Toffee | Hay | Green apple | Toasted oak | Corn | Spearmint

Vanilla | Corn oil | Caramel corn | Sweet leaning

Rye spice | Corn | Peanut brittle | Light grain

Easy Rider Bourbon was reintroduced into the market by Hood River Distillers in late 2018/early 2019. The company acquired the brand in 2018 as a replacement to fill the hole left in the company portfolio after selling the Pendleton Whisky brand to Becle, S.A.B. de C.B., (the parent company of the Jose Cuervo line of tequilas) in 2017. Easy Rider is a sourced four year old Kentucky straight bourbon, which is then blended and proofed down with glacier-fed spring water from Mount Hood.

When we last left Easy Rider Bourbon, the 4 year old, 80 proof blend sported a black label that went for a Hell’s Angels’ inspiration. Now 5 years later, the label has changed to the Dennis Hopper directed, Peter Fonda starring 1969 film of the same name. The change works, as Easy Rider is a smooth and gentle, if not unforgettable ride from start to finish.

It’s unknown if Hood River Distillers is sourcing from the same distillery(ies) 5 years later, but the flavor notes match up. Soft caramel starts the aroma with hay, green apple, toasted oak, corn, and spearmint, rounding it out. Its nose is the bourbon’s most complex part. The palate’s flavor profile is easy going with soft notes of vanilla, corn oil, and caramel corn, creating a sweet and light sip. The finish ramps up the spice level ever so slightly, and corn once again is present, and an enjoyable light peanut brittle finishing note.