A little background

Davidson Reserve Tennessee Straight Sour Mash Whiskey is Nashville’s first locally distilled four-year-old spirit since prohibition. The mash bill (70% Corn, 25% Rye, and 5% Barley) purposely includes minimal malt which allows flavors from the Tennessee-grown corn and rye to shine through. The spirit is distilled twice and filtered through virgin Tennessee sugar maple charcoal before being aged a minimum of four years. After aging, this Tennessee Whiskey is bottled at 100 proof. MSRP is seat at approximately $40.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Light Amber

Nose

The nose begins with notes of ethanol, oak, corn, and rye spice. As the spirit opens in the glass, faint banana, walnut, and honey nut notes begin to appear.

Palate

The first sip has a thin viscosity and a prominent oak bitterness. The second sip is accompanied by an effervescent ethanol note that transitions to oak, corn, and leather notes. The third sip is an intensified representation of the notes described above.

Finish

The finish is medium to long and spicy. Oak, corn, and spice notes are most prominent. However, faint notes of banana begin to appear as the finish fades.

In closing

Davidson Reserve Tennessee Straight Sour Mash Whiskey is an interesting Tennessee Whiskey. The nose and palate share notes of oak, corn, and spice. The finish is medium in length and is accompanied by banana notes as it begins to fade. I would recommend trying a pour of this bourbon before purchasing a bottle. Some may like it, and others may not.

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