Some whiskeys announce themselves with fanfare; others prefer a quieter entrance. Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old vs Bourbon Reviews: Terry Bradshaw Bourbon and Rye: Is the Higher Rating Justified? belongs firmly to the latter school.
Choosing between Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old and Bourbon Reviews: Terry Bradshaw Bourbon and Rye can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old | Bourbon Reviews: Terry Bradshaw Bourbon and Rye | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 90.4 proof | 103.8 proof |
| Price | N/A | $44.95 |
| Rating | 10/10 | 3/10 |
Nose
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old: Rather lean and oaky, like the inside of a sauna. There are notes of incense, clove, wood, and mint underlaid by a kind of steely minerality. With water, things get a little more floral: notes of pear cider, honey, beeswax, and red currant.
Bourbon Reviews: Terry Bradshaw Bourbon and Rye: A lot of ethanol, even for a whiskey at more than 103 proof. Underneath the booziness, however, you find brown sugar and molasses. It doesnt come across as complex whiskey just simple, straightforward, and sweet. Like the Bradshaw bourbon, theres a lot of ethanol here. On top of that, you get a healthy snout full of spice initially. Also apple slices, ginger, turnips, and, interestingly, a hint of an old gymnasium.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old: After nosing this whiskey, I worried the palate would be too astringent, but fortunately my worries were unfounded. While quite oak-inflected in the entry, the finish takes a surprising turn.
Bourbon Reviews: Terry Bradshaw Bourbon and Rye: You can tell its a high-rye bourbon, but the spiciness isnt overwhelming. Think Crème brûlée, vanilla, and brown sugar cake with brown sugar glaze. The finish is relatively short, with just a hint of the rye spice lingering in the back of your mouth. Final thoughts: Nobodys going to the Hall of Fame for this whiskey, but thats a high bar. For the price, this is a perfectly acceptable Kentucky bourbon. Given the sweetness and lack of layering, it would probably be ideal for mixed drinks. Score: 3/5 Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Rye (image via Terry Bradshaw Brands) Tasting Notes: Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Rye Vital stats: Mash bill of 95% rye and 5% barley; 103.8 proof/51.9% alcohol by volume; aged a minimum of two years in new oak; $44.95 for a 750ml bottle. Appearance: Light copper, not
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old: After the swallow, there’s a brief, shallow burst of ethereal lemon followed by a clean and slightly tart finish with notes of cola, coffee, and bitter herbs that reminds me of a modern light-roast coffee.
Bourbon Reviews: Terry Bradshaw Bourbon and Rye: Comments: Mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley; 103.8 proof/51
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Pricing varies by market, so check your local retailer for current rates on both bottles.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
In this matchup, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old takes the crown with a rating of 10/10 compared to Bourbon Reviews: Terry Bradshaw Bourbon and Rye's 3/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, Bourbon Reviews: Terry Bradshaw Bourbon and Rye is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of Bourbon Reviews: Terry Bradshaw Bourbon and Rye appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
