There are some distilleries with a story so unique you simply have to pay attention. Widow Jane, operating out of a facility in Red Hook, Brooklyn that it shares with a chocolate factory, is one of them. I visited years ago and was captivated by its character. I opened their 10 Year Old Straight Bourbon, a whiskey blended from spirits sourced in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. It’s a bottle that doesn’t just tell a story; it delivers a bold and memorable experience in the glass.
What makes this bourbon so compelling is its meticulous, small-scale production. Each release is a hand-selected batch of just five barrels. To give that some context, many mainstream small-batch products can use upwards of 200 barrels. This tiny selection process means each batch is incredibly focused. The bourbon is also non-chill filtered, preserving the full depth of its texture and flavour. While the whiskey is sourced, the blending is all done in-house, creating a final product that is distinctly their own until their own aged stock is ready to take over completely.
On the nose, this bourbon is an alluring and evolving journey. After a week of being open, an initial burst of oak has blossomed into a cascade of fruit, from honey and blackcurrant to more tropical notes of mango and pineapple. There’s a distinct red wine character here, a quality I find in only a few select bourbons. On the palate, the experience is powerful. The first sip is a big, warming wave of gentle oak. This is not a delicate whiskey; it’s a bourbon that makes you sit up and pay attention. As the oak subsides, a rush of spice gives way to rich notes of blackcurrant jam, damsons, and even maple syrup, creating a complex and layered profile.
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READ THE STORYOf course, we have to address the price. At around £80 to £90 in the UK, this is a premium bourbon. However, it occupies a space that many other bottles have recently vacated by becoming far more expensive. In that sense, it’s filling a vacuum for high-quality, age-stated bourbon. For the price, you get a flavour profile that is truly unforgettable. It’s an eight out of ten for me. It’s powerful, nuanced, and proof that a great blend can create something exceptional. For any serious bourbon fan, this is one you should check out.
Have you tried Widow Jane, and what do you think about its bold, oak-forward style?
To hear my full tasting notes, watch my YouTube video here.
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