Old Hamer Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey

A little background

Old Hamer Cask Strength came out of the barrel at 116.2 proof and comes in at a retail of around $40. It is currently distilled by MGP in Lawrenceburg, IN and bottled by West Fork Whiskey Co. in Indianapolis, IN. The mash bill is 99% corn and 1% malted barley. The whiskey is aged a minimum of 2 years and is unique in the fact that the company has resurrected the Old Hamer brand that was once known for making some of the finest whiskey of the 19th century. The Hamers bought the brand in 1825 for $7000 and used a mash bill very similar to the one that is being used today.

Tasted neat from a Cradle Glass

Color

Caramel

Nose

As you approach the glass, notes of vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, orange, and a little bit of oak enter the scene. The vanilla and caramel are prevalent right away as the nose is sweet but not overly sweet. The notes of orange and fresh fruit follow and really adds some nice balance. Then at the end, a little touch of oak comes and rounds out the nose adding even more balance. I was wondering if an overpowering corn note would come through, but I really didn’t get a corn or grain note at all.

Palate

As the bourbon enters you mouth, it moves from the front palate to the back palate in a very rhythmic fashion. On the front palate, notes of caramel, peanuts, and baking spice really shine through. Then as the bourbon coats the mouth and moves to the back palate, a slight char becomes apparent and causes a smooth burn that really adds to the aromatic properties of the bourbon. The mouthfeel is a medium viscosity, and the bourbon coats the palate nicely.

Finish

The bourbon has a medium finish that is led by a strong peanut note that is followed by notes of cinnamon and baking spice that begin to linger in your throat.

Complexity

This Cask Strength offering is fairly complex especially for a 2-year-old bourbon. It offers a distinct nose and flavors that come at you in layers. The notes change and develop as they move along the palate offering some delightful flavors for the drinker. With a few drops of water, floral notes become present on the nose, and the sweeter notes of caramel and vanilla become more prevalent on the palate; however, the palate also becomes spicier.

In Conclusion

Old Hamer is a very good Cask Strength offering especially at the $40 price point. I would highly recommend going to grab a bottle as I think this one might surprise you. It offers the flavors of a higher proof product with the sweeter notes of caramel and vanilla that you typically don’t see in bourbons this young or at this price point.