Sam Houston 15 Year

My Price: $149.99 (plus tax)

Country/Area: Kentucky, USA

Distillery: Barton

Proof/ABV: 103 Proof/51.5% ABV

Mash Bill: 74% Corn, 18% Rye, 8% Malted Barley

Barrel: New American White Oak

Age: 15 years 6 Months

Nose: Butterscotch, Green Apple, Vanilla

Taste: Oak, Caramel, Sweet Cream

Review: I randomly came across this bottle of Sam Houston at a small liquor store outside of Denver Colorado. Considering the marked up prices on many of their other whiskies I jumped at the chance to pick it up despite its $150 price tag. Upon cracking it open upon my return home I was let down with how oaky and astringent it taste. However, after letting it sit for a few months before coming back for more it seems to have mellowed down a bit. Now the nose and palate jumps with sweet cream and butterscotch. Deep fruit notes are present and the oak is there but is playing a mid/back note. Letting a pour sit for a few minutes also seems to bring out the sweeter side of the whiskey. Although I’m not sure it’s worth the price point even at retail I feel it has morphed from a bad pour into one worth checking out if you ever have a chance. 

My Rating: Sip it. If you can find it!

May the miles you hike be filled with wonder and the glasses you raise be filled with whiskey.

Cheers!

Rating scale:

-Spit: Don’t bother with this one. If a friend gives you a dram of it, are they even your friend?

-Shoot: Good enough to get you drunk.

-Sip: Tasty enough to enjoy neat or on the rocks.

-Stock: I’d recommend keeping a bottle on hand.