Widow Jane Decadence Bourbon Whiskey Review.
Widow Jane Decadence Bourbon Whiskey Review.
Widow Jane is one of those brands that tends to drift in and out of my rotation, mostly because their pricing can feel wildly inconsistent depending on the release and where you live. Sometimes it’s approachable, other times it feels completely disconnected from reality. When I spotted Widow Jane Decadence sitting on a Costco shelf at one of the lowest prices I’ve ever seen, curiosity finally won. On paper, a 10-year-old bourbon finished in maple syrup casks sounds like a cozy fall pour, and with the price finally lining up, it felt like the right moment to pull the trigger.
Widow Jane Decadence begins as Widow Jane’s 10 Year Bourbon, a blend of sourced straight bourbons from Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Once blended, that whiskey is finished in maple syrup barrels sourced from Crown Maple, a well-known producer that many people probably already have sitting in their fridge. While Widow Jane doesn’t disclose an official finishing time, most estimates place it somewhere between three and six months. It’s not a long finish, but often that restraint can help keep the base whiskey intact rather than letting the finishing cask take over completely.
Age Statement: 10 years.
ABV: 45.5%.
Mash bill: N/A.
Area of Distillation: Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Finishing: Crown Maple syrup barrels.
Appearance: Warm mahagony.
On the nose:
On the nose:
The nose is immediately approachable and surprisingly elegant. Classic bourbon notes lead the way with caramel, vanilla, and buttery corn, followed by light oak and a gentle rye spice. The maple influence is present but restrained, coming across as natural rather than syrupy. There’s a soft, cakey vanilla note along with sweet, candied nuts dusted lightly with brown sugar and cinnamon. Everything feels balanced, clean, and cozy, with no harsh alcohol or off-putting notes.
Taste:
The palate continues that same theme of restraint and balance. The maple finish adds a natural sweetness without dominating the whiskey. Caramel, brown sugar, and light wood sugars mingle with a gentle char and a pleasant, slightly oily texture. There’s a subtle rye spice working in the background, and the overall mouthfeel is soft, rich, and easygoing. While the 45.5% ABV drinks smoothly, it does leave you wishing for just a bit more proof to add intensity and structure.
Finish:
The finish is simple but satisfying. Sweet oak, earthy maple, and a lingering nutty character fade slowly, joined by a soft tobacco-like note that likely comes from the Indiana rye component. It’s not overly complex, but it lingers pleasantly and keeps the experience grounded in classic bourbon territory.
Final Thoughts:
Widow Jane Decadence lands as a solid, well-executed finished bourbon that prioritizes balance over boldness. The maple syrup influence enhances the whiskey rather than reshaping it, which will appeal to drinkers who want sweetness without crossing into dessert territory. That said, the price matters a lot here. At the typical $90 to $100 range, it’s hard to recommend. Around $80 or less, it becomes much more compelling and competes comfortably with other maple-finished offerings that lack the same age statement.
Widow Jane Decadence lands as a solid, well-executed finished bourbon that prioritizes balance over boldness. The maple syrup influence enhances the whiskey rather than reshaping it, which will appeal to drinkers who want sweetness without crossing into dessert territory. That said, the price matters a lot here. At the typical $90 to $100 range, it’s hard to recommend. Around $80 or less, it becomes much more compelling and competes comfortably with other maple-finished offerings that lack the same age statement.
Rating: C+ (Slightly above average).
Cost: $85.59 for 750ml.
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