Widow Jane 10 Year Old is one of those bourbons that gets people talking — and not always for the reasons you'd expect. Based out of Red Hook, Brooklyn, Widow Jane sources its whiskey rather than distilling everything in-house, which raises eyebrows among purists. But here's the thing: sourcing is only a problem if the blending is lazy. And whoever is selecting and marrying barrels for this 10-year expression clearly knows what they're doing.
At 45.5% ABV, this sits right in that sweet spot where you're getting enough proof to carry flavour without the heat bulldozing your palate. Ten years in barrel is a meaningful stretch for bourbon — American white oak works fast compared to, say, ex-sherry European oak, so by a decade you're pulling serious wood influence, deep caramel character, and that kind of rounded sweetness that only time can build. The legal minimum for straight bourbon is two years with an age statement, so when someone puts "10 Year Old" on the label, they're making a deliberate statement about patience.
Tasting Notes
I'd encourage you to approach this one with an open mind and let it tell its own story. What I will say is that a well-aged bourbon at this proof point typically delivers on richness. The extra years in barrel allow the spirit to develop complexity beyond the young, grain-forward punch you get from four or five-year-old expressions. Expect the kind of depth that rewards slow sipping — this isn't a bourbon that's in any rush.
The Verdict
At £79.75, Widow Jane 10 Year Old sits in competitive territory. You're paying a premium over your everyday shelf bourbon, and I think it earns that price. The age alone sets it apart from the crowd — finding well-aged bourbon at a reasonable proof that hasn't been chill-filtered into oblivion is harder than it should be. Is it the cheapest way to get a quality pour? No. But it delivers a drinking experience that genuinely feels considered, from barrel selection through to bottling proof. I'm giving this an 8 out of 10. It's a confident, well-made bourbon that doesn't need gimmicks to justify its place on your shelf. The Brooklyn branding might be what catches your eye, but the liquid is what keeps you coming back.
Best Served
Pour this neat in a Glencairn or a good rocks glass and give it five minutes to open up. If you want to add water, just a few drops — at 45.5% it doesn't need much help. And if you're feeling generous with your bottle, this makes an absolutely stellar Old Fashioned. A sugar cube, two dashes of Angostura, a wide strip of orange peel expressed over the top — the aged bourbon gives you enough backbone and sweetness that you barely need the sugar. It's one of those rare bottles that drinks beautifully on its own but also punches well above its weight in a cocktail. Don't waste it in a cola, though. This one's earned better than that.
