Whiskey comes in different forms based on their flavor, consistency, aroma and also the region they are produced in. Scotch whiskey, Rye whiskey, Irish whiskey, Tennessee whiskey are sort of well known in the whiskey world. One such popular whiskey is the star of this article – Bourbon. ‘All bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. At least 51% corn in the mash, aged in charred oak barrels, a distinctive product produced in the United States and delightful sweetness are some highlights of a bourbon whiskey. Bourbon is highly associated with the Kentucky region. So, this famous Kentucky based brand – ‘Town Branch’ dedicated cheers to the 15th Annual Bourbon Heritage month by releasing two limited edition delicious expressions.
The name ‘Town Branch’
A Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey brand produced by the producer of award-winning beer and spirits and one of the few joint brewing and distilling operations in the world – Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Town Branch distillery is named as the first distillery to be built in Lexington in more than 100 years. In the year 2012, Town Branch distillery was accepted as a part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (a program sponsored by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) to promote the Bourbon whiskey industry in Kentucky).
Significance of the name ‘Town Branch’ – The name “Town Branch” commemorates the body of water that presently runs under Lexington, on which Lexington was founded. The water is important for the distillery because Lexington is a part of the Bluegrass region with limestone-rich land that filters out iron and adds calcium. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Town_Branch ).
The debut – limited edition bourbons
Town Branch distillery produced and released these two fine expressions to mark the 15th annual Bourbon Heritage Month this September. The debut includes :
1) Town Branch True Cask Kentucky Straight Bourbon
The True Cask Kentucky Straight Bourbon consists of a 50/50 blend of two distinct mash bills – a higher-malt mash and Kentucky Bourbon mash. According to the Spirits Business, this expression is non-chill filtered, with notes of caramel and sweet corn leading to dried fruits on the nose. The palate contains flavors of toasted cinnamon with apricot and hints of leather, and the finish leads to hints of oak and baking spices.
“We want to show a Bourbon that was true to the cask, because the true beauty of the barrels is usually only tasted by the blenders and distillers,”
Alan Kennedy, head blender of Town Branch Distillery.
“We are bringing that experience home and giving everyone a look inside the cask in a way that very few distilleries can. Blending is vital to the development of each batch’s flavour profile, and each barrel used for True Cask is hand selected for its unique characteristics.”
Alan Kennedy, head blender of Town Branch Distillery.
Head Blender’s favorite aspect of this expression is the development of flavors that are highlighted through thoughtful and meticulous blending. Also, this limited edition has a production of only 1,800 cases. The ABV is 54% for 750ml priced at US$44.99.
2) Town Branch Sherry Cask Finished expression
The blend used to produce this gorgeous expression consists of Bourbon drawn from 26 oloroso Sherry casks, combined with several single-barrel Bourbons that are individually finished in oloroso Sherry barrels. Just imagine the depth and versatility of flavor this bourbon would deliver. To top this off, most whiskeys in the blend are approximately six years old thereby inhibiting ‘pronounced complexity and an exceptionally smooth finish’.
“This whiskey is truly handcrafted. There is no automation in the distillation process, and I decide where to make the cuts. On top of that, the casks that we have been importing from Spain provide deep Sherry notes that end up in the Bourbon once its ageing is complete.”
Master distiller of Town Branch Distillery Mark Coffman.
According to The Spirits Business, On the nose, the Bourbon presents notes of raisins, dates and roasted walnuts and hazelnuts. Meanwhile, the palate delivers flavors of Sherry mingled with dried orchard fruit and vanilla. The finish is long with a touch of heat.
The ABV is 48.2% for 750 ml priced at US$69.99. Only 500 cases are available for purchase making it a level higher in the ‘limited category’ as compared to True Cask expression.
Both expressions are available in selected U.S markets or one can find them for sale at Town Branch Distillery.
The creative design :
Both expressions come in a similarly designed bottle. A square-shaped bottle flaunting the color of the golden liquid – whiskey inside. The neck of the bottle has a cylindrical label attached to it which spells out the product name. The upper quadrant of the bottle has the brand name – Town Branch written in a beautiful font whereas all the necessary information regarding the region, ABV, price etc are mentioned on a separate label in the lower quadrant.