It has been a minute since we, Talking Bourbon, have had a tasting. Maybe you think we were participating in Dry January, you would be wrong, foolish mortal. We were just having a rough time getting everyone together. That is in the past; we are all together again and tasting a juice called Old Emmer Cask Strength Bourbon. Something we have never heard of. This Bourbon is made by IJW Whiskey Company, based in Kentucky. We had never heard of them either, and a quick search revealed this from AI, “IJW Whiskey Company is a relatively secretive, fast-growing, and vertically integrated spirits company, founded around 2016 and based in Kentucky, that produces, bottles, and matures premium bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskeys. It operates through partnerships with five major Kentucky distilleries and is developing its own infrastructure in Shelbyville, KY.” Seems they also make Bondstone Bourbons, which we have heard of.
Old Emmer Cask Strength is 116.6 proof, sells for $45, and comes in a plain-looking corked bottle. We could not get an age statement, but it is generally considered to be 4 years old. We also could not get a mash bill, but it is called a high wheat Bourbon, so we assume they have replaced the rye with wheat. As far as availability, it seems it is sold primarily through Total Wine.
We can’t remember who bought this or why. We do go to Total Wine a lot, maybe they were pushing it, and one of us caved in and purchased it. As far as the name, it is named after an ancient wheat strain known for its taste and smell. But it is not in existence anymore, so not used in this drink. Weird.
NOSE
A fruity combination of apple and orange, along with the sweetness of vanilla, cotton candy, and honey make for a decent nose. Also getting some grain, and a hint of leather, and cinnamon. Ice adds a caramel scent.
TASTE
Tasting the apple, orange, vanilla, and honey that we got on the nose, with some wood as well. Secondary flavors include leather, bread, and a bit of spice. Also, get just a slight touch of mint. It is a little hot; ice calms that and brings out more sweetness.
FINISH
Medium long that is both hot and sweet,
OVERALL
Decent Bourbon at a decent price point. We all would drink it again.
Nose 3.75 out of 5
Taste 7.5 out of 10
Finish 3.5 out of 5
Final score 14.75 out of 20 barrels
Well, it had the expected sweetness of a wheated Bourbon along with a bit of complexity. We all thought it was a little better with some water/ice. At 116 proof and under $50, it is a pretty decent bargain, seeing as how most will dilute it and make it last longer.
For that price, you really can’t lose, so if you have a Total Wine near you, we recommend picking up a bottle of Old Emmer, Cask Strength Bourbon. Even though the name is a little odd.