Caramel | Raspberry | Cranberry | Walnut | Maple

Caramel cream candy | Brown sugar | Dried red fruits | Black pepper | Vanilla  

Rye spice | Dry oak | Barrel char | Butterscotch | Burnt sugar | Light bitterness

Musician Neil Giraldo founded Three Chord Bourbon, and the company’s focus on bourbon and music takes his background and fuses the two together. According to the company, Volume 2 represents a new look for the brand, with an all-new bottle design being deployed. They go on to state, “Each bottle of the new release features energetic concert photography of musicians who embody the spirit of the liquid within, and the album-like design reflects Three Chord's commitment to and heritage in music.” 

According to Three Chord, the inspiration for Hard Pressed is based around Cordell Jackson, “one of the originators of rockabilly and early rock 'n' roll in Memphis. In the 1950s, she owned her own record studio, recorded her own music, and pressed her own vinyl, which was unheard of for a female.” 

Sourced from Tennessee Distilling Group in Columbia, Tennessee, this 100 proof, 80% corn-based bourbon is surprisingly potent on its nose. The aroma is filled with caramel, raspberry, cranberry, walnut, and maple, which is quite effective. The palate provides a good amount of flavor, with notes of caramel cream candy and brown sugar upfront, with dried red fruit, black pepper, and vanilla rounding it out. The finish turns slightly bitter and dry, but it contrasts the sugary palate to a good degree. Charred oak, butterscotch, and burnt sugar end the bourbon on solid footing.

The brand’s new bottle and label design is exceedingly well done, featuring a ton of small details. For example, the record-shaped crease on the label mimics the crease found on old album art sleeves. At only $35, this level of detail is rare. But for the bourbon itself, the amount of flavor it offers at its price is also quite surprising.  Not trying to be anything it’s not; it’s a straightforward pour with a decent amount of contrast to keep it interesting. Though the mouthfeel is on the lighter side, a good amount of flavors still come through, resulting in a solid pour overall.