Lasso Motel Amburana Cask Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review.

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 Lasso Motel Amburana Cask Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review.

    I received this spirit as a review sample from Lasso Motel, linked here. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.


    Though relatively new, Lasso Motel came out swinging with a lineup of expressions. Now when it comes to Amburana, this can be a dividing finish in the Whiskey world, a very love/hate situation. When comes to Lasso Motel I really appreciate the transparency they are giving everyone. That includes sourcing from the well-regarded Green River Distillery and clearly listing a mash bill on their website.

    Now, if you are unfamiliar with Ambarana it is a dense hardwood typically used in furniture and to age cachaça, Brazil’s national spirit. In whiskey, it’s known for imparting notes of cinnamon sugar and a distinctive oily texture. Personally, I love what Amburana can do when done right, rather that is via a short finishing time or a well used stave or barrel.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/N_c7ZN7dF2M

Age Statement: N/A.

ABV: 50%.

Mash bill: 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley.

Area of Distillation: Green River Distillery.

Finishing: Amburana cask.

Appearance: Golden hue.


On the nose:
    The aroma opens softly, a welcome surprise for a cask finish that’s often aggressive. The Ambarana influence is clearly there—cinnamon sugar floats up almost immediately—but it’s balanced, allowing the bourbon's own character to shine through. There’s a mix of corn sweetness, rye spice, and that dusty grain note that signals a well-structured base. Subtle hints of graham cracker, honey, vanilla, and caramel bring added warmth. A touch of floral herbaceousness rounds out the nose.


Taste:
    The Ambarana steps up more boldly on the palate. Sweet cinnamon sugar and a noticeable oiliness coat the tongue, giving the sip a velvety grip. There's a mild bitterness characteristic of Ambarana finishes, but it’s offset by bourbon notes that still hold their ground—corn husk, rye spice, and the waxy texture of malted barley. Clove, nutmeg, and holiday spice notes emerge, likely a collaboration between the rye content and the finishing wood. A creamy vanilla-honey note adds a nostalgic touch, evoking memories of honeycomb ice cream sandwiches tucked between crisp biscuits.


Finish:
    The finish is long, warm, and spicy. Cinnamon sugar lingers alongside peppery rye, with a fade-out of sweet cream and honey. That slight bitterness returns on the back end but never overwhelms. Instead, it adds a bittersweet punctuation to a rich, textured sip. The balance here is key—bourbon and finish working in tandem, not in conflict.


Final Thoughts: 
    Lasso Motel’s Ambarana-finished bourbon is both competitively priced and expertly crafted. This bottle manages to showcase the Amburana wood's character without erasing the bourbon’s soul. Whether it was a lightly used cask or a shorter finishing period, something smart happened here—the cinnamon sugar note is front and center, but the core whiskey still speaks. It’s a great representation of how to finish with Ambarana while maintaining balance and structure. For fans of this unique wood—or anyone curious to dip their toes in—this is an easy recommendation. Lasso Motel is clearly one to watch.


Rating: B (Above average).

Cost: $74.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/N_c7ZN7dF2M

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

Learn more about Lasso Motel via the link here: https://lassomotelwhiskey.com/

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