Caramel | Pie crust | Apricot | Candied apple | Bold

Caramel | Wet oak | Underlying nuttiness | Allspice | Earthy

Baking spices | Brown sugar | Tobacco leaf | Long

Oregon Spirit Distillers was established in 2009 by Brad and Kathy Irwin. Located in Bend, Oregon, the company is family owned and sources 95% of their grains from Oregon farmers, with the remaining 5% sourced from Idaho and Washington. The company distills everything they bottle, producing 600 barrels of whiskey annually, which according to the company, makes them the largest producer of bourbon, and the second largest producer of American whiskey in the state of Oregon. The company produces bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskey in addition to a range of other non-whiskey spirits. Their Bottled In Bond Bourbon is bottled as single barrels, making each slightly unique, and complements their standard Straight American Bourbon product.

Kicking off with a bold, punchy aroma, Oregon Spirit Distillers Single Barrel Bottled In Bond Bourbon makes a lasting first impression. Caramel, pie crust, apricot, and a hint of candied apple appear up front. Caramel pulls through into the palate, which then turns towards earthy notes of wet oak and an underlying nuttiness. Allspice begins to develop on the backend, which transitions to a baking spices mix on the finish. It’s complemented by brown sugar and tobacco leaf, and lasts quite some time. Overall, it’s an interesting mix, bold at 100 proof, but still more punchy than balanced with a slight sharpness to it. Being single barrel, bottles will vary, but regardless it leaves a memorable first impression.

The bottle in review comes from barrel 0810#11.