Straight Edge Bourbon, bottled in Napa Valley, is a blend of 5-, 7- and 8-year-old bourbons sourced from Kentucky and Tennessee with a mashbill of approximately 70% corn, alongside rye and wheat. It was aged at 124 proof before being reduced to 84 proof and finished in Napa Valley Cabernet barrels. The water used comes from Alexander Valley at over 2,000 feet in elevation.
Slightly dry to adhesive mouthfeel is followed by menthol, heavy smoke, cinnamon-custard pie, licorice, caramel, and a hint of cherry cough syrup. With the stocks selected for this batch, I'd hoped for more, but it tastes unlike traditional bourbon.
The plush palate opens with cocoa and mocha, finishing with cayenne flicker and a dusty hint of baking spice. Adding water pulls an almond note to the center.
