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.
SK Spirits founder Michael Sawyer was once in Utah attending the Huntsman Horizon’s Leadership Summit. This leadership summit is a value based leadership program focused on developing undergraduate members of the Sigma Chi fraternity. It is one of the many leadership programs the fraternity has. Sawyer and his business partner felt they wanted to give back something to the program, and originally came up with the idea to create a bourbon that would be sold exclusively to fraternity alumni, using the proceeds to give back to the brotherhood. Part of this involved funding education on responsible alcohol consumption, as well as helping undergraduates obtain leadership skills and knowledge to help them become successful business leaders themselves.
However, the bourbon was so well received that Sawyer was “encouraged to share it with the rest of the world”.
SK Spirits was formed, and they sourced 10 MGP (Midwest Grain Product) barrels, aged at 6 years and 8 months. According to Sawyer, “the result was solid, but ordinary”. So, they teamed up with bottling partner Whiskey Thief Distillery, blending 2 of their 6+ year old barrels with the MGP batch to create their award winning John Parrot bourbon.
John Parrot was supposedly initiated into the brotherhood in 1855, and became vice president in 1856. Later, along with his brother and cousin, he would be instrumental in starting the second chapter of the fraternity.
Tasting Notes: John Parrot Batch #1 Straight Bourbon
Vital Stats: Mash bill of 21% rye, 75% corn, and 4% malted barley, 108 proof (54% ABV), 750ml bottle.
Appearance: This bourbon has a lovely light honey color to it.
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Nose: There is a nice sweet scent of chocolate and citrus/fruitiness, with a wonderful oak touch.
Palate: This bourbon has a lovely touch of smoky oak right at the beginning with a lovely touch of caramel and honey that follows.
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