and honey. As I continued to sip, I detected hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as a subtle smokiness. The mouthfeel was thick and luxurious, with just the right amount of heat to balance out the sweetness.

Finish

The finish on this bourbon was long and satisfying, with a pleasant warmth that lingered in my throat. The sweetness of the vanilla and caramel continued to shine through but was balanced out by a subtle spiciness that kept things interesting. As the flavors faded, I was left with a pleasant, woody aftertaste that made me want to take another sip.

Rating

Overall, I was extremely impressed with Traverse City Barrel Proof Bourbon. The complexity of the flavors and the balance of sweetness and spice make this a truly exceptional whiskey. I would give this bourbon a rating of 9 out of 10 and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious and complex sipping whiskey.

Mixing and Pairing

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Best Mixers

When it comes to mixing Traverse City Barrel Proof Bourbon, I prefer to keep it simple. A splash of water or a single ice cube is all it takes to open up the flavors and aromas. However, if you want to experiment with mixers, I recommend using ginger ale or cola. These mixers complement the sweetness and spiciness of the bourbon and add a refreshing fizz to the drink.

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Cocktail Suggestions

If you’re looking for cocktail inspiration, try making a classic Old Fashioned with Traverse City Barrel Proof Bourbon. To make this cocktail, muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters in a rocks glass. Add a splash of water and a large ice cube, then pour in 2 ounces of bourbon. Stir gently, and garnish with an orange twist.

Another delicious cocktail is the Boulevardier, which is a twist on the classic Negroni. To make this cocktail, combine 1.5 ounces of Traverse City Barrel Proof Bourbon, 1 ounce of Campari, and 1 ounce of sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

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Food Pairings

Traverse City Barrel Proof Bourbon pairs well with a variety of foods, but I particularly enjoy it with grilled meats and hearty stews. The sweetness of the bourbon complements the smoky flavors of the meat, while the spiciness cuts through the richness of the stew.

For a simple yet satisfying pairing, try serving a glass of bourbon alongside a charcuterie board. The salty and savory flavors of the meats and cheeses are balanced by the sweetness and spice of the bourbon.

Conclusion

I highly recommend Traverse City Barrel Proof Bourbon to anyone who enjoys a good bourbon. It’s a great sipping whiskey that is perfect for enjoying on its own or with a few cubes of ice. While it may be a bit pricier than some other bourbons, I think it’s well worth the investment for anyone who appreciates a high-quality whiskey.

Related Posts

If you enjoyed my review of Traverse City Barrel Proof Bourbon, you might be interested in checking out some of my other whiskey reviews. Here are a few related posts that you might find interesting:

• Reviewing Bruichladdich’s Octomore 10 years old (2nd edition): This review covers a new Laddie Ten expression from Bruichladdich, a distillery known for its peated whiskies. If you’re a fan of smoky, complex flavors, you won’t want to miss this one.
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• Reviewing the brand new Slane Irish Whiskey: Slane is a new Irish whiskey brand that’s been gaining popularity in recent years. This review covers their flagship expression, which is a smooth and easy-drinking whiskey that’s perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening.