California’s Foley Household Wines not too long ago branched out into spirits, and whereas its gin isn’t a giant threat, launching a Texas whiskey actually is. Created from Texas-grown corn, the high-rye (35%) bourbon is aged in-state in new charred oak barrels for six years earlier than bottling… in California. Ouch! Will the perennially Texas proud settle for a Texas bourbon that goes into bottle on the west coast?
I could not be capable to reply that one, however I can inform you about how what’s within the bottle acquits itself.
Reply: For those who like Texas bourbon, you’ll love Charles Goodnight (which is called for a frontier-era cattleman who invented the chuckwagon and was a pioneer in utilizing barbed wire).
Kicking issues off is the whiskey’s aggressive, immersive nostril. The rumbling char endemic to Texas whiskey is instantly represented, complemented by persistent notes of maple syrup and macerated raisins. Tobacco, saddle leather-based, burnt toast — all of that is par for the course from just about any Texas whiskey, right here coming throughout with all of the subtlety of a cattle drive.
That candy edge is what retains this whiskey from getting misplaced in a sea of comparable, overblown choices. The mix of raisin and maple on the assault give the bourbon an instantaneous attraction, evoking fig liqueur and the syrup on the backside of a jar of Maraska cherries. This punch of fruity sweetness is enduring and lingering, maintaining the well-toasted barrel char at bay lengthy sufficient to evoke the freshness of the orchard, a pot of jam, and maybe, dare I say it, sunny California.
Relaxation assured, that gravelly Texasness isn’t washed away fully. Daring overtones of blackened barrels and dried tobacco leaves aren’t ever removed from view, clawing behind the throat. Nevertheless, it’s all saved in verify. “Balanced” isn’t a phrase I take advantage of usually with Texas hooch, nevertheless it’s not inappropriate right here, because of all that fruit within the combine. Some cola, vanilla, and roasted almond notes take the end in yet one more course, maintaining all the things that’s come earlier than in verify. Water’s a non-starter. That is greatest at full power (57.5% abv).
Whereas it’s not one thing I’d sip on day-after-day, it’s undoubtedly value making an attempt — particularly when you’re conversant in the extra mainstream Texas whiskey choices. Yippee ki-yay, y’all.
115 proof.
B+ / $75 / goodnightwhiskey.com
Charles Goodnight Texas Bourbon 6 Years Outdated
$75
