Dustin Gandoff
Review: Starlight Carl T. Huber’s Bloody Butcher Straight Bourbon (Blood Moon Batch)
Carmel corn | Toasted nuts | Fried dough | Corn | Sweet with a noticeable roasted quality to it
Dark Cherry | Sandalwood | Roasted peanuts | Fruit cake | Burnt caramel | Leans sweet
Dried fruits | Leather | Nutty | Mince pie | Lasting roasted aftertaste
Made from a unique style of corn to die for, Starlight’s Bloody Butcher Bourbon is unique tasting that is mindful to not go overboard in any one direction.
Starlight Distillery located in Borden, Indiana calls Huber’s Orchard & Winery home. The farm started in 1843 when Simon Huber settled it, and is now in the 7th generation of Hubers living and working on the farm. With over 600 acres to farm, Huber’s is a big operation growing a wide breadth of agriculture. Common in established farms is the practice of heirloom crops where a farmer preserves seeds that have been hand selected for the best flavor, passed down for generations. Bloody Butcher is one such variety of corn that Huber’s Farm has “maintained” over the years. While its name suggests something nefarious, it is called this due to its dark red and burnt orange patchy coloring.
Distilling using Bloody Butcher corn is less common than the typical white and yellow sweet corn most bourbons are distilled with. In the case of Starlight’s Bloody Butcher Bourbon, it is still sweet tasting with an apparent roasted quality to its flavor profile. It doesn’t go overboard and venture into smoked territory, instead maintaining a fine line of deep, robust, and roasted quality to its flavors. It maintains Starlight’s standard bourbon approachableness while adding a slight twist to it. Dark cherry is nicely complimented by sandalwood, roasted peanuts, burnt caramel, and fruit cake. Interestingly, during its finish, a note of mince pie develops. As unusual as mince pie is as a flavor note, it’s a welcome one adding a complex mixture of spice, fruit, and meatiness. It might not be for everyone, Bloody Butcher Bourbon is careful not to go overboard in any one flavor note and maintains a good balance overall.
Conclusion
Bloody Butcher Bourbon by Starlight is an interesting and unique whisky, utilizing a specialized strain of corn to distil something quite different. With flavors of dark cherry, sandalwood, roasted peanuts, fruit cake, burnt caramel, and mince pie, this whiskey is quite complex. It is also balanced nicely, ensuring none of the flavors become overpowering. All in all, Bloody Butcher Bourbon is a great choice for a unique whisky experience.
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Starlight Distillery
Distillery: Starlight Distillery
Release Date: October 2022
Proof: 106 (Cask Strength)
Age: 4.5 Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed amounts of corn, rye, malted barley
Color: Auburn
MSRP: $60 (2022)
Ongeeks –such as ourselves– might be used to. Albeit at Starlight they don’t want to lean on the corn too hard – and downright run away with the whiskey as has happened with some bourbons of late. It’s the base of the recipe with a complex wheat and malt bill mixed in. On top of the uniqueness of the Bloody Butcher corn used, Starlight oaks the spirit aged for two years in 5 gallon barrels. This unconventional choice of small barrels is practiced by few distillers who want a quick turnaround time, opposed to the usual 53 gallon barrels that can take up to 6 years to age.
The reviewer gives a detailed description of the bourbon, including its unique use of Bloody Butcher corn and small 5 gallon barrels for aging. It seems like an interesting and unique offering from Starlight Distillery that bourbon lovers would appreciate.
“The review gives a thorough and interesting description of Starlight’s Bloody Butcher Straight Bourbon, highlighting its unique corn variety and balanced flavor profile. The author’s familiarity with the distillery and its history adds a personal touch and depth to the review. Overall, a well-written and informative piece for bourbon enthusiasts.”
Ons are made with. This corn adds earthy and fruity flavors to the spirit and is often used in distillate production for small amounts of added flavor. Bloody Butcher is given permission to shine here and front and center you get notes of caramel, toasted nuts, and roasted peanuts on the palate. Light fruit favors of cherry and sandalwood make an appearance and round out the finish which comes with a lasting toasted aftertaste.
“Bloody Butcher Bourbon is a unique and flavorful bourbon made from a rare variety of corn, grown and distilled at Starlight Distillery in Indiana. The roasted and sweet notes give it a balanced taste, making it a must-try for any bourbon lover.”