Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Blinking Owl. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Blinking Owl, founded in 2016, is Orange County’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. The distillery may get its name from a former Santa Ana bar sign, but that’s part of the charm. Its founders, Brian and Robin Christenson started Blinking Owl with friend, and actress, Kirsten Vangsness— Criminal Minds’ Penelope Garcia. However, Blinking Owl’s major ups have come with major downs.
Certainly, the pandemic has made it hard for the liquor industry, and the distillery had to shut down its tasting room and outdoor patio. However, legal troubles began in 2019 when a situation caused them to shut down for 25 days. Given that Blinking Owl operates under a Type 74 Craft Distillers License, the Alcoholic Beverage Control caught the distillery within violation during two sting operations. Now Blinking Owl is working to change their license type by expanding with the edition of a kitchen to serve a full menu.
While Blinking Owl makes an array of spirits including Aquavit, a Scandinavian spirit, their whiskies made of organic grains have been hitting the shelves of California. They have two bourbons and a rye in their core line-up, but limited editions are released as well. One of Blinking Owl’s bourbons is a 4-Grain Straight Bourbon. All the grains— corn, rye, wheat, and barley— are locally sourced and organic. In both bourbons, you will find sweet white corn.
If you are impressed with Blinking Owl’s whiskies, and you happen to have $15,000, you and your buddies can make your own. Through their Whiskey MBA program, you will work with a distiller over four days to make, barrel, and age your own Blinking Owl whiskey. 200 bottles of your own personal mash bill don’t seem too shabby!
Tasting Notes: Blinking Owl 4-Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Vital Stats: 45% ABV, 90 proof. Two-year-old straight bourbon distilled and bottled in California. Mash bill includes all organic grains— California white corn, California rye, California wheat, and California barley. 750ml $59.
Appearance: Medium amber
Nose: The aroma of orange is sickly with young oak. Faint cinnamon lingers in the background. The overall scent on the nose is honeycomb and soggy cereal left in a bowl.
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Palate: The mouthfeel while light is also harsh. My palate is assaulted with a mixture of cigarette tar and NyQuil. The young whiskey is too oaky, but it has a flavorful spice to it. The background taste is floral and silky, similar to sake.
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