J. Henry & Sons Small Batch 5 Year Bourbon

A little background

J. Henry & Sons Small Batch 5 Year Bourbon is a true small batch whiskey, made from batches of just 16 barrels. According to J. Henry & Sons, they blend these barrels together, and then slowly reduce the proof in a technique that does not shock the spirit to an approachable 92 proof. All of their bourbons are made using Heirloom Red Corn, Heirloom Wheat, and Heirloom Rye, all grown on their farm in South Central Wisconsin, which has been in their family since 1946. Their unique 4-grain mash bill of 60% Red Heirloom Corn, 14% Heirloom Winter Wheat, 14% Heirloom Spooner Rye, and 12% Malted barley is used in all their bourbon products. J. Henry & Sons Small Batch 5 Year Bourbon is bottled at 92 proof and can be purchased for around $50.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Light Rust

Nose

Initial nosing reveals a good amount of alcohol burn, which is surprising considering it’s only 92 proof. Notes of oak, butterscotch, lemon, orange and cream are present, with more subtle hints of cinnamon and honey.

Palate

There is some heat up front on this bourbon which quickly fades away to layers of enjoyable flavors of cherry, butterscotch, toffee and cinnamon. The mouthfeel is pleasant with a nice creamy quality and a sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.

Finish

The finish is probably the most enjoyable aspect of this whiskey. There is a pleasant creaminess with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, yeast, and a touch of raisin bread. The sweetness from the palate carries right over to the finish

In closing

Although enjoyable, I was surprised to find so much heat on the nose and palate given this is only a 92 proof bourbon. Without a doubt, it drinks much hotter than that. The flavors and mouthfeel were very pleasant, with a great creamy sweetness. It’s obvious that J. Henry & Sons puts a lot of passion into their products and is taking the time to produce whiskey the “right” way, letting Father Time work his magic on the whiskey. All of their whiskey is aged a minimum of five years and experiences extreme variations in temperature due to the nature of the climate in Wisconsin. Overall this was an enjoyable whiskey and a great representation that good bourbon can me made outside of Kentucky.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of J. Henry & Sons Distillery. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review their whiskey!