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Bourbon Review: Watershed Barrel Strength Bourbon

We review Watershed Distillery Barrel Strength Bourbon. It's a six-year-old bourbon distilled in Ohio from corn, wheat, rye, barley, and spelt.

OVERALL RATING

8
  • Jacob Wirt, former cook and researcher, now explores the world of whiskey with curiosity.
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Watershed Barrel Strength Bourbon Batch 002

Tasting Notes

About:

Appearance:
It pours a viscous amber.
Nose:
The aromas from the oak barrel come in strong here, accompanied by the rich sweetness of medjool dates.
Palate:
It’s hot, but it drinks smoother than the proof. There is a lot going on here. I even thought it was a bit “busy” at first, until I found it opened up really nicely after sitting in the glass for a few minutes. A couple drops of water could be added for a similar effect. There is sweetness here, but it plays in a supporting role to flavors of dried dates and figs with some spice moving into a light, herbaceous quality. The tannins in the finish linger for a while, giving one time to parse out the individual notes in a complex flavor.
Finish:
Comments:
This bottle gives you a sense of what Watershed is about. It is complicated, singular, even a bit weird at times. The unorthodox mash bill and cask finish make this bottle truly unique. It may not be for everyone, but that adds to its charm. Most of the press for this expression stresses that quantities are limited and if you have the opportunity it’s absolutely worth trying. Despite the fact that I really enjoyed the uncommon flavors in this bottle, I’m not sure whether I’d recommend it if the limited availability of bottles requires you to chase the bottle above the retail price point on secondary markets, unless you’re quite sure you want something different.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Jacob Wirt

Jacob Wirt, whose past lives as a cook and cultural studies researcher, continues to shape his deep appreciation for fermented grain beverages. His understanding extends beyond the mere enjoyment of the drink; he recognizes the knowledge, labor, and rich history behind every glass. With a passion for homebrewing beer, Wirt finds a similar fascination in whiskey, exploring how techniques, ingredients, and nuanced variables create the distinctive character of each expression.

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