Legendary Duke Bourbon Review
By Emily Mullis
Rating: A
(Credit: Duke Spirits)
I think it’s safe to say that the name John Wayne is about as legendary as it gets for this country. He was a big hero in his hay days, even though his heroism was largely based off of the fictional characters he played. Still, his name is not really all that different from the now legendary Robert Downy Jr., so it’s no surprise that his signature whiskey is called Legendary Duke.
John Wayne, the Duke, did not get a chance to craft his whiskey to the degree that he would have liked, but he did leave behind his memoir and whiskey blends recipes for his son Ethan to find. At O.Z. Distillery, the brand founders, Chris Radomski and Ethan Wayne, have reproduced a whiskey with a great deal of devotion and passion put into the work. It’s not just distilling to these founders, it’s all about honoring the previous inventor who but put so much thought into his dream of having his whiskey enjoyed from the dining table to the golf course, to the fishing boat, and among friends.
The Bourbon
The coloring of this whiskey is medium amber in the bottle and a lighter amber in the glass. The nose is strong with hints of oak, berry, and nutmeg. You get a whiff of the alcohol burn, but it’s not as strong as the other notes. Surprisingly, you might pick up on the sweetness of the whiskey before you even get to tasting but that I think was due to the spice and berry notes. This has been one of my favorite whiskeys to slow down with. I lingered with the nose because there were plenty of complexities to enjoy.
More of the berry notes come out in the taste, instantly recognizable as cherry. My first reaction to this was the memory of old cherry cough syrup but don’t let that deter you from this whiskey. The hints of cherry are subtle enough and alongside it are notes of spices including nutmeg. Legendary Duke is by no means what I would consider a full-bodied whiskey; it is smooth, with a medium body.
The finish comes with that signature bourbon burn though not rough and more of the spices come out and leaves.
Honestly, I thought this whiskey wouldn’t taste as good as it did because it felt like a cliche but this is a bottle I would want to have in my house for guest. The craftsmanship of the whiskey is on point and the passion for it can be felt in every glass.
The Price
At $39 a bottle, it’s has the price tag of a whiskey that certainly has not become legendary as of yet, ala Pappy Van Winkle.
Outstanding whiskey..great taste and lil spiciness..outstanding taste..
Review is right on the mark, a solid A that is under the radar, like McKenna 10 year old used to be. Try it and you tell me.
Nice, rich reddish-brown color with a great initial nose that opens up beautifully once swirled a time or two. A little overpowering and somewhat medicinal on the front that mellows and blends with the other flavors quite nicely ending with a very pleasant and long finish. I felt the heat immediately, but it was by no means harsh or uncomfortable, more of a gentle warming that you feel as it travels down the front of your throat to rest right at the top of your chest. This would be a great bottle to pass around a campfire on a gently chilly fall or early spring evening. I’m usually not a big fan of “Celebrity” whiskies, as they’re generally average at best with not much special about them, but this one surprised and stands well on its own. At around $40, I would say it’s a must try and it will find a permanent spot on my shelf.
Review is spot on. Hot tip–Ralphs/Kroger on sale for 35, use digital coupon for 10, get whiskey for 25.99.
To say Robert Downey Jr.is legendary next to saying John Wayne is legendary kind of diminishes the meaning of the word. How many movies did RDjr make with one lung? Did RDjr make a movie about an old gunslinger dying of cancer while he wa an old gunslinger,himself dying of cancer? Did he go against the liberal Hollywood grain and be a proud patriot standing up for American values and patriotism that cerrtwinly cost him movien
roles?Those are what make a man legendary.
Review is spot on. I would add that the flavor profile is sweet on the front end and has a bit of tobacco subtlety on the back end. Very hesitant to try but will definitely keep a bottle on hand