Embarking on the journey of bourbon tasting can be both a delightful and enlightening experience. The world of bourbon is rich with flavors and aromas, each bottle offering a unique story to tell. For me, three bourbons stood out as milestones in my journey where I first recognized specific tasting notes: Woodford Reserve Double Oak, Jack Daniel’s No. 7, and Jim Beam Straight Kentucky Bourbon. Each of these bourbons has left an indelible mark on my palate and has helped me appreciate the complexity and craftsmanship that goes into making this classic American spirit. Although these three are not the most complex bourbons, they were the three bourbons where I first recognized a tasting note.
Woodford Reserve Double Oak
Woodford Reserve Double Oak was the first bourbon that truly opened my eyes to the intricacies of flavor. This bourbon started with the nose. The aroma of maple, toffee, and sometimes butterscotch excited me because they were pronounced, and I could pick up the smells that the expert tasters were describing. The first sip greeted me with an unmistakable note of vanilla, a result of the bourbon being matured in two different charred oak barrels. This double maturation process imparts a deep, rich sweetness that is complemented by layers of dark caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of spice. Woodford Reserve Double Oak was the first bourbon that I was able to nose and pick up different aromas.
Jack Daniel’s No. 7
Although technically a Tennessee whiskey, Jack Daniel’s No. 7 has earned its place in the pantheon of iconic American spirits. It was with this bottle that I first discerned the unmistakable note of charcoal, a defining characteristic of the Lincoln County Process, which involves filtering the whiskey through sugar maple charcoal. This process gives Jack Daniel’s its signature smoothness and a gentle smoky quality that sets it apart from traditional bourbons. Alongside the smokiness, I detected notes of ripe banana, along with the other typical flavors and aromas of Whiskey. Ripe banana became the second note that I was able to pick up on the nose and taste.
Jim Beam Straight Kentucky Bourbon
Finally, Jim Beam Straight Kentucky Bourbon was my introduction to the bold and robust flavors that bourbon can offer. With its rich amber hue, this bourbon delivered an initial burst of corn sweetness, followed by a distinctive note of charred oak. As I explored further, I was able to pick up the “nutty” aroma and taste that I had heard characterized Jim Beam. This was the third tasting and aroma note that I was able to pick up on a bourbon.
Final Thoughts
These three bourbons—Woodford Reserve Double Oak, Jack Daniel’s No. 7, and Jim Beam Straight Kentucky Bourbon—each played a significant role in my journey as a bourbon enthusiast. They were the first three whiskeys that I could pick up a note beyond caramel, vanilla, and oak. I believe they are good starter bourbons to get familiar with new notes. I have a fondness for all three of them even though my interests have diversified and I am seeking more complex flavors now. They taught me to appreciate the flavors and aromas that can be found within a single glass, and they encouraged me to explore further and develop my palate. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon aficionado or just beginning your own journey, these iconic bottles are worth revisiting to discover the unique tasting notes they have to offer. As an added bonus, All three can be found on the shelves at most liquor stores in Utah and throughout the US. Cheers to the endless adventure of bourbon tasting!
