I recently had the opportunity to try Virgin Bourbon 7 Year and was pleasantly surprised by the smoothness and complexity of this Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Distilled by Heaven Hill and bottled by Meadowlawn Distilling Co. in Bardstown, Kentucky, this 101-proof bourbon is charcoal-filtered and aged for seven years, resulting in a rich auburn color and a well-rounded flavor profile.
Table of Contents
Virgin Bourbon 7 Year Overview
Recently, I came across Virgin Bourbon 7 Year and was intrigued by its unique flavor profile. In this section, I will provide an overview of Virgin Bourbon 7 Year, including its product history and price range.
Product History
Virgin Bourbon 7 Year is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that is distilled by Heaven Hill and bottled by Meadowland Distilling Co. It is made from a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. The whiskey is aged for 7 years in charred oak barrels, which gives it a rich and complex flavor.
One interesting aspect of Virgin Bourbon 7 Year is that it is charcoal filtered, which gives it a smooth and mellow taste. This process also helps to remove any impurities from the whiskey, resulting in a clean and crisp finish.
Price Range
Virgin Bourbon 7 Year is an affordable bourbon that is priced at around $20 MSRP. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking for high-quality bourbon at a reasonable price.
Despite its low price point, Virgin Bourbon 7 Year is a well-crafted whiskey that offers great value for its price. Its unique flavor profile and smooth finish make it a great addition to any whiskey collection.
photo credit: images4-cdn.auctionmobility.com
Tasting Notes
Aroma
I found the aroma of Virgin Bourbon 7 Year to be quite pleasant. It had a strong scent of vanilla and oak, with a hint of corn and spice. There was also a slight floral note that added a nice touch to the overall aroma.
Flavor
The flavor of Virgin Bourbon 7 Year was quite complex. On the front of the palate, there was a strong oak flavor, followed by a mild sweetness of honey, cinnamon, and orange. There was also a hint of tobacco in the distance. The flavor was quite well balanced, with no one flavor overpowering the others.
Finish
The finish of Virgin Bourbon 7 Year was smooth and warm, with a slight lingering sweetness. The oak flavor remained present throughout the finish, but it was not overpowering. The finish was quite enjoyable and left me wanting more.
Rating
Overall, I would rate Virgin Bourbon 7 Year quite highly. It had a complex and well-balanced flavor profile, with a pleasant aroma and smooth finish. The price point is also quite affordable, making it a great option for those looking for quality bourbon without breaking the bank. I would recommend this bourbon to both seasoned bourbon drinkers and those new to the world of bourbon.
Mixing and Pairing
As someone who enjoys a good bourbon, I like to experiment with different mixers and food pairings to find the perfect combination. Here are some of my favorite mixers, cocktail suggestions, and food pairings for Virgin Bourbon 7 Year.
photo credit: miro.medium.com
Best Mixers
Virgin Bourbon 7 Year has a bold, rich flavor that can stand up to a variety of mixers. Here are some of my favorite options:
- Cola: Classic and simple, cola is a great mixer for bourbon. The sweetness of the cola complements the rich flavor of the bourbon, creating a delicious and easy-to-make drink.
- Ginger Ale: The ginger in ginger ale adds a nice spicy kick to the bourbon, while the sweetness of the soda helps to balance out the strong flavor of the whiskey.
- Lemonade: If you’re looking for a refreshing summer drink, try mixing Virgin Bourbon 7 Year with lemonade. The tartness of the lemonade pairs well with the sweetness of the bourbon, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail.
photo credit: wikimedia.org
Cocktail Suggestions
While Virgin Bourbon 7 Year is delicious on its own, it also makes a great base for cocktails. Here are a few of my favorite recipes:
- Bourbon Sour: Combine 2 oz. Virgin Bourbon 7 Year, 3/4 oz. lemon juice, and 1/2 oz. simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry and a slice of lemon.
- Old Fashioned: In a rocks glass, muddle 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes of bitters, and a splash of water. Add 2 oz. Virgin Bourbon 7 Year and stir well. Add a large ice cube and garnish with an orange twist.
- Kentucky Mule: Fill a copper mug with ice. Add 2 oz. Virgin Bourbon 7 Year, 1/2 oz. lime juice, and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge.
photo credit: live.staticflickr.com
Food Pairings
When it comes to pairing Virgin Bourbon 7 Year with food, I like to stick with rich, hearty flavors that can stand up to the bold flavor of the whiskey. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
- Steak: A juicy, perfectly cooked steak pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of Virgin Bourbon 7 Year. The bold flavors of both the steak and the bourbon complement each other, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Dark Chocolate: If you’re looking for a dessert to pair with your bourbon, try a piece of dark chocolate. The bitterness of the chocolate helps to balance out the sweetness of the bourbon, creating a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Cheese: A sharp, aged cheddar or blue cheese pairs well with the bold flavor of Virgin Bourbon 7 Year. The richness of the cheese helps to bring out the complexity of the bourbon, creating a delicious and satisfying pairing.
Conclusion
After trying Virgin Bourbon 7 Year, I can say that it is a solid bourbon that is worth trying, especially for its affordable price point. I would recommend Virgin Bourbon 7 Year to anyone who enjoys bourbon and is looking for good value. While it may not be the most complex or nuanced Bourbon out there, it’s still a solid choice that won’t break the bank. Give it a try and see what you think!
Related Posts
Here are some other whiskey reviews that you might be interested in:
- Tasting the Peatiest Whisky in the World: Earlier this year, the progressive distillers of Bruichladdich have released their Octomore Eights series, 4 heavily-peated whiskies following the path of…
- Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered Review: A Quick & Honest Dive: As a whiskey enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of tasting Smoke Wagon’s Uncut Unfiltered Straight Bourbon, and I must say, it has quickly become one of…
- Rock Hill Farms Bourbon Review: Your Guide to Tasting Perfection: As a bourbon enthusiast, I recently had the opportunity to taste Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon, a premium bourbon that doesn’t get the attention it…
- Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon Review: Expert Insights and Tasting Notes: Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon has always caught my attention, not only for its reputation in the bourbon world, but also because of its affordability and age…
- Blanton’s Black Review: Unveiling a Bourbon Treasure: In my search for new and unique whiskey experiences, I recently encountered Blanton’s Black Label, a Japanese exclusive variation of the well-known Blanton’s.