I recently came across Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club Bourbon Whiskey, and I must say, it caught my attention not just because of its distinct packaging, but also due to its unique blend. This tantalizing whiskey is produced by Jos. A. Magnus Distillery and offers a rich and unique drinking experience for whiskey enthusiasts.
As a blend of 18-year and 11-year bourbons, along with 9-year light whiskey, all sourced from MGP and bottled in Washington DC, the Murray Hill Club has an intriguing story to tell. When I first took a whiff, it greeted me with a rich and fruity aroma, reminiscent of old pipe tobacco, raisin bread, and a touch of orange zest. The flavor itself is a delightful combination of caramelized nuts, dried fruits, and a hint of toffee, making it a truly remarkable experience for my palate.
Table of Contents
Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club Bourbon Whiskey Overview
Product History
Back in July 2016, Joseph Magnus introduced their Murray Hill Club Bourbon Whiskey. This blended bourbon is a modern take on the original Murray Hill Club Whiskey, which was enjoyed by people with discerning taste and mature judgment during Joseph’s time. Consisting of whiskey sourced from MGP, this unique blend contains 18-year-old bourbon, 11-year-old bourbon, and 9-year-old light whiskey. Using the same blending techniques as Joseph Magnus himself, this whiskey certainly captures the essence of its historic inspiration.
Price Range
When it comes to the price point of Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club Bourbon Whiskey, a bottle costs around $80 to $120. At 103 proof, this blend of bourbons, along with a light whiskey, offers a rich and complex flavor profile that justifies the price.
As an enthusiast of whiskey and bourbon, I find that the Murray Hill Club Bourbon Whiskey delivers a delightful mix of old and new. With a nose boasting notes of pipe tobacco, raisin bread, toffee, pepper, honey, and orange zest, it’s a captivating experience from the start. On the palate, you’ll be met with a syrupy texture followed by flavors of dark cocoa and rising bread.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Upon uncorking the bottle, my senses are immediately greeted with a rich, fruity and savory aroma. I detect notes of old pipe tobacco, raisin bread, and toffee, which are complemented by a hint of pepper and a touch of honey. Additionally, there’s a presence of orange zest and a subtle scent of freshly rising bread, rounding out the nose with some chocolaty darkness.
Flavor
Taking my first sip, I’m struck by the syrupy and bold character of this bourbon. Elements of vanilla and caramel blend harmoniously with the fruity aspects, introducing me to a delightful fusion of flavors. The oak and barrel char resonate smoothly across my palate, followed by a spicy kick from the rye. As I further explore the taste, I also discern a mild leathery and toasty undertone, which contributes to the overall complexity of the flavor profile.
Finish
The finish is nothing short of outstanding. It lingers pleasantly on the palate, leaving behind a warm and satisfying sensation accompanied by echoes of cinnamon and dark cocoa. The ABV of this whiskey only enhances the tasting experience, striking an ideal balance between richness and smoothness.
Rating
Taking into account the aroma, flavor, and finish, I would rate this bourbon a solid 4.5 out of 5. It offers an incredibly well-balanced and intricate tasting experience that leaves me longing for another sip.
Mixing and Pairing
Best Mixers
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I have to say that Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club Bourbon is a versatile blend that can be enjoyed in various ways. For those who like to mix their spirits, let me share some of my favorite mixers that pair well with this blended bourbon:
- Club Soda: Mixing bourbon with club soda allows the whiskey’s flavors to shine through, while adding a refreshing, bubbly aspect.
- Ginger Ale: A classic mixer that complements the bourbon’s sweetness and enhances the spicy notes.
- Sweet Vermouth: For a twist on a classic Manhattan, try combining Murray Hill Club Bourbon with sweet vermouth.
Cocktail Suggestions
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There is no shortage of cocktails you can create using Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club Bourbon whiskey. Here are a few of my favorite suggestions:
- Old Fashioned: With its well-balanced blend of straight bourbons and light whiskey, Murray Hill Club Bourbon makes a great base for a classic Old Fashioned. Muddle sugar, bitters, and water before adding bourbon and ice, then garnish with an orange peel.
- Whiskey Sour: Combine bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white for a frothy, tangy, and refreshing cocktail.
- Boulevardier: Mix bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth for a bittersweet, sophisticated tipple that showcases the complexity of the whiskey.
Food Pairings
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When it comes to pairing food, I find that you can’t go wrong with the following options:
- Charcuterie: A well-curated charcuterie board complements the whiskey’s rich, savory notes with aged cheeses, cured meats, and mixed nuts.
- Grilled or Smoked Meats: The bourbon’s sweetness contrasts nicely with the robust flavors of smoked or grilled meats, such as barbecue ribs or pulled pork.
- Dark Chocolate: The decadent taste of dark chocolate brings out the fruity notes in the whiskey, offering a delightful dessert option.
Conclusion
The blend created a dynamic flavor profile. The mashbill remains undisclosed, but upon tasting, I discovered various notes that truly stood out.
I was particularly impressed with the initial impact of big fruit notes accompanied by a wallop of alcohol. However, I felt that the whiskey could benefit from more depth, especially considering its age. Still, the palate revealed delightful flavors such as vanilla, almonds, honey, toffee, and gingerbread. The influence of the Master Blender, Nancy Fraley, is evident in the complexity and nuance found in this release.
As the experience lingered, I detected a sinewy finish with hints of chocolate, baking spice, pepper, leathery oak, and tobacco leaf. This well-rounded profile showcases the whiskey’s maturity and allows it to stand out from its competitors. Although there may be room for improvement in terms of secondary and tertiary flavors, I believe this whiskey to be an interesting and worthwhile addition to any whiskey enthusiast’s collection.
While there may be elements that could be refined, the overall experience was enjoyable and compelling. If you’re considering adding this whiskey to your collection, go ahead and give it a try. I think you might be pleasantly surprised.
