Timber Creek Florida Bourbon is a wheated bourbon comprised of a mix of corn, wheat and barley. It is aged a minimum of nine months in charred Missouri oak barrels and bottled at 93 proof. A 750 mL bottle retails for about $37.99. Timber Creek Reserve Florida Bourbon Whiskey differs at its heart from the distillerys Florida Bourbon Whiskey, with the addition of a fourth grain in its mash-bill: rye. The rare four-grain composition of corn, wheat, rye and barley is aged in charred Missouri oak barrels, and bottled at 100 proof a few steps up from the distillerys non-reserve bourbon. A 750 mL bottle retails for about $46.99.
Lots of layers. Front notes include plantains, cherry and all-spice. On the back-end are notes best described as fermentation funk. Woodiness, oak, leather and shoe polish. A few whiffs transported me to an old, comforting library or study. Notes of musk, wood ash and brandy reveal themselves, along with a vegetal undertone.
A preliminary flash of heat is suggestively intense, but quickly mellows to a simmer. There is a boldness of flavor and feel, a complexity of balances a pear sweetness to balance the heat, a cleanness balanced by notes of must and a hint of peat. Final Thoughts and Score: This is a solid, drinkable whiskey. The addition of a rock or two works well to temper the heat just enough to bring forth more of the complex layers of the bourbon. I was inclined to describe this as akin to an elevated Buffalo Trace with some similarities in basic notes, but enhanced in the Timber Creek Florida Bourbon Whiskey. Unsurprisingly, the respective mash bills are quite similar. For an apparently, and relatively speaking, young bourbon this has more going on than expected, and is easily enjoyed. Tasting Notes: Timber Creek Reserve Florida Bourbon Whiskey Vital Stats: Timber Creek Reserve Florida Bourbon Whiskey differs at its heart from the distillerys Florida Bourbon Whiskey, with the addition of a fourth grain in its mash-bill: rye. The rare four-grain composition of corn, wheat, rye and barley is aged in charred Missouri oak barrels, and bottled at 100 proof a few steps up from the distillerys non-reserve bourbon. A 750 mL bottle retails for about $46.99. Appearance: Amber, with hues of a dark rose gold. Nose: Woodiness, oak, leather and shoe polish. A few whiffs transported me to an old, comforting library or study. Notes of musk, wood ash and brandy reveal themselves, along with a vegetal undertone. Palate: In a sort of reverse compared to the non-reserve bourbon, the Reserve starts smooth and calm, and builds with a peppery and tingling heat. Sweeter notes of roasted vanilla fill the mouth, while more acidic tones of charred grapefruit hit the back of the throat. There is a pleasant lingering aftertaste of coffee toffee and dark chocolate-covered almonds. It tastes of a cellar one might imagine exists at a distillery. Dry yet hefty, complex yet not overwhelming, and with a bit of a cognac-like quality. Final Thoughts and Score: True to the distillerys own description, Timber Creek Distillery Reserve Florida Bourbon is remarkably flavorful and complex for a young bourbon. This makes for a nice after-dinner drink to be sipped neat, but also holds its own within a cocktail. Between this and the non-reserve bourbon, my interest is piqued to see what else Timber Creek develops in the coming years.
