Oregon Spirit Distillers Bourbon Review
By Father John Rayls
Rating: B
(Credit: Oregon Spirit Distillers)
I do love the concept of grain to glass and I admit to a bias in favor of that concept. However, I have also found that adhering to this concept by itself doesn’t automatically mean I’ll love the whiskey. By contrast, I have also found that a whiskey being sourced and bottled doesn’t automatically mean I won’t love it, I have several examples to prove it.
Oregon Spirit Distillers is one of those craft distilleries who take great care and a lot of pride in their whiskey distilling craft, and the are one of those grain to glass operations. They have been around since 2009, and consider themselves “spirit geeks,” which isn’t a bad trait for a craft distiller.
The Bourbon
Their bourbon is aged 4 years and bottled at 94 proof, and has a bright copper color in both bottle and glass. The legs are easily viewed but are thin, numerous and inconsistent. The nose rises to meet you and is filled with slight earthy tones, cereal with fresh fruit, light new oak and leather, caramel and vanilla. You may also find some slight alcohol burn.
There is a light mouthfeel with a surprising full mouth activity. On the palate, there are notes of vanilla, cereal and a certain earthiness. It’s slightly sweet and slightly hot. A long finish engages early and dominates with pepper and oak and heat that appears in wave after wave. The finish is definitely the highlight of the tasting experience.
The Price
You should be able to find a bottle at or near the $37.00 mark if you take your time, and it is now available around the U.S.
This is one of the 3-4 Bourbons that I always want on hand (the others Buffalo Trace, Bulleit, and Four Roses). The problem that I run into is that this is NOT an easy bourbon to find. Give it a shot – it’s not the best ever but it’s the best ‘craft’ that I have had and hopefully you will enjoy it too.
Chad K @ I just bought a bottle of the Oregon Spirit and looked up the review. You say your top 4 whiskeys you like to have on hand. What are your top 4 Whiskeys in general
It’s not a bourbon unless it’s made in Kentucky. This is a whiskey.
100% wrong. And I’m a Kentuckian.
Completely wrong. It just needs to be at least 4years old barreled in new American white oaks barrels and at least51% corn to be considered bourbon. Can be made anywhere in the continental United States.
Just brought it home and am quite impressed. Enjoying it neat and am pleased with the taste and mouthfeel. Definitely a keeper. There are many bourbons on the shelf nowadays, but this is one everyone should give a shot.
do you people know I’m a troll and sh*tposter? It’s true. Look it up.
Think this is France? There is no cognac here lol