Aging bourbon in American oak is a long held tradition in this country when it comes to our national whiskey. A good chunk of the wood for bourbon maturation comes from the forests of Missouri, so much so there’s been a shortage of late that’s been well documented.
While much of this wood heads out of state, there are some distilleries in Missouri making use of it for their own local product. Sometimes it seems like the push for and pride in local is a universal truth— and especially when it comes to whiskey. Ozark Distillery, located in Camden Country, Missouri, by the Lake of the Ozarks, shows that pride in its moonshines, flavored moonshines, vodka, and bourbon. They are family-owned and use locally grown grains and limestone-rich water, along with the wood, to make their products.
Ozark Distillery Bourbon, which launched in 2014, is their newest creation. It’s aged in new charred-oak barrels from Cuba, Missouri, using trees from in state. Depending on the weather, Ozark Distillery’s Bourbon is aged from nine months to two years. It’s 92 proof and retails for $35.99.
According to their website, “From the mashing of the grains to the double distillation process no short cuts or automated processes are used to create our smooth Bourbon Whiskey…. After the second distillation our spirits are aged in New Charred Oak Barrels from McGinnis Wood Products in Cuba, Missouri. Our barrels are made using select Missouri White Oak by another family run business known for making outstanding whiskey barrels.” That’s a lot of Missouri in one paragraph. So, show me the bourbon!
Tasting Notes: Ozark Distillery Bourbon
Color: Brownish gold; barley.
Nose: Brown sugar, evergreen, spruce, juniper. It’s a little astringent.
Palate: The nose is sweet and enticing, but the first sip is jarring in its juxtaposition. It’s very strong, with a powerful, almost overwhelmingly hot finish. One wonders: “How do I stop the burning?” In subsequent sips it mellows, but it’s harsher than I would have thought, based on its nose. Like when you meet someone who looks really sweet–and then she opens her mouth.
Finish: Ozark’s bourbon youth is apparent—like a teenager behind the wheel. This isn’t aged very long—a year to two, man, and it shows. I wonder what a longer aging process might do to it: Guess we’ll have to wait to find out?
Trending Stories
Conclusion:
For a bourbon which heralds from the land whose oak is often used to mature Kentucky bourbon, this whiskey, in of itself, is so not a sipper, but could feasibly do battle in a mixed drink. This might do really well in a Manhattan. It was quite pleasant in a bourbon ginger.
FINAL SCORE: 77/100
Latest News