We turn our attention to Branch Point Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon, a release from ’s whiskies bottled at 50% ABV, 100 proof. At $80, it enters a competitive field.
Nose
Lemon scented nail polish remover hits the nostril first before moving into a yeasty sourdough starter. The cinnamon and sweetness reminds me of my Ammas fresh sticky buns. Near the end of the nose, I get a hint of chocolate covered strawberries. The whiskey is hot and spicy on the tongue, but overall it does not drink too hot. At first, I was confused by the soapy, jasmine quality of it I thought it was my glass until I sipped from the bottle but it is definitely there. Drinking it compared to the nose, the whiskey reminds me of soggy cornflakes. However, it gives off flat IPA the aftertaste is starchy and tannic, which could be why I get this.
Palate
The Branch Point Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon is easy to drink, like Dr. Steven Day sets out to do with all the distillery’s whiskies. The white corn provides sweetness and I like the cornflake flavor I tasted. However, I was put off by the flat IPA that I get at the end and on the aftertaste. Although I live in Oregon, IPAs are not my beer of choice, so keep that in mind.
Finish
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Verdict
Branch Point Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon is a modest offering that, at $80, serves its purpose without distinction. Those seeking depth or complexity may wish to look elsewhere in this price bracket.
