Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Maverick Whiskey. 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.
Maverick. And no, I’m not referring to Tom Cruise in Top Gun or James Garner in the television series, but rather the term. It wasn’t first used as the way we know it to mean “an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party” until 1880. The original meaning referred to unbranded cattle all because of one man—Samuel A. Maverick.
Many whiskey brands have mythic figures behind the name. However, Samuel Maverick is a real Texas legend. Sam was one of the Texan Rebels at the Battle of the Alamo. Elected as mayor of San Antonio three years later, he also served as Justice of the Peace. Sam signed the Texas Declaration of Independence and then served in the Texas legislature.
147 years after Samuel Maverick’s death, his descendants founded Maverick Whiskey on the same land he once owned. What started in Dr. Kenneth Maverick’s basement as a hobby has become a distillery and brewery in the historical Lockwood National Bank building. Rather than holding money, the vault holds barrels of aging whiskey.
The most recent bottle released from Maverick Whiskey is a Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon. While the bourbon is a limited edition, I am sure it will be part of an annual release. Only the right barrels are selected and blended to make Maverick Whiskey, many whiskey drinkers seek out limited editions because of their uniqueness.
Maverick Whiskey has faced challenges since the pandemic began. However, just as Samuel Maverick cheated death, the distillery and 25 other Texas distilleries formed the Texas Whiskey Trail with the Texas Whiskey Association. Here’s hoping Maverick Whiskey continues to serve the legacy of its namesake, Samuel Maverick.
Tasting Notes: Samuel Maverick Whiskey Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon
Vital Stats: 57% ABV, 114 proof. A blended straight bourbon made of 72% Texas corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. Aged for a minimum of two years. Only available at Maverick Whiskey in San Antonio, TX. 750ml $65.
Color: Mahogany
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Nose: The nose is funky with lots of layered notes. At first, I was put off by what I found to be sweaty saddle leather. Under this, chocolate truffle and kola nut provide richness and depth. Smoky vanilla pokes around the end.
Palate: The vanilla from the nose hits first and lasts on the tongue throughout the sip. The whiskey is hot from the rye and ABV, but it is silky from the Texas corn. It sort of has a French oak quality to it with tobacco. Garden mint fills the middle with a bit of honey. Apple pie comes through at the end. It is well balanced and not very sweet or dry.
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