Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. 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 in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
In an exciting relaunch from Foley Family Wines, Charles Goodnight Straight Bourbon out of Texas was recently released as a 115-proof barrel aged expression, leveling up from the original 100-proof spirit first released in 2017. The founder of Foley Family Wines, Bill Foley, has a familial link to the legendary Texas cattleman Charles Goodnight as his great, great nephew, and the new whiskey is considered a “distinctive homage to its namesake,” with the team behind the development creating a whiskey perfectly designed to honor the cattleman Goodnight and all those whiskey drinkers who love to pair their spirit with a good steak.
Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon is as authentically Texan as Goodnight himself. Made from Texas-grown corn and water sourced from local aquifers, the whiskey benefits from the blistering Texas heat, with the dry heat aiding in advancing the aging of the spirit by the expansion and stronger interaction between the liquid and the wood in the charred barrels.
The whiskey is also unique in that there’s a higher percentage of rye in the mash bill. The mash bill boasts 60% Texas-grown yellow #2 corn, 36% unmalted rye, and 4% barley. The unmalted rye offers a smoother sip with the bourbon, and there’s a noticeable lack of bite within the whiskey, giving elemental notes of air and fire – more specifically an effervescence and heat that moves smoothly over the palate.
Tasting Notes: Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Vital Stats: Mash bill – 60% Texas-grown yellow #2 corn, 36% unmalted rye, 4% barley; aged 6-years in charred American oak barrels; triple distilled in a copper-lined Vendome pot still with no column still distillate; SRP $79.99; 115 proof.
Appearance: The color of dried Turkish apricot.
Nose: There’s a beautiful freshness in the aroma. It’s fruity, fresh fruity, with elements of cherry, hickory smoke, and leather.
Palate: The whiskey is full-bodied in flavor but has an effervescent mouthfeel. Woody at the top of the palate, it transitions to fruity on the back, with a nicely balanced heat and elements of leather, dried fig, and cherry.
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