Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a free sample to review by the party behind it. The Whiskey Wash, while appreciative of this, did keep full independent editorial control over this article.
Know not for their whiskey, but their applejack, Tom’s Foolery is an Ohio craft distiller we have written about here at WW many times in the recent past. From the transparency of their production, to a hands on tour of their private facilities, to a brand new review of their rye, we’ve covered much of what Tom’s Foolery does. However, we have not yet reviewed their Ohio Straight Bourbon, which is why I’m here writing now.
Craft to the core, Tom’s Foolery’s still setup allows for only one barrel’s worth of spirit to be produced each run. This in theory allows for experimentation and a close watch on all of the whiskey created on the scene. A two year old bourbon, Tom’s Foolery is aged for this short time in a metal rickhouse lacking in temperature control, which creates a wide variety of fluctuating environments throughout the seasons.
At two years old and 70% corn, 15% rye, and 15% malted barley, Tom’s Foolery isn’t too far afield from your average youngish American whiskey.
Tasting Notes:
A medium-light caramel in the glass, the bourbon doesn’t seem alarmingly light for its youth.
Slate, cotton candy, and cold day-old cornbread hit the nose at first blush. Next comes a certain powdered lemonade quality and creamsicle. The powdery sweetness of the nose betrays the younger, cornier elements of the dram.
Immediately on the palate, a wave of fluffy, sugary cakiness hits. Iron and leather follow, making for a devil’s food cake/blood sausage combo that is entirely unsettling. These elements make for a cake bomb effect that feels both too sweet and too hot, without any real flavor payout. In so many words, Tom’s Foolery feels a little too young to be out in the wide world just yet.
On the finish, floral notes and hay mix with demerara sugar, giving a rosier view of the bourbon than may be fair.
Trending Stories
Conclusion:
As much as I wanted to love Tom’s Foolery Straight Ohio Bourbon, I could not in good conscience. If the whiskey were given a little more time, I’m sure it would feel both more rounded and more approachable. For now, the edges are a little rough. Although the distillery itself does interesting and commendable work, Tom’s Foolery bourbon is not my favorite.
Final Score: 78/100
Latest News