Bear Fight American Single Malt Whiskey
On the palate it creamy and fruity, laden with ripe pear and honey dew melon. The sherry cask involved gets a shout out from notes of golden apple and golden raisin, and baking spice amplifies the gentle 90-proof tingle. Nothing at all to dislike about the spirit itself: a great easy drinker.
BOTTLE DETAILS
- DISTILLER: Next Century Spirits
- MASH BILL: 100% Malted Barley
- AGE: Not Stated
- YEAR: 2025
- PROOF: 90 (45% ABV)
- MSRP: $46.99
- BUY ONLINE: Bear Fight Whiskey Online Store
STEVE'S NOTES
SHARE WITH: Any whiskey drinker, especially those who prefer lower proof, light fruit profiles.
WORTH THE PRICE: Eh. I'm not convinced it's a $47 bottle.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar
OVERALL: Since like many, I'm a newcomer to the American single malt space, so I'll lean on the brand's news release to supply some details:
The balanced taste of our American Single Malt Whiskey is comprised of detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, wildflower honey, fruit and floral notes create a bold approachable whiskey with a hint of Islay style peat smoke anyone can enjoy.
We use 3 different types of oak barrels experimenting with peat and sherry, resulting in a distinct depth of flavor. It's a single malt with the perfect blend of Scotch tradition and American ingenuity.
Everything described checks all the boxes I nose and taste. This is a nice spirit. Approachable, mannerly, no surprises and no letdowns. Despite ASMs now on the market being widely varied, for the most part, they present like non-peated Scotches. Based on that, it's not difficult to assess this pour within those guardrails.
Its aromas are light but discernible: honeysuckle and spring flowers, a hint of baking spice, some toasted oak and a bonus whiff of strawberry jam. The promise of a little peat smoke is a miss for me, but it is springtime in the Ohio Valley, and seasonal allergies sometimes blunt such nuances.
On the palate it creamy and fruity, laden with ripe pear and honey dew melon. The sherry cask involved gets a shout out from notes of golden apple and golden raisin, and baking spice amplifies the gentle 90-proof tingle. Nothing at all to dislike about the spirit itself: a great easy drinker. Still, I'm not rushing out to buy it at $47, but doubtless others will find it worthy of that ask.
BRAND NOTES
TASTING NOTES: Pecan, honeysuckle, ripe red apple, dried figs, black currants, sweet sherry and peat smoke
Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.