Dried fruits | Toasted oak | Light citrus

Graham cracker | Honey | Light brown sugar | Nougat | Mellow oak

Cinnamon | Cocoa powder | Apple | Vanilla | Black pepper | Light dry oak

The Ingram Distillery was founded in 2015 and differentiates itself by their aging process. The company ages their whiskey inside a floating former grain barrage converted to a 2-story rickhouse that is moored on the riverbank in Ballard County, Kentucky. The company states that O.H. Ingram River Aged “is the only whiskey in the world that spends its entire life on the Mississippi River – years of exposure to the microclimate and humidity of the river, along with its constant motion, create complexity through a unique interaction between whiskey and oak.”

Ingram Distillery’s flagship product is aptly named O.H. Ingram River Aged 2024 Flagship Bourbon. Uncharted Kentucky Wheated Bourbon is a brand extension that replaces the secondary grain of rye with wheat. According to the company, Uncharted is “exposed to the constant motion, humidity, and microclimate of the river to create complexity through a unique interaction between whiskey and oak.” Also notable, the release is packaged in 100% recycled glass.

The bourbon opens with an effective nose that offers a good deal of dried fruits against softer notes of toasted oak and citrus. The palate is on the softer side, thanks to notes of graham cracker, honey, light brown sugar, nougat, and mellow oak. Cinnamon begins the finish, followed by cocoa powder, apple, and vanilla. There is a pop of black pepper near the end, before settling into light, dry oak.

In theory, the constant motion of a riverboat should create more interaction with the whiskey inside the barrel. Given the lightness of this bourbon, it is an unexpected outcome. Perhaps it’s the bourbon’s proof that works against that aspect of it. It’s a soft and approachable bourbon that needs more than an interesting aging environment to stand out.