Wilderness Trail Small Batch Bottled in Bond

A little background

Wilderness Trail Distillery was founded in 2013 and is located in Danville, Kentucky. This small batch bourbon whiskey is bottled in bond, so we know that it’s at least 4 years old and bottled at 100 proof. According to Wilderness Trail, their Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the result of one fermenter and a blend of up to 12 barrels. The mash bill is 64 percent corn, 24 percent rye, and 12 percent malted barley and was fermented using their own yeast strains. Wilderness Trail Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled in Bond has a retail price of around $45 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Amber

Nose

The nose has notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, red apple, and clove.

Palate

The bourbon transitions nicely across the palate as the sweet notes of vanilla and caramel are apparent. The oak also begins to shine through as an array of kitchen spices evolve. There is also a touch of astringency present.

Finish

The palate rounds out the pour nicely as the oak, vanilla, and spices really come together. This bourbon has a short to medium-length finish.

In closing

Wilderness Trail Small Batch Bottled in Bond solid bourbon that I definitely think is worth trying. This is also a product with a good base that is only going to improve as it continues to age. The folks over at Wilderness Trail have definitely created a solid foundation for such a young company. At $45, don’t even think twice.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Wilderness Trail Distillery. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.

Wilderness Trail Small Batch Bottled in Bond

100 Proof
8.3

Complexity

8.3/10

Nose

8.3/10

Palate

8.3/10

Finish

8.3/10

Value

8.3/10

The Good

  • Availability
  • Bottled in Bond
  • Value

The Bad

  • Astringency on Palate

Courtney Stiers

Courtney found her passion for bourbon while sampling her way through her husband’s collection. She quickly learned what she liked and was determined to try as many different bourbons as she can. Courtney loves visiting the distilleries and learning the history behind the brands. Besides collecting and drinking bourbon she also enjoys capturing the beauty of the bourbon culture through her photography. You can follow her bourbon journey on Instagram @picsandpours

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Ken Johnson

    Complexity

    7.5

    Nose

    6.5

    Palate

    8.5

    Finish

    9

    Value

    9.5

    Maybe late to the table given the review date but, I find the finish quite enjoyable and not as fleeting as the reviewer observed. Yes, spicey and astringent up front and the pepper lingers on the front of the tongue. However, the complexity of this offering is revealed as the finish progresses and I tasted a long buttered popcorn finish. Really, quite enjoyable.

    I am not a bourbon aficionado. Perhaps the corn forward taste is a relative experience. I usually drink Irish and Scotch neat or with a sliver of ice.

    Overall, I enjoyed this bourbon as a change of pace.

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