Caramel | Orange zest | Butterscotch | Candy corn | Honey | Touch of lemon

Butterscotch | Browned butter | Candy corn | Oak | Nice mouthfeel

Baking spices | Rye spice | Cherry | Slightly dry | Medium length

Stetson Spirits is the spirits arm of the iconic Stetson Western brand, which traces its heritage to 1865, when John B. Stetson created the cowboy hat that became synonymous with the American West. After tasting numerous bourbons, CEO Robert Dundon and Master Blender Dan Callaway decided on a 100 proof, high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon averaging 7 years old, produced through a collaboration between Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distilling.

The bourbon offers an approachable sip thanks to its manageable 100 proof, but it also has a little extra going on under the hood. Thanks to its sourcing and age, the bourbon is more varied and has a more developed mouthfeel and overall weight than you might expect. This starts at the top with a light, bouncy aroma of caramel, orange zest, candy corn, honey, and lemon. The palate maintains a steady baseline of caramel, browned butter, candy corn, and oak, all delivered in equal measure. The finish layers in baking spices and rye spice, with cherry adding a sugary contrast. It ends on a lingering, slightly dry note.

Overall, Stetson Straight Bourbon is a classic-style bourbon at heart but goes the extra mile to deliver a more elevated sip. It can be restrained in places, while other times it teases out just enough spice and touches of fruit to keep things interesting. Sourcing from Bardstown Bourbon Co. and Green River Distilling was a wise choice, as their bourbon continually gets more interesting and varied with each passing year. Bringing the two distilleries together in one sip makes for a welcome dynamic of spice and oak-driven flavors against more fruit-forward ones. Although no one aspect of the bourbon stands out above another, the sip is logical, consistent, and well blended overall.