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.
Entrepreneur, international celebrity, and New York Times best-selling author Jon Taffer is a 40-year veteran of the hospitality industry focusing primarily on transforming struggling bars into successful businesses. Reality television fans, as well as many service industry workers, may well be familiar with his reality series Bar Rescue, in which his contributions to the much needed improvement of restaurants and bars across the US makes for engaging viewing.
In between production of Bar Rescue, Taffer worked to create his own whiskey expression, which was inspired by his extensive and noteworthy career in the restaurant and bar business. “In my decades of bar and hospitality work, I have seen just about everything when it comes to reimagining spirits or cocktails,” Taffer said in a prepared statement. “When the idea of marrying the flavor profiles of whiskey and browned butter hit me, I knew we were onto something unique and special. But that’s where the work began.”
Recently we spoke with Taffer not only about his new bourbon but also about how “gratifying” his work on his series has been to him. While discussing the successful transformations of bars on the show during its eight seasons, Taffer said, “At the end, often when we go to hug, it covers up the mic. But what nobody hears, it’s the people saying how unbelievably grateful they are and how this saved them. That’s why I say it’s the most gratifying thing I’ve ever done.”
Regarding his new whiskey expression, Taffer is excited that many in the culinary industry in Vegas are already using it in some of their recipes. For instance, according to Taffer, it’s been used for browned butter French toast as well as inspiring a chef to create Browned Butter Bourbon steak.
Debuting in Las Vegas and Boston in April of this year, Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon is Taffer’s nod to the world of culinary arts. According to the distiller’s tasting notes, Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon features notes of toasted caramel and crème brûlée on the nose, along with notes of vanilla and toffee on the palate. All of which culminate in a sweet, gentle finish with complexity, as well as browned butter and hints of banana.
Bottled at 80 proof, Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon retails at around $34 for a 750 ml bottle. While currently available at retailers in Nevada and Massachusetts, it will soon become available at liquor stores nationwide. You can also check out www.taffersbrownedbutterbourbon.com for more information about availability.
Tasting Notes: Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon
Vital Stats: 80 proof (40% ABV), 750 ml bottle MSRP $34.
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Appearance: Rich gold.
Nose: The nose offers an initial note of cotton candy followed closely by flavors of brown sugar, buttery baked fruit, and hints of golden raisins.
Palate: On the palate are flavors of peanut brittle, buttered toffee, rich maple syrup, and kettle corn.
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