Summer fruit | Apples | Green grapes | Bakery aromas | Cake batter | Hint of heat | Unique

Sweet almost rum-like characteristic | Molasses | Buttered cornbread | Surge of crème brulée & candy sweetness | Thin body

Spicy heat overtakes the rich sweetness from the palate | Cinnamon spice | Long

According to the company’s press release, “Hooten Young was founded by former Special Operations Soldier, Master Sgt. Norm Hooten and Tim Young. Notably known for his portrayal by Eric Bana in the film Black Hawk Down, Hooten is a true American hero. Hooten Young Barrel Proof American Whiskey was discovered by Master Sommelier George Miliotes.”

Distilled to 189 proof and then aged in second fill barrels, Hooten Young 12 Year Barrel Proof meets the distillation and barrel aging requirements to qualify as light whiskey. Bottled as a limited release, the whiskey offers an abundance of sweet flavors, almost bordering on rum-like. It finishes with a surge of spice, reminding you of its 120 proof through and through.


These 99% corn light whiskeys have been popping up recently under different labels, sometimes finished, and every one I’ve had so far has been really good. Hooten Young 12 Year Barrel Proof is no exception to that. It’s not overly complex and has its flaws, such as a bit of heat on the backend, but what it does offer is a flavor profile that more than compensates for the flaws and will have anyone who enjoys a robust dessert-like whiskey coming back for more.

Bottle in review was #1922 of 3000.