A little background

Magnolia Bottled in Bond whiskey is distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana from a mash bill that is comprised of 95% rye. The whiskey is then aged for at least four years before being bottled at 100 proof. The Bottled in Bond distinction informs us that this release was the product of a single distillery, and was distilled in a single season before being cut to 50% alcohol with Kentucky spring water (according to the website). S.N. Pike’s Magnolia Bottled in Bond Whiskey has a retail price of $55 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Faded Copper

Nose

When first poured a little ethanol comes out of the glass, but after a few minutes it subsides and is replaced by notes of apple and pear, along with a touch of french vanilla deep in the glass.

Palate

For a 100 proof rye, S.N. Pike’s Magnolia Bottled in Bond Whiskey touches down with surprisingly sweet notes of fruit, followed by a note of clove and the lightest touch of oak around the corners of the palate. Nothing unpleasant, but a pretty simple flavor profile.

Finish

A lighter mouthfeel results in an at-best average finish for a 100 proof whiskey. The flavors that linger are cloves and pear, with some mixed baking spice-the only indication so far that this came from 95% rye grain.

In closing

On paper, S.N. Pike’s Magnolia Bottled in Bond Whiskey is a solid whiskey. It has a 4+ year age statement and was “distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana”, however, I feel personally that it lacks most of the things that excite me about rye whiskey-namely a big pop of flavor on each sip, and a long spice-laden finish. This rye whiskey is more muted in flavor, and I am positive some consumers will like that, however, without a longer finish or a substantial mouthfeel I struggle to justify purchasing this bottle knowing my own preferences.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of S.N. Pike’s Magnolia. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.