DISCLAIMER: The Sample for this review was provided by the manufacturer. All ideas and opinions in this post are entirely my own. I do not accept any money for these reviews.
Color: Fresh Straw
Nose: Sweet Corn, Pepper, Vanilla, Oak
Taste: Sweet Corn, Pepper, Vanilla, Oak
Finish: Medium slightly sweet
Score: 6.5/10.0
Rick: 7.0/10.0
Sam: 6.0/10.0
This particular bottle comes from JEM Beverage Company in Pilot Point, Texas. I was really hoping this bottle wouldn’t let me down. My first experience with the Red River brand (Here) was completely unsatisfying and left me with a sugary after taste. I was so disappointed that I didn’t even give it a fully fleshed out review. This review however, will have a little more meat to it.
Red River Bourbon comes from the JEM Beverage Company. They are a small distillery that is already giving back. Each of the three whiskies they produce predominantly display Texas Wildlife, and proceeds from each bottle sold go towards supports Texas Parks and Wildlife. Now the downside, this may not be true Texas bourbon. I have read multiple accounts that it is sourced from either Indiana or Kentucky, then aged for a couple years in new barrels. If you are a purist, then you might be a little disappointed. But, If you drink whiskey for the joy of it then don’t let it bother you.
The color is like the Canadian Style, it is a light straw color, without a lot of depth. The nose is really delicate. Rick and I had a hard time defining the nose on this particular bourbon. It is mostly sweet corn and vanilla. There are also hints of pepper and oak, but again these are background notes to what I feel are already very muted aromas.
The first sip is sweet then a bit of pepper and oak. I didn’t find it offensive at all, it just isn’t what I look for in bourbon. I prefer mine more complex and bold. It is balanced though. Nothing really tries to take the show, it starts and stays the same throughout.
The finish on this is smooth, sweet, and relatively short. Again, no surprises out of this.
This may be a good beginners bottle, or for those of you that like delicate drams this might be for you. We didn’t hate it, it just isn’t what we are looking for in bourbon. I wouldn’t turn it down if offered, but I also wouldn’t go to the store to buy it. The Texan in me really wanted to love this, but the Bourbonite in me said otherwise.
I welcome your thoughts and opinions. Review suggestions are welcome.
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Until Next Time,
