West Fork Whsky Co. Hot Honey Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review
West Fork Whsky Company has become a familiar and trusted name on my back bar, and for good reason. Distilling, aging, and bottling all of their spirits in Indiana, they’ve consistently shown a willingness to experiment while still respecting the core of what makes good whiskey enjoyable. This Hot Honey Finished Bourbon is part of an ongoing collaboration with local spice expert King Butter, and Batch 3 marks a noticeable evolution in the series.
Having spent time with both Batch 1 and Batch 2, I came into this release with a mix of excitement and curiosity. The first batch was bold and cask strength, the second leaned heavily into spice. Batch 3 introduces a higher age statement and promises a better balance between bourbon character and finishing influence. I had tasted this previously at the distillery, but a fresh pour at home always tells the real story.
The finishing process is what sets this whiskey apart. An ex-bourbon barrel is first filled with hot honey that has been infused with spices and peppers. That honey is allowed to rest and absorb the barrel character before being dumped and bottled on its own. Once the barrel is emptied, the bourbon blend is introduced and allowed to finish for several months, typically in the eight to ten month range depending on the batch. It’s a labor-intensive process that relies heavily on timing and restraint.
Age Statement: 5+ years.
ABV: 50%.
Mash bill: A blend of West Fork's wheated bourbon & high rye bourbon.
Area of Distillation: Westfield, Indiana.
Appearance: Burnt orange.
On the nose:
The nose opens with a surprisingly classic bourbon profile. Corn sweetness, soft char, vanilla, caramel, and a touch of brown sugar come through first. The hot honey is present but more integrated, offering earthy sweetness and a red pepper flake style spice rather than raw heat. There’s a gentle wheat softness layered in, along with floral and earthy notes from the high-rye component. A faint wood-burning character shows up as well, adding depth without veering into harsh territory.
Taste:
Batch 3 immediately confirms itself as the most bourbon-forward of the series. The hot honey spice arrives early but does not dominate. Instead, it frames the whiskey, allowing oak sugars, vanilla, caramel, and light baking spice to shine. The mouthfeel is rich with good cling, yet it never becomes sticky or cloying. The honey brings a raw, earthy sweetness that lingers, but the spice gradually fades, making room for the underlying bourbon to settle in comfortably.
With subsequent sips, the wheat profile becomes more apparent, bringing a slight waxiness and soft spice. The sweetness shifts away from honey and leans more toward vanilla and caramel, which helps keep the experience balanced. The proof is well-managed, with no harsh alcohol bite or off-notes, making this an easy whiskey to spend time with.
Finish:
The finish is warm and gently spiced, but notably shorter and cleaner than previous batches. The heat subsides faster, allowing the bourbon character to remain enjoyable well after the sip. It’s a welcome change that makes the whiskey more approachable and versatile.
Final Thoughts:
This is not a whiskey designed for extended neat pours, but it succeeds strongly within its intended lane. Batch 3 shows real growth in blending and finishing restraint, letting the bourbon speak while still delivering the promised hot honey character. This bottle shines as a creative mixer. A spicy old fashioned feels like a natural fit, and even small additions to cocktails could add depth and heat without overpowering the drink. Most importantly, it’s fun, intentional, and thoughtfully executed.
Rating: B- (Fairly Good).
Cost: $59.9 for 750ml.
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