Beer giant Molson Coors Beverage Company broke into the spirits scene in 2021 with the release of Five Trail Blended Whiskey. A year later they followed it up with Barmen 1873. In 2023, the company acquired Blue Run Spirits, which is based in Georgetown, Kentucky.

‍‍According to Molson Coors, Barmen 1873 was developed with the help of master taster Peggy Noe Stevens. A rarity in the bourbon industry, the company suggests when drinking Barmen 1873, to also pair it with a Coors Banquet beer.

A surprisingly expressive aroma with strong upfront scents of warm melted caramel, raspberry, and cedar. Though the nose only offers additional hints of leather, oak, and honey, its overall potency, given its proof, is effective. Simple, straightforward, and a clean delivery, makes for an aroma that knows what it is and doesn’t try to pretend to be more.

A buttery mouthfeel delivers straightforward traditional notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak in style. Though the flavors are standard fare, how they're delivered makes up for a lot. One of bourbon’s greatest tools is in its delivery, and viscosity plays a major role here. While there are additional light notes of golden raisin, peach, and butter, this is a bourbon that sticks with the basics and maintains a sweet and approachable palate.

The bourbon concludes in a similar, straightforward manner. Nougat, oak, and leather make up the main flavor components. There’s a touch of dryness found that is tied to its oak and leather notes. A very slow ramp up in rye spice develops and also lingers as the rest of the finish’s flavors quickly drop off. There’s a thin layer of charred oak found that adds a slight smokiness to the finish, but it’s not punchy in any way. A serviceable finish that gets the job done in an efficient manner.

Compared to their previous Five Trail Blended Whiskey, which was a blend of a single malt, a four grain Kentucky bourbon, a wheated Indiana bourbon, and an 13 year old Kentucky bourbon, Barmen 1873 is decidedly simple in comparison, with its flavor profile proving that. Similarly, the idea for this bourbon seems to be tied to the company’s beer flavor philosophy. Simple and straightforward is the play here. There isn’t anything wrong with that, but there is little that makes this bourbon stand out beyond its mouthfeel. Thankfully it has that, but if you’re looking for a unique tasting sip, this isn’t it.

It’s always nice to see another entry in the $40 price range of bourbon, but it’s also a range that gives consumers plenty of options. Many of Kentucky’s biggest distilleries offer releases in this price range. Bardstown Bourbon Company has certainly proven their distilling prowess over the years, and last year released their own standard ongoing straight bourbon that is priced at $45. Barmen 1873 falls in line with that release almost toe-to-toe. Given Barmen 1873’s flavor profile, it will likely appeal to fans of Basil Hayden who are looking for a little more oomph in their sip for around the same price. Given its smart-looking yet somewhat generic bottle design and complete lack of additional info on the bottle, it's clear this release is meant to appeal to the broadest range of drinkers. That group may be comfortable with its $40 price, but given that you can get Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Green River Bourbon for less (both with “way above average value”), or even Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon for around the same price (offering a “very good” value), there are bourbons that offer better value for your money than Barmen 1873. Yet, for its overall above-average pour, Barmen 1873 offers an average value in today’s marketplace, but there will be plenty of experienced bourbon drinkers that just won't find enough here to fully justify its price.

One of the largest beer manufacturers turned spirit producer follows up their rather convoluted first release in a style the company is much more familiar with. Barmen 1873 goes for the every person style of bourbon. It’s not that it gets anything wrong, it's just not terribly exciting. It’s a classic style bourbon designed to appeal to just about anyone with a passing interest in bourbon or a great place for someone new to bourbon. And there is a place and time for this style of bourbon - it's why Basil Hayden exists for example. There is always going to be someone’s first bourbon, and while many will find Baremn 1873 good, but ultimately boring, those coming in fresh will likely find a lot to enjoy.