Introduction
If you’re a true bourbon lover, you always seek an exciting thrill to discover new flavors and blends that this fascinating whiskey world has to offer. It’s like an adventure where each bottle uncovers a new story and history that’s as rich as its taste. Thus, being in the good grace of 2023, we’ve lined up the 10 best new bourbons launched this July that you must try, at least once. So hold your breath as we dive into this oaky, smooth journey of bourbons.
1. Raven’s Peak No. 10 Single Barrel
Review
Raven’s Peak No. 10 Single Barrel is an exploration of subtlety. It’s a harmony of sweetness from corn, a slight burn from the rye, and that rich, unadulterated flavor from the barley that makes it a clean and complex bourbon. The aging in new charred oak barrels imparts a dark color and an amalgamation of caramel, cherry, and vanilla flavors with a long, smooth finish. A perfect choice for both newcomers and veteran whiskey enthusiasts alike.
2. Blackbird Distillery Reserve
Review
Blackbird Distillery Reserve surprises its drinkers with an intriguing mixture of flavors. This bourbon opens up with a burst of fresh orange zest and toasted almonds on the nose. The palate is distinctive with notes of honey, dried dates, and a pinch of sea salt, making the whisky all the more dashing. The mesmerizing blend is further enriched by a sweet caramel-toffee finish that lingers in your mouth.
3. Old Parson’s Bourbon Aged 12 Years
Review
Old Parson’s Bourbon presents a luxurious tradition of making bourbon that’s been aged for 12 long years. It greets your senses with a touch of earthy oak, tobacco, and dark chocolate notes, balanced with a hint of sweet vanilla and ripe, dark fruits. The finish is long, featuring an enticing medley of oak spices – it’s like a well-aged memory in a glass.
4. Hummingbird Creek Special Reserve
Review
Hummingbird Creek Special Reserve traps you with a sweet pick of caramel, brown sugar, and vanilla accents, underlined by the warmth of the rye. The palate follows the nose with rich caramel and spicy oak flavors, amplified by fruitier notes of ripe cherries and baked apple. The aftertaste is mellow, and velvety smooth. It’s an ideal bourbon to relax with on a chilly evening.
5. Crescent River Bourbon
Review
Crescent River Bourbon is crafted to offer a unique taste experience. It presents an attractive nose of mulled spices, dried apricots, and sweet vanilla cream. The palate unravels a beautiful balance of rich malts, toasted nuts, and a sophisticated spice kick, dismissed by a pleasantly long, warm finish. A real delightful choice for bourbon lovers.
6. Gold Finch Limited Edition
Review
Gold Finch Limited Edition is an enchanting melody of aromatic richness and taste. Dark, dried red fruit, cinnamon spice, and a flutter of toasted oak dominate the nose. A taste reveals mocha, hint of citrus, and the warmth of oak peppered with holiday spices. It closes with a smooth aftertaste, rounding off the enjoyment.
7. Pebble Beach Small Batch
Review
Pebble Beach Small Batch invites you into a dance of rich caramel, toffee, and green apples on the nose. Taste introduces a fascinating combination of maple syrup, baked cinnamon, and nutmeg with a whisper of smoky oak. The finish is delightfully smooth that makes for a charming sipper.
8. Starling’s Rare Release
Review
Starling’s Rare Release steals the show with its unique profile. The nose is a bouquet of dark chocolate, vanilla cream, and bold rye that’s incredibly enticing. On the palate, the bourbon offers a pleasant clash of sweet and tart berries with a hint of toasted almonds. The finish sways between sweetness and a tingle of warming spices, leaving a memorable impression.
9. Ironsides Distilling’s Double Oak
Review
Ironsides Distilling’s Double Oak is a testament to tradition and craftsmanship. It opens with rich, oxidized apple, nutmeg, and a whisper of smoke on the nose. The palate is a gastronomic delight of buttery toffee, rich cocoa, and a hint of cherry. The finish is long, smooth, and punctuated by lingering spicy notes – it’s whiskey sophistication at its best.
10. Wilder’s Touch 1817
Review
Wilder’s Touch 1817 closes its lineup with brilliance. The bourbon exhibits a bouquet of aged leather, sweet tobacco, and honeyed figs on the nose. The taste is a splendid array of ripe orchard fruits, smoky oak, and dark chocolate with a hint of cinnamon spice, rounded off by a beautifully satisfying finish. It’s a bourbon that impresses with its complexity.
Conclusion
July 2023 has indeed brought a few glittering stars to the bourbon universe. Each one with its unique depth and character offers a unique experience that you’d surely want to savor. Whether you’re a bourbon novice or a whisky-snob, these brands are sure to broaden your horizons. But remember, the best bourbon is the one you enjoy drinking. So choose your bottle(s), pour yourself a generous one and enjoy the ride. Cheers!
This list compiled by UPROXX is a true treat for bourbon enthusiasts like myself. With the expert evaluation of the top 10 July 2023 bourbon releases, I can confidently explore and expand my whiskey tasting repertoire. The detailed assessments of taste, nose, and finish ensure that I can find the perfect bourbon that suits my preferences. I am excited to delve into the world of leading craft distilleries across the US and take my whiskey tasting experience to new heights.