West Fork Whsky Co. Honey Barrel Finished High Rye Bourbon Whiskey Review.

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 West Fork Whsky Co. Honey Barrel Finished High Rye Bourbon Whiskey Review.



    West Fork Whiskey Company, based in Westfield, Indiana, where they have two sides of distilling. Side one is their in house made West Fork Whisky Co. and Old Hamer/Hugh Hamer being the second side sourced from MGP.  Overall West Fork is transparent on what they are doing, aging times, disclosure on sourcing, and even finishing. This release is a partnership with a local Bee farm and Orchard, Mumbee's.

    Essentially, West Fork gives a barrel to Mumbee's to fill with honey. Then after some time, they empty out the honey and return the barrel to West Fork to fill with bourbon. Personally, honey finishing can be hit or miss for me. Sometimes it can give just enough sweetness and "honey" notes, other times it can bring the "funk" and drown out the bourbon and go south. Prior to this honey release, I have reviewed West Fork's Hot Honey finished bourbons that were crazy unique. For better or worse to some haha!

    Either way, let's see how a standard honey finish plays with their high rye bourbon!


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/IYm4zNItKHg

Age Statement: +3 years.

ABV: 50%.

Mashbill: 73% corn and 27% rye.

Area of Distillation: Westfield, Indiana.

Finishing: Ex-Bourbon barrel filled with honey from Mumbee's Bee and Orchard.

Appearance: Golden amber.


On the nose:
    The nose greets you with a medley of warm, inviting notes. High-rye spiciness, dusty corn, and barrel char provide a solid bourbon base. Subtle hints of cedar and wax evoke the scent of antique furniture, a hallmark of craft distilleries for me. The honey's presence is refined, adding a faint sweetness without veering into overwhelming territory. A touch of vanilla and caramel rounds out the profile, creating a balanced, enticing aroma.


Taste:
    The honey influence is delicate. Imagine a drizzle of honey gracing the glass just before the bourbon was poured in. The rye's earthy, herbal spice takes center stage, complemented by sweet corn dustiness, light caramel, and buttery butterscotch. The finish maintains the bourbon's integrity, avoiding the overly sweet or cloying tendencies that honey finishes can sometimes bring. Instead, it’s soft, clean, and incredibly drinkable.


Finish:
    Medium in length, the finish delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and earthy flavors. The rye’s peppery kick lingers slightly, offsetting the subtle honey sweetness. A touch of that “honey funk” emerges after a few sips but dissipates quickly, leaving behind a pleasant warmth.


Final Thoughts: 
    West Fork Whiskey Company has nailed the honey barrel finish with this release. It’s a remarkable offering, particularly from a craft distillery. The bourbon's core flavors remain intact while the honey finish adds depth and complexity without overshadowing its character. It’s an easy drinker, perfect for fall evenings or crafting a standout honey old-fashioned. While it’s not overly complex due to its youth, it excels in showcasing what a thoughtful honey finish can achieve.


Rating: B+ (Great).

Cost: $44.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/IYm4zNItKHg

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt

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