and the use of local grains presents Hudson Whiskey Five Year Old New York Straight Bourbon bottled at 46% ABV, mash bill: 95% corn and 5% malted barley, — a $49.99/ 750ml bottle expression that merits close attention.
Nose
Moderate golden amber with brown undertone. The spirit is lively at first whiff, with notes of Triscuit crackers, heavily toasted walnuts, roasted meat, and cornhusks. On revisiting the nose, the aromatics are grain-forward like boiled oats or toasted bread. On the sweet side, the nose is custardy like stracciatella ice cream and banana pudding. There is a rich, yeasty aroma like baking bread. It settles in and quickly becomes the dominant aroma. I love the background to the producer and the use of local grains, but not this particular whiskey. The persistence of the raw dough aroma proved too overwhelming for me. Maybe those that gravity towards lagers for their shot-an-a-beer would enjoy.rnrnThose interested can source a bottle online or can select their own barrel through Hudson Whiskeys single barrel program.
Palate
On the palate, the spirit is moderate to full in body with an oily texture and a slight zing to the alcohol. Flavor-wise, there is an overwhelming note, more like eating raw bread dough than drinking beer. The yeast and raw grain notes are powerful and quickly overwhelm. 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.
Finish
The finish is moderately long with notes of nutritional yeast, vitamin pills, and chocolate covered cherries. A dash of water brings out a note of vanilla cream, but leaves the yeastiness. This really needs something to counter-balance the raw dough note, perhaps it would do well in a salty or smoky cocktail.
Verdict
Hudson Whiskey Five Year Old New York Straight Bourbon is a modest offering that, at $49.99/ 750ml bottle, serves its purpose without distinction. Those seeking depth or complexity may wish to look elsewhere in this price bracket.
