James Ownby Reserve 6 Year Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review.

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     James Ownby Reserve 6 Year Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review.

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


    Ole Smoky Distillery offers a nod to its heritage with James Ownby Reserve. This expression pays tribute to the distillery’s fifth-generation great-grandfather and one of its founders, James Ownby. This isn’t Old Smoky's usual moonshine, this is a classic-styled Tennessee bourbon whiskey.

    As a Tennessee whiskey, James Ownby Reserve undergoes the Lincoln County Process, a hallmark of the style that filters the new make spirit through sugar maple charcoal before aging. This not only adheres to regional tradition but also helps to mellow the final product. 


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/pr3lWtZqgho.

Age Statement: 6 years.

ABV: 47%.

Mash bill: N/A.

Area of Distillation: Tennessee.

Appearance: Warm golden hue.


On the nose:
    The first impression is a gentle sweetness. Sugar maple stands front and center, likely a gift from that charcoal filtration, joined by subtle notes of barrel char and earthiness. There's a suggestion of sweet orchard fruit, ripe apple with a slight tartness, and a bit of husky corn that rounds out the traditional bourbon backbone. Some hints of tobacco leaf and a soft wisp of smoke lend a bit of rustic depth. What really stands out is the balance, nothing feels forced, and the nose avoids any alcohol harshness or off notes.


Taste:
    The sip opens with a warm, sweet profile. Caramel and vanilla glide across the tongue, underscored by green apple and rye spice. There's a charred oak character, a little smoky, a little peppery, that layers well with the sugar-maple-inflected sweetness. A touch of cinnamon surfaces in later sips, adding to the fall-like impression. It’s simple, sure, but honest. This is a bourbon that leans into the classic profile, then gives you just a bit more depth.


Finish:
    Medium in length, the finish carries through that caramel-apple sweetness and spice, fading into soft wood sugars and faint tobacco. A final echo of char and maple leaves a cozy impression — nothing too bold, but entirely satisfying. Even as it lingers, there’s no heat, no harsh edge, just a gentle fade that invites another sip.


Final Thoughts:
    James Ownby Reserve is a success in exactly the way it needs to be. It’s not chasing high-concept finishes or flashy age statements, it’s a grounded, flavorful bourbon that delivers more than expected for its midrange price tag. With its solid six-year age, friendly proof point, and mellow character, this is a bottle that could shine equally well in an Old Fashioned or on its own in a quiet glass at the end of the day.


Rating: B- (Slightly Above Average).

Cost: $34.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/pr3lWtZqgho.

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

Learn more about Ole Smoky via the link here: https://olesmoky.com/.

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