Olivia Taylor
A Sample of the Capital: District Made Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Among the numerous libations lining the ambitious aisles of liquor stores and the overflowing shelves of modern bars, bourbon holds a place of distinction. It is America’s native spirit, imbued with the history and hardiness of the nation’s forefathers. When it comes to bourbon, quality is key and today’s review is focused on a new challenger on the scene, District Made Straight Bourbon Whiskey, produced right in our nation’s capital.
The Distillery behind District Made Straight Bourbon Whiskey
District Distilling Company, located in Washington D.C., is a relatively new entrant in the craft distilling industry. Having started production in 2016, it might be a toddler in the industry, but no one should underestimate its ambition or quality. A major part of District Distilling Company’s charm lies in its dedication to creating a range of handcrafted, premium spirits from locally sourced grains.
Tasting Notes: First Impressions
Beginning with the bottle, District Made Straight Bourbon Whiskey paints an unpretentious, modern-yet-traditional picture. Let’s dive into what truly matters – the taste.
Nose
The nose reveals a warm welcome filled with notes of caramel, toasted oak and a hint of ripe cherry. Even before the first sip, it captivates the senses, raising anticipations of what’s to come.
Palate
Once it’s finally time to delve into the decadence, this whiskey welcomes the palate with a unique blend of sweetness and spice. A hearty mix of rich caramel, sweet corn, and vanilla is balanced by hints of spice, oak, and pepper. The intensity of the flavors is fulfilling but not overpowering, allowing the various nuances to shine.
Finish
The finish is quite engaging. The lasting memory of each sip is a smooth texture, leaving a warm and slightly spicy taste that lingers and invites for the next sip. The distinct cherry flavor that appeared on the nose makes a pleasing encore in the finish, offering a gentle fruitiness that contrasts the warmth and spice.
Judging its Worth
Judging by taste alone, District Made Straight Bourbon Whiskey manages to hold its own. No, it might not have the long lineage of more established bourbon brands, but there’s a playful confidence in its taste. An offering that’s both respectful of traditions and youthful in its exploration of flavors.
Value for Money
If there’s one thing that up and coming craft distilleries often struggle with, it’s providing products that justify their typically higher price point. The District Made Straight, however, is comparably priced for craft bourbon, and for the complexity and quality in each bottle, it offers real value for money.
Final Thoughts
District Made Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a vibrant newcomer that displays an applaudable balance of tradition and innovation. And while it might be a relatively new kid on the block, it’s a bourbon that’s worthy of a place on your liquor shelf. It represents a brand that’s carving its niche with high-quality, handcrafted spirits and is certainly worth a try—if not for its taste, then for the youthful vibrancy and dedication it brings to the craft of distilling. The folks at District Distilling are making their mark, and it’s one that’s well worth checking out.
