I love getting emails from readers. You guys are literally the only thing that keeps me going as this is not, and never will be, a profit center for me. Between hosting, domain registration, email accounts, and of course purchasing new and interesting bourbons for review? Well, let’s just say that if the time comes where I need to really look at making cuts to the budget, the thousands of dollars per year that I spend on this site will be one of the first things thought of for the ol’ chopping block.
And you guys write in for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes to correct me, which I appreciate. Many times to give me the ol’ attaboy, which I love. And occasionally one of you will write in with a request for the type of thing you’d want to see covered in upcoming posts, which is super helpful.
Sometimes the requests are for certain brands, but by far the most common of request is for more coverage of inexpensive bourbons. I like that suggestion. I’m a frugal guy. To be honest, the main reason that I don’t cover more inexpensive bourbons is not because I don’t like them, but because after doing the Bottom Shelf Brackets for so many years, I’ve basically run out of them. Or at least ones sold locally that aren’t TerrePure. I’m never knowingly putting that shit in my mouth again.
So I knew it was going to make at least a few of you very happy when, on my last trip to Kentucky, I saw a 375 mL bottle of a whiskey that I’d never had before. And one from a beloved producer at that. I’ve never picked up the 90 proof version of Ancient Age before. I’d had the 80 proof numerous times. I’d had the 10- year-old back in the day. I’m unconvinced that I’ve had the Ancient Age 10-Star bourbon. I just can’t remember. But I knew I had never had the 90 proof. So I picked it up. This is distributed in Kentucky, Tennessee, and parts of West Virginia.
Ancient Age 90 proof
Purchase Info: $6.49 for a 375 mL bottle at Liquor Barn, Louisville, KY
Price per Drink (50 mL): $0.87
Details: 45% ABV. 3- years-old.
Nose: Delicate on the nose. Notes of caramel, vanilla, red fruits and baking spice.
Mouth: Spicy cinnamon touched with cocoa powder, mint, dried grains, dried fruits, and vanilla.
Finish: Medium in length and warmth. Notes of cinnamon, red fruits, and caramel.
Thoughts: While this won't win many awards, it is nothing to turn your nose up at. At only three years old and less than $1 per pour, this is much spicier than I had anticipated. Especially as I've had the 80 proof that is sold here in Minnesota and it has next to no spice to it. For the price, I like it. I'd probably reach for Very Old Barton first, but if I'm in a Buffalo Trace kind of mood, but don't have a Buffalo Trace kind of budget, then this'll do in a pinch. Kinda gets lost in an Old Fashioned but would work ok in a Whiskey Sour.
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