Ragged Branch Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon Review
Ragged Branch started distilling bourbon in 2014 under the tutelage of the late Dave Pickerell. One of Pickerell’s suggestions was to mature some of the first batches of bourbon in 25 gallon barrels to age it faster and enable it to get to market a little after 2 years.
- DISTILLER: Ragged Branch Distillery, Charlottesville, VA
- MASH BILL: 66% Corn | 17% Wheat | 17% Barley
- AGE: No Age Statement but aged just over 4 years – 3 years in 25 gallon barrels, number 3 char and 1 year in 53 gallon barrels, number 4 char.
- YEAR: 2019
- PROOF: 90 proof (45% ABV) Non Chill Filtered
- MSRP: $56.99
- BUY ONLINE: Only available at the distillery tasting room
LEE'S NOTES
NOSE: Mocha Coffee | Chocolate Malt | Vanilla
TASTE: Malt Balls | Coffee | Caramel
FINISH: A cocoa finish on the front of the tongue with a kick of spice on the back of the tongue. The cocoa lingers on the tongue.
SHARE WITH: I would share this with anyone who enjoys bourbon – especially a wheated bourbon.
WORTH THE PRICE: I purchased this bottle myself so obviously I believe it is worth the price. You can try it out if you visit the distillery.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Presently this bourbon is only available at the distillery in Charlottesvillle, Virginia both as a pour in the tasting room and for purchase.
OVERALL: Ragged Branch started distilling bourbon in 2014 under the tutelage of the late Dave Pickerell. One of Pickerell’s suggestions was to mature some of the first batches of bourbon in 25 gallon barrels to age it faster and enable it to get to market a little after 2 years. As the two year wheated bourbon started rolling out, Alex Toomy, the owner/distiller of Ragged Branch, got tired of dealing with the 25 gallon barrels. He took the remaining smaller barrels that were 3 years old and dumped them in 53 gallon barrels with a number 4 char for another year.
This is the best release from Ragged Branch so far, at least in mind. The year in the number 4 char barrels brings out a little more oak and a mocha, chocolate, malty flavor. I would liken it to notes found in Makers 46 or Wild Turkey. If you are in Charlottesville, VA check them out. Check out more info on Ragged Branch here.
BRAND NOTES
As a farm to bottle distillery, Ragged Branch distills ages and bottles our bourbon on site. We honor our late master distiller, Dave Pickerell by utilizing the recipes and distillimg methods he taught us. Savor the smooth, rich flavor of Ragged Branch Straight Virginia Whiskey.
Nose: Heavy malt and oak on the nose with vanilla, dark caramel and toasted nut on the front.
Palate: Flavors stay on the tongue with a velvety mouth feel.
Finish: Sweet and buttery with a hint of toasted almonds.
Ragged Branch Distillery is dedicated to crafting the finest authentic Virginia Straight Bourbon. This commitment to tradition, patience, excellence and locality is reflected in every bottle of our smooth, full flavored straight bourbon.
- RAGGED BRANCH DISTILLERY
Disclaimer: Ragged Branch Distillery invited Bourbon & Banter to visit their distillery to learn about their product for this review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.