Honey | Toffee | Butter | Malt

Honey | Lemon | Light leather | Caramel | Vanilla frosting

Toasted oak | Rye spice | Black pepper

Hooten Young was founded by former Special Operations Soldier, Master Sgt. Norm Hooten and Tim Young. If you’ve seen the movie Black Hawk Down, then you may remember Hooten as Eric Bana’s character. The duo created Hooten & Young Wine and Spirits as a tribute to “brave men and women of the armed forces who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.”

Hooten Young Bottled in Bond Bourbon marks a new affordable entry-level point for the brand. Sourced from Green River Distilling Co. and offered at $40, Hooten Young is going more mass appeal with their bottled in bond release, and nowhere is that more evident than in the bourbon’s flavor profile.

The nose is on the simple side but effective nevertheless. Honey combined with toffee and butter makes for an accessible entry point. The palate complements this by offering more honey and combines it with lemon, leather, caramel, and sweet vanilla frosting. The finish contrasts this with spice, layering rye spice and black pepper to offset the sweet and light flavors that came before.

Given the price point, Hooten Young Bottled in Bond Bourbon isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel and be a challenging pour. But what it sets out to do - be accessible and affordable - it succeeds in that mission. It’s a light sipper, with lingering spice, and anyone looking for an easy sipping whiskey, regardless of experience, will find Hooten Young Bottled in Bond Bourbon to be an enjoyable pour.