Join us as we delve into today’s drink, Ancient Age Bourbon, which stands out as a remarkable find, remarkable because it sells for just $10. This bourbon comes from the Buffalo Trace Distillery, and from their website, “Since 1946 this bourbon has been held in high regard. 80 proof and distilled from corn, rye and barley malt, it’s smooth and simple, yet robust in its own way”. We can believe the simple, we will find out about the robust.
Ancient Age Kentucky Stright Bourbon Whiskey is 80 proof, aged for 3 years, is pretty easy to find, and comes in a very generic-looking screw-top bottle. Its mash bill is Buffalo Trace’s mash bill #2, which is a little higher in rye. Buffalo Trace doesn’t list the exact percentages.
It has been a long time since we have tasted this particular whiskey, and none of us can remember if we liked it or not. That they can make any Bourbon that sells for $10 is amazing. That they can make any Bourbon that sells for $10 is also scary. Let’s move forward and see if we are amazed or scared. Also, besides Frank, who is almost always with us, we have Travis guest tasting today. Travis is a friend of ours, and while he likes Bourbon, he is more of a casual drinker of it, preferring beer or gin and tonics.
Nose
Travis: Not getting a ton, a little corn, some bread, and a little honey. Ice didn’t change anything.
Frank: Smells like corn kernels that are sprouting. Also smell a little wood and some sweetness. With ice, it is like the alcohol evaporated and took the nose with it.
Matt: Mostly sweet with some grains and leather. Secondary aromas include corn, vanilla, and caramel. Ice added nothing, in fact I smell everything less now.
Todd: Bread and cereal are what I pick up first. After that some wood, leather and nuts. Ice muted the aromas.
TASTE
Travis: Everything that I got on the nose with some added almonds and black pepper. Again, the ice didn’t do anything for me.
Frank: A little corn, a little oak, along with a sweetness that reminds me of watered down honey. Ice makes this worse.
Matt: A touch hot for 80 proof. Not as complex as the nose, which was not really complex. I taste sweet caramel, along with almonds. Ice watered the whole thing down but did bring out a touch of vanilla.
Todd: Pretty smooth with that same cereal and bread upfront and some caramel and nuts behind that. Also get just a hint of honey and leather. Ice added some sweetness.
FINISH
Travis: Medium with some sweetness.
Frank: Short, this stuff does not linger in the mouth for long.
Matt: Short to medium with just a bit of cinnamon.
Todd: Medium with a little spice.
OVERALL
Travis: A good value, I guess.
Frank: Not my thing, even at $10.
Matt: I would not have guessed this to be $10, so I have to admit it is a good buy, but probably wouldn’t buy again except for mixer drinks and mixer forward cocktails.
Todd: Not very complex, but what do you expect for $10?
Nose 3.25 out of 5
Taste 5.5 out of 10
Finish 3 out of 5
Total score 11.75 out of 20 barrels.
In the end we were neither scared nor amazed, it was simple but not robust. Guess the saying is true, you can’t have everything you want, one needs to choose price or quality. We give kudos to Buffalo Trace for making a Bourbon, aging it for 3 years, bottling it, and selling it for $10. But besides the price, Ancient Age Bourbon just doesn’t have a lot going for it. So so nose, not real complex taste, and short finish won’t actually endear it to Bourbon lovers. And at 80 proof, it really won’t carry its weight in mixed drinks.
Now, having said all that, if you have guests who routinely ask for whiskey and coke or Bourbon and 7 up, this can be a good thing to have on hand. That is assuming you would want to keep inviting those people over. It could also be an intro Bourbon for those who say they are not big fans. Hard to believe, but they exist. Lastly, at this price, you might as well give Ancient Age Bourbon a shot. Maybe you will like it more than us, it’s not like you will be out much.