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Bourbon Review: Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon

Bourbon Review: Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon

Joe Whitfield 8 views
7 /10
EDITOR
Type: Bourbon
ABV: 45% ABV, mash bill: No
Price: $39.99/ 750ml bottle

Tasting Notes

Nose

The aromas lean towards fruit and spice with a whiff of cider vinegar. I smell notes of candied red apples, sour cherries, and dried lime zest for fruit. The spice note reminds me of clove gum. There’s a touch of soapiness and the nose is faintly sour. It’s an odd mix of aromatics that doesn’t seem cohesive.

Palate

On the palate, this whiskey is a touch muted. Textural-wise, it has an oily, moderate body with a prickly feel from the alcohol. The aromatics are subtle, and remind me of old gum. It’s mild and mellow with a note of charcoal and burnt marshmallow that makes me think of Tennessee whiskey. The short finish leaves a suggestion of sugar cookies. On its own, it’s a bit boring. A dash of water livens up the flavors, bringing out sandalwood, dried autumn leaves, and black tea served with a side of buttery caramel. This is very smooth and would make an excellent mixer. It lacks for complexity but, as a charming, inoffensive whiskey, this works great as a mixer or even on its own.

Finish

Comments: Latest On The Whiskey Wash Aged for a minimum of five years in American White Oak Char #4 with Char #2 heads, 45% ABV, mash bill: No. 1: 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley & No

We turn our attention to Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon bottled at 45% ABV, mash bill: No. At $39.99/ 750ml bottle, it enters a competitive field.

Nose

This is amber in color with a faint green undertone. The aromas lean towards fruit and spice with a whiff of cider vinegar. I smell notes of candied red apples, sour cherries, and dried lime zest for fruit. The spice note reminds me of clove gum. There’s a touch of soapiness and the nose is faintly sour. It’s an odd mix of aromatics that doesn’t seem cohesive. I found myself reaching for this a few nights in a row. It’s not a rich and viscous as other whiskeys distilled by MGP and released at a similar price point. Doc Swinson’s has a house style for picking barrels: more moderate in body and refined aromatically. It’s a great combination even at the entry level and shows that even at the lower end, the four gents behind Doc Swinson’s know what they’re doing. Just, when it comes to the Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon, always swim with a buddy.

Palate

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

Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon represents solid craftsmanship at $39.99/ 750ml bottle. While it may not redefine expectations, it offers genuine quality and reliable drinking pleasure.

Joe Whitfield
Joe Whitfield
Editor-in-Chief

Joe has spent over fifteen years immersed in the whiskey industry, beginning his career at a Speyside distillery before moving into drinks journalism. As Editor-in-Chief at Whiskeyful.com, he oversees...

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