Whiskey Review: Proof And Wood Crossborder Jackpot Whiskey

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Proof and Wood Ventures. 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.

Based in Connecticut, Proof and Wood Ventures, Inc. is known for investing in and developing spirits brands as well as aging their own spirits. Instead of the distilling process, they believe that control over the final product is in the aging and the proofing of a spirit. In a prepared statement, spirits industry veteran and founder of Proof and Wood Ventures said, “Our name comes from the two things we control as a blender and finisher of fine spirits, and the two things that are incredibly important to any spirit’s flavor: the proof it’s bottled at, and the wood of the barrel we age it in,” Schmier says. “That is who we are.” 

The standout feature of Proof and Wood Crossborder Jackpot Whiskey is its high-rye mash bill. It’s made of three different blending constituents: A seven-year-old Canadian blended whisky with a mash bill of 97% corn, 2.7% rye, and a tiny bit of barley; an American rye whiskey aged for seven years with a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% barley; and a Canadian rye whisky aged seven years with a mash bill of 91% rye and 9% barley.

In 2022, Proof and Wood Ventures, Inc. was named winner of the Independent Bottler Award by the Icons of Whiskey America 2022. In the 2021 World Whiskies Awards, Proof and Wood won the award for World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon for its Tumblin’ Dice Bourbon. In the Best American Rye category, Proof and Wood’s The Senator took the award for best Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey.

Proof and Wood Crossborder Jackpot Whiskey (image via Jennifer Williams/The Whiskey Wash)

Tasting Notes: Proof and Wood Crossborder Jackpot Whiskey

Vital Stats: A blend of three different whiskeys: A seven-year-old Canadian blended whisky with a mash bill of 97% corn, 2.7% rye, and some barley; a seven-year-old American rye whiskey with a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% barley; and a seven-year-old Canadian rye whisky with a mash bill of 91% rye and 9% barley. 107 proof (53.5% ABV), bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky. 

Appearance: Pale amber.

Nose: The aromas is woody, with notes of caramel, tangy citrus, and black pepper. 

Palate: A crisp, spicy palate, with cinnamon as well as malty and piney notes. It has a medium to long finish.