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Bourbon Review: J. Mattingly 1845 Small Batch Classic Bourbon

We review J. Mattingly 1845 Small Batch Classic Bourbon, a six-and-a-half-year Kentucky straight bourbon influenced by the distillery's "double-staving" process.

OVERALL RATING

9
$110
  • Nino Kilgore-Marchetti, founder of The Whiskey Wash, is an award-winning whiskey journalist, expert, and judge
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J. Mattingly 1845 Small Batch Classic Bourbon review

Tasting Notes

About:

A six-and-a-half-year Kentucky straight bourbon influenced by the distillery’s “double-staving” process. It is bottled at 119 proof and priced at $110.
Appearance:
This is surprisingly dark in the glass. The deep amber notes suggest a much older bourbon. It is supported by moderate legs and viscosity.
Nose:
Intense and rich notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla greet you as your nose hits the rim of the glass, supported by a well-structured backbone of peanut butter, toasted almonds, dark chocolate, and a hint of wet grass.
Palate:
Wow, wow, wow – this is quite the spectacular sipper upon palate contact. Layers of creme brulee, BBQ smoke, sweet vanilla, baking spice, a pop of oak, decadent caramel, and fresh apples abound. It is three-dimensional in consideration.
Finish:
This finishes on the hot side, bringing some nice smoke and a bit of sweetness to the back of the throat for a nice, long lingering.
Comments:
J. Mattingly 1845 Small Batch Classic Bourbon is a bourbon for the ages. I was initially skeptical, given the price point for the age statement, but after tasting this, I get it – this is a unique expression that shows how the Mattingly family knows its stuff—well done!

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.

Nino Kilgore-Marchetti

Nino Kilgore-Marchetti is the founder of The Whiskey Wash, an award-winning whiskey lifestyle website dedicated to informing and entertaining consumers about whisk(e)y globally. As a whisk(e)y journalist, expert, and judge, he has written extensively about the subject, been interviewed in various media outlets, and provided tasting input on many whiskeys at competitions.

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