Explore our Virgin Bourbon 101 review as we delve into our ratings and detailed analysis of its taste, aroma, and production specifics. Discover what makes this bourbon stand out in the craft spirits world
Virgin Bourbon 101 Review
Virgin Bourbon can help us learn about another topic in distilling. It is made by Meadowlawn Distilling Company which is Bardstown, KY. The other term that can be learned is a term called contract distilling. Contract Distilling means that they are a distiller that produces for other brands or clients. In other words, it’s kind of outsourced in a way that allows a brand to maintain integrity of the brand and expanding a line, without physically having to produce the spirit, which would mean cost and investments in brick and mortar of their own. Kind of a win-win.
Bourbon’s Position in the Market
This is a hard one to depict. Mainly because it’s kind of like the orphan child that shows up at the end of the movie and says “Surprise! I’m your kiddo!” And then some tragedy ensues and there’s a whole father-son moment and before you know it, the credits are rolling with Cat Steven’s, Cat’s in the Cradle playing in the background.
What we mean by that is that though this is technically distilled by Heaven’s Hill, it does not appear in their line up on their site and Meadowlawn, as the contract distiller gains the credit.
Appearance
- Color: This may take a few pours, you know – to be sure. But placing it as an Auburn or maybe a Mahogany. Depending on how many lumens your cigar lamps put out.
- Legs: If you’re not sure what this means, this refers to the viscosity of the liquid itself. Some call these the tears of the liquid as well. So as you swirl this one around, you’ll find it has good average legs. Or medium. It’s not going to linger for a long time, but will swirl nicely.
Nose (Aroma)
- Initial Impressions: First impressions at first waft was a deep honey, vanilla, and cherry. Some syrupy in there as well.
- Complexity: The layers to this one felt a bit nutty, and a little cinnamon too.
- Intensity: You’ll find that the sweetness, especially the vanilla and the honey will hit you first.
Palate (Taste)
- First Sip: The taste won’t leave you breathless, but will leave you initially with some sweetness.
- Mid-Palate: The spices of cinnamon and the oak will come later and will find the oak to hang around, and even a little bit of honey and some orange too.
- Mouthfeel: This will definitely feel like it’s rich as it works through your throat and fades.
- Finish: As it fades, you’ll be left with an oaky sweetness, and a hint of vanilla and spice.
Production Details
- Mash Bill: This one definitely is Above 51 as it is 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley.
- Age: 7 years. There are 3 out there as well.
- Barrel Aging: These are charred oak barrels and charcoal filtered.
- Proof: 101 proof. Woo-wee!
Overall Impressions
- Balance: Assess the balance between sweetness, spice, and alcohol. Is the bourbon well-rounded or does it lean heavily toward one profile?
- Complexity: I think this one was decently complex. For the price, much like a Buffalo Trace, it sits well, while being flavorful.
- Versatility: This one was a toss up because while it could easily be mixed (can try anything once), I think it would be best neat or on the cube/rocks. The lingering of the spices lends itself to enjoy and taste, though may be a good portion of an Old Fashioned.
- Value for Money: If you are in an area where you can find it easily (in the South, particularly NC)
Comparison
- Similar Bourbons: This honestly reminded me of CaveHill from Rabbit Hole. I think it was the hint of cinnamon and a little of the nuttiness. CaveHill has a hint of apple and pecans. And is a nice pour to let savor. The initial punch of sweet took us down the path of an American Honey from Wild Turkey but didn’t have heavy legs like AH.
- Personal Preference: I think this is great for folks who like the sweet, but may want to begin to ease into the spicier pours and can be the gateway pour. C’mon, you remember what got you inside the gate don’t you?
Virgin Bourbon 101 Review Summary
This is a solid find so call a friend in NC or go on a road trip for it. Of course, it can be found online but you may have some sticker shock with it. It’ll be a great addition to mix it up and is kind of our Vanilla Sky of the Bourbons. You know, from the movie, you can’t enjoy the sweet, until you’ve known the sour. Or was it bitter? I don’t know, now I’ll have to go and stream it.
Final Rating: We give this a rating of 7.5 kernels out of 10.
