Bourbon Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Toasted American Bourbon, Char #1 Bourbon at 4 years of age bottled at 52.5% ABV, aged 4 years — a $55 expression that merits close attention.
Nose
The liquid is a clear, rich bronze just a hair darker than the Toasted American Oak. A clear honey to light amber color. Honey-sweetened vanilla and cinnamon spice are instantly recognizable on the nose. Underneath is a more subtle scent of baked apple and dark cherry. The nose is light, floral, and tropical. Floral vanilla plays with coconut. Aromas of candied orange peel round it out. Many of the flavors from the nose carry over to the palate. Cherry and apple are joined by apple spice and a more complex baking spice flavor joins the noses cinnamon. The vanilla is more subdued here than with the nose, though still present. A sweet, malty cereal note is present. The high proof gives an intense, flavorful heat up front that mellows to a warm, spiced finish. Score: 4/5 Tasting Notes: Buzzards Roost Toasted American Oak Vital stats: 52.5% ABV. The whiskey is a blend of 4 and 5-year-old bourbons. The suggested retail price is $75. Appearance: A clear honey to light amber color. Nose: The nose is light, floral, and tropical. Floral vanilla plays with coconut. Aromas of candied orange peel round it out. Palate: The Toasted American Oak Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a gentle, sweet palate with vanilla and orange featuring heavily. The more candied notes are tempered by light baking space and pleasant oak tannins. The medium-length finish is delicate and floral. Score: 4/5 Final thoughts: I enjoyed both of these whiskies quite a bit in different ways. They both have classic bourbon notes despite their unique profiles. The Char #1 brings more of the cherry and baking spices, whereas the Toasted American Oak is sweeter with a recognizable citrus element. They would both make great bourbon cocktails and both stood up well when I drank them neat. It was fun comparing these bourbons side by side. Going back and forth between the two altered my experience of each of them. After trying the Toasted American Oak and going back to the Char #1, I got way more vanilla on the nose, almost like vanilla yogurt. When I returned to Toasted American Oak, I got malt and orange, but almost no vanilla. Overall, Buzzards Roost is doing some interesting things by playing with char level and flavor development. They are a quickly expanding company and I am excited to see what is coming next.
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
Bourbon Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Toasted American Bourbon, Char #1 Bourbon is a modest offering that, at $55, serves its purpose without distinction. Those seeking depth or complexity may wish to look elsewhere in this price bracket.
