Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Town Branch. 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.
Town Branch Bourbon is made by Lexington Distilling, or Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co., as some know it. The name “Town Branch” is named after the limestone waterway, Elkhorn Creek, that runs through Lexington. The “town” was built on this branch of water to provide power, and also to provide filtered limestone water for distilling. In other words, it was the perfect town for making bourbon. Town Branch is the first new distillery built in Lexington since Prohibition, but it stands in good company.
The Town Branch Distillery in Lexington, Kentucky, opened in 2012, and became part of the world renowned Kentucky Bourbon Trail. There are 17 other distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Town Branch has another location, Alltech Dueling Barrels Brewery and Distillery, in Pikeville, Kentucky. For even more fun and history they also have Pearse Lyon Distillery at St. James church in Dublin, Ireland.
Being the new “kid” on the block isn’t easy. The other distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon trail are very well known and rich in history–brands like Evan Williams, Jim Beam, Michter’s, and Wild Turkey. There’s a lot of pressure to start from scratch and compete on this level, but Town Branch is offering something for everyone including a bourbon, rye, and malt whiskey. Some others on the trail that you might not know about, Wilderness Trail and Rabbit Hole, both opened at the same time as Town Branch.
Town Branch is owned by Alltech, an agriculture, meat, and beverage megacorp. Lexington Distilling was established in 1999 and offers a full line up of malt whiskey, rye, beer, canned cocktails, gin, bourbon, and other spirits. Maybe the bourbon will be your favorite. For me, it was the rye, but let’s dive into the bourbon for this review.
Tasting Notes: Town Branch Bourbon
Vital Stats: 90 proof. Mash bill: 72% corn, 15% malted barley, 13% rye. Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Lexington, Kentucky. $37.
Appearance: A rich tawny color. The great square bottle shape would be a good display on any bar.
Nose: Town Branch Bourbon has that classic classic bourbon nose: sweet and smoky orange. There’s also hints of a warm summer day, with sweet grass and alfalfa.
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Palate: The palate is a warm, earthy, and bitter ride. I detected some bitter tannins, leather, citrus, Yuzu, and radish. I thought the middle was warm and the finish a bit bitter, like greens and parsley.
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