Bourbon

Hooker's House Cohabitation 7/21 Bourbon

OVERALL
RATING

Whiskey Review: Hooker’s House Cohabitation 7/21 Bourbon

by Natalie Padilla
September 12, 2016

Tasting Notes:

About:

Appearance:

Nose:

Here’s where things become a bit muddied. The nose is quite faint, like springtime in a glass, but if you were smelling it in February instead of April in full bloom. There are hints of rose and pear, and a bit of baking spice if you really try for it.

Palate:

Spring turns to fall quickly as the bourbon coats your tongue. It tastes and feels as thick as candy corn doused in cinnamon. Like sweet Thanksgiving in a glass – round and full in your mouth as your stomach feels post-Turkey coma. It’s not so bad, until you feel the harsh bite of alcohol in your throat (unexpectedly, given the sugary start). Final Thoughts: The solera-aged process certainly comes through with the sherry-like qualities on the palate; it meets expectations here, and is also unique. However, both the nose and palate leave something to be desired, being neither bold nor daring. There is a lack of consistency from nose to mouth and into the finish, perhaps because of the multiple barrel process. At best, Cohabitation Bourbon is an average mixing whiskey, without the price of one; not outright offensive, but nothing to write home about. Final Score: 70/100 [SHOP FOR A BOTTLE OF HOOKER’S HOUSE COHABITATION 7/21 BOURBON]

Finish:

Comments:

In the 1860’s, Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker earned “the reputation of an aggressive leader who cared for the welfare of his men.” Bold and daring are two words used to describe this semi-legendary Civil War general on the Union side. These are not, however, words I would use to describe the bourbon made in his honor, Hooker’s House Cohabitation 7/21 Bourbon, by Prohibition Spirits.

From Prohibition Spirits:

“Hooker’s House Whiskeys honor the infamous General Joseph Hooker, a Civil War Veteran, Sonoma resident, lady’s man and whiskey aficionado. The bold and spicy character of our Whiskeys is matched by the General’s sometimes outrageous and overindulging lifestyle. General Hooker Lives on in Hooker’s House Bourbon, Rye, Reserve & Privates Select Whiskeys.”

There are currently five Hooker’s House Whiskey variations, ranging from 100% rye to 100% corn. Prohibition Spirits is based in Sonoma, California and the location inspiration is clear: all of their whiskeys are “Sonoma-style.” Hooker’s House Bourbon and Rye are both finished in (different) wine barrels retired from local wineries, and Hooker’s House Cohabitation 7/21 Bourbon uses solera aging, a process generally reserved for cognacs, ports and sherries. This latter limited supply expression is a blend of Prohibition Spirit’s best barrels of their straight, sourced bourbon whiskey, aged from 7 to 21 years.

Like the “cohabitation” name suggests, four unique types of barrels were used in this process, including the original twenty-one year old American oak barrels, newer American oak casks, Bel Aire French oak barrels (previously used to mature a Napa Cabernet), and a brand new Eclat French oak barrel. Hooker’s House Cohabitation 7/21 Bourbon Bourbon is bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV) and has a mash bill of 56% corn & 46% rye.

Tasting Notes: Hooker’s House Cohabitation 7/21 Bourbon

Color: The bottle is beautiful and the color is just as gorgeous as you pour – a vibrant, crystal clear red-orange.

Nose: Here’s where things become a bit muddied. The nose is quite faint, like springtime in a glass, but if you were smelling it in February instead of April in full bloom. There are hints of rose and pear, and a bit of baking spice if you really try for it.

Palate: Spring turns to fall quickly as the bourbon coats your tongue. It tastes and feels as thick as candy corn doused in cinnamon. Like sweet Thanksgiving in a glass – round and full in your mouth as your stomach feels post-Turkey coma. It’s not so bad, until you feel the harsh bite of alcohol in your throat (unexpectedly, given the sugary start).

Final Thoughts:

The solera-aged process certainly comes through with the sherry-like qualities on the palate; it meets expectations here, and is also unique. However, both the nose and palate leave something to be desired, being neither bold nor daring. There is a lack of consistency from nose to mouth and into the finish, perhaps because of the multiple barrel process.