Bourbon

Bourbon Review: IW Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon

We review I.W. Harper Straight Bourbon Whiskey. It's a historic brand originally founded by a group of German immigrants.

OVERALL RATING

7
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I.W. Harper Straight Bourbon Whiskey (image via Melissa Jones)

Tasting Notes

About:

No age statement. Mash bill: 73% corn, 18% rye, 9% malted barley. 82 proof. I.W. Harper Distilling Company/Diageo, Tullahoma, TN. $36.
Appearance:
Russet muscat in color. Rich looking.
Nose:
The aromas are very mild but pleasant, like a picnic on a warm spring day. There’s citrus, apricot, and clover.
Palate:


Finish:
Comments:
It’s a simple bourbon, but if you like bourbon, then you will like this one. If you don’t know if you like bourbon, try it! The palate is very consistent with the nose. I didn’t think it was too sweet but enjoyed the light oak, apricot, vanilla, and citrus flavors. The mouthfeel is light, which makes it a good all-season whiskey to enjoy neat or on the rocks. The flavors are a bit heavier and darker than the mouthfeel which makes it enjoyable for me. This would be the perfect bourbon for cocktails as well. Perhaps try it for your next Manhattan.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Melissa Jones

Melissa D. Jones is a traveler, blogger, photographer, storyteller, foodie, whiskey enthusiast, and creative entrepreneur. Her thirst for adventure and new experiences has led her to photograph all 50 states and 47 countries, a journey she chronicled in her travel book. When she's not exploring the globe, Melissa resides in Portland, Oregon, where she enjoys attending events, savoring whiskey, and hiking. She has sampled over 100 different whiskies, both locally and internationally.

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