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Strange Raven 6 Year Straight Bourbon Review

What happens when a bourbon maker hides nothing and reveals every detail about what's in the bottle? Strange Raven's "barrel passport" approach changes the game.

OVERALL RATING

7
$65
  • Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Strange Raven is the product of Brian Ward, the illustrious curator and creator. Mr. Ward is bringing forth something a little different with the introduction of his house label. In this he is building what he calls a “barrel passport” or series where every bottle shipped from this lineage contains a detailed breakdown of exactly what’s in the bottle. Lot and cask number, mashbill, entry proof, char level, distillation method, dates, and percentage lost to evaporation “angels share”.

I think a lot of new whiskies try to stand out by focusing on the ‘story’ behind the label and shy away from exactly what’s in the bottle. Mr. Ward is attacking this problem a little differently. He is showing us everything and letting us judge before we buy. I commend that spirit as it’s often lacking with new and otherwise unproven labels.

The vitals:
60% Corn
26% Rye
4% Malted Barley
Copper Pot Still in Kentucky.
Appearance:
Medium amber with medium legs
Nose:
Light warming alcohol with an oak body – almost sweet wood. There is a light cherry vanilla cola balanced across the nose.
Palate:
The mouthfeel is slightly viscous as it coats the tongue. The taste opens with walnut, molasses and burnt sugar, slight orange peel, biscuits/breakfast pastry, baking spices, some mild alcohol burn with sweet corn. Overall very pleasant. I’ve heard others describe this as having a strong cinnamon ‘bomb’ component, but that was not my experience.
Finish:
Lingering pleasant wood profile and subtle burn. There is a subtle hint of sweetness to the palate but overall is a clean drink.
Comments:
Solid bourbon. There’s a perceived complexity of a blend of spices, likely coming from the rye spice that is enveloped still by the corn. Makes for a nice balance and a pleasant finish. Good for a relaxing evening or to enjoy while watching TV or playing board games with friends. Would also mix well in a cocktail.

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.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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