Oak | Leather | Chestnut | Light brown sugar | Touch of cinnamon stick | Light

Vanilla | Sweet cream | Rye spice | Aged oak | White peppercorn | Honey | Cinnamon spice | Creamy mouthfeel

Rye spice | Aged oak | Leather | Tobacco leaf | Dab of vanilla sweetness | Lingering oak and cinnamon spice

Widow Jane Distillery was founded in 2012 by the inventor Daniel Prieto Preston. The company produces a number of whiskeys that are both sourced and distilled in-house. With a distillery in Red Hook, Brooklyn, the whiskey gets its name due to the fact that the company uses water that comes from the Widow Jane Mines in Rosendale, NY. In 2022, Heaven Hill acquired Widow Jane as part of an overall acquisition of Samson & Surrey.

Showcasing its 10 years in the barrels, the bourbon accentuates aged notes throughout without ever coming across as over-oaked. While the nose is on the lighter side, it still pulls forward an aroma full of oak, leather, chestnut, and a dab of sweetness. This sweetness expands in the midpoint, which pulls in a great tasting combination of sweet cream and vanilla, along with a balance of spiced notes. Transitioning back to more aged notes and spice, the finish concludes on lingering oak and spice.

The bourbon’s lower proof actually works in its favor here, allowing a more even showing of aged, spice, and sweet notes. This will be appreciated by many bourbon drinkers who may not like to go much higher than 90 proof. The end result is much like the last time we reviewed Widow Jane Aged 10 Years; the bourbon produces a consistently great and easy-to-appreciate sip.