Bourbon Review: Temperance Trader Barrel Strength Bourbon

The spiciness prevalent in the nose lingers upon taking a sip, but sweeter notes are more apparent. Some buttery oak can be detected, but the high alcohol content muddies the whiskey’s complexity. Finish: The finish is fiery hot and medium-length. Leather and a light smokiness appear on the palate. As this was cask strength, I also decided to try it cut w ith local “Bull Run” tap water: Nose: Again, cinnamon hits first, but it now mingles with softer notes like vanilla, custard, and banana. Taste: Honey and distinctly buttery oak now dominate, though nothing new appears. Finish: The addition of water tones the fiercely hot finish down considerably, letting distinct flavors pop out more clearly. The palate is similar to the neat version, but more balanced. Oak lingers a little longer through the finish. All in all, despite my misgivings about its branding, this is a fairly good whiskey; it’s a reminder that companies like MGP started selling spirits wholesale because they make a pretty decent product. Personally, I don’t see what’s gained by leaving this bourbon at cask strength. To the detriment of its rather approachable palate, the neat version is dominated by alcohol, and flavors that were muddy and indistinct on the first tasting balanced out cleanly when cut with a little water. I give the Temperance Trader Barrel Strength Bourbon a score of 83.