Forbidden Bourbon bottled at 47.6% ABV — a bourbon that merits close attention.
Palate
The palate is gourmand, but with a muted sweetness. Theres an understated, woody body with accents of nutmeg, clove, and coffee. A dark oiliness carries the taste and makes the sweetness feel more of molasses than white sugar. There are some fruity notes of orange peel accenting it, but the fruity flavor of esters isnt strong until the finish. As it fades, I get the flavorful sweetness of a spiced caramel latte, with the permeating taste of orange peel. This is definitely a whiskey that benefits from a few drops of water, as the muted flavors will really bloom.
Finish
This whiskey feels new, but also familiar. I should unpack that. This is a different taste for bourbon than Im used to, but at the same time nothing feels shocking or unexpected. Its flavors are familiar, I understand how the techniques used in creating it produced them, and everything fits within my understanding of bourbon as a style of whiskey. At the same time, the way the flavors have been emphasized feels subtly ingenious. The muted sweetness against the heavy body feels like a natural choice, but I feel like I havent seen it done so well. Similarly, the fruity orange flavors that intensify into the finish arent anything Ive never tasted before, but Ive enjoyed a finish quite like this.rnrnSometimes all you need to be novel is to arrange the familiar in an unexpected way, and Im more than happy to give this arrangement a glowing recommendation.
Verdict
Forbidden Bourbon is an exceptional expression that stands among the finest in its category. It rewards patience and attention in equal measure, and we recommend it without reservation.
