SHARE WITH: A whiskey drinker interested in an atypical experience.

WORTH THE PRICE: For what it brings to the table, I’d like to see it priced more competitively.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Sadly a bust, though it’s worth trying at a bar if you want a unique flavor profile.

OVERALL: On the palate, the Jeptha Creed Bottled-In-Bond Rye Heavy Bourbon begins with earthiness and intrigue, but ultimately the pour falls apart for me on the finish. The fact that it’s so drying is distracting, and that isn’t helped by the fact that it’s quite earthy and in need of a sweet or spicy kick to provide balance. It certainly rewards anyone patient enough to let it sit in the glass a while … as the saltiness is tempered … while the dried apple and bacon fat notes become more robust. However, that doesn’t change the fact that sitting with it for a while is made difficult by an unpleasant finish that you won’t want to dwell on.

Age isn’t the issue, considering this is a Bottled-In-Bond product and thus aged for at least 4 years at the 5-year-old distillery. Proof doesn’t feel like the culprit either, as the texture is stout and the flavors are developed well enough. I’m left to surmise that the Bloody Butcher corn is responsible for those nice earthy flavors, and perhaps it’s the malted rye that isn’t playing nicely in the blend? Jeptha Creed has an interesting backbone, but the entire experience needs some fleshing out before I can enthusiastically recommend buying a bottle.

Jeptha Creed Bottled-In-Bond Rye Heavy Bourbon

“We honor traditions at Jeptha Creed—but we put our mark on them too. For this rye-heavy mash bill, we've combined our Bloody Butcher Corn, grown right here on our family farm, with malted barley and an ample helping of malted rye to create a spicy bourbon with a smooth finish. Distilled and aged 'til it’s just right, this Bottled-In-Bond Rye Heavy Bourbon is a bold take on an old favorite."

• NOSE: Sweet orange creme brulée, followed by bold baking spices, and dried cranberries.
• TASTE: Light caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and lemongrass with undertones of sweet oak.
• FINISH: Long smooth buttery finish with whispers of ginger and cinnamon that dance across your tongue.