Puncher’s Chance Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is what we are tasting today. This joins others, as of late, that are new to Talking Bourbon, and when we say new, not only had we not tasted it, but we had also not even heard of it. Their website says Wolf Spirit Distillery, but on the same site, it states it is made by IJW Whiskey Company, so one of those two made this juice. From their site, “Puncher’s Chance American Whiskies are built on the tenet of “perfect balance” – where the flavors and aromas that comprise a memorable whiskey.” Also, from their website, regarding the name “The brand name “Puncher’s Chance” is a boxing reference, denoting that almost anyone can deliver a knockout punch, no matter what the odds are, particularly if that punch is delivered with perfect balance.”
Puncher’s Chance Single Barrel is between 5 and 6 years old, is 108 proof, sells for $60, is available at nicer liquor stores, and comes in a rounded-off, darkened corked bottle that has, ironically given who makes it, a tiger on the label. The mash bill is 75% corm, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. This is the second time in the past few weeks that we have tasted a Bourbon with barley being over 10%. As stated then, this is somewhat rare, or at least we thought it was. One note: our bottle is a store pick, meaning the owners went to the distillery themselves, tasted a few barrels, and bought an entire barrel for themselves of the one they liked best. Pretty common practice. So, instead of the standard 108 proof, our bottle is 113.8. Not sure how much, if any, difference that will make.
While we acknowledge the name Puncher’s Chance has its origin in boxing, we feel like it is used a lot more widely now. In other sports, for instance, a basketball team might not be as good as its competitor, but as long as so and so is on their team, they have a puncher’s chance to win. Our as long as a politician is at least somewhat close in the polls, he or she has a puncher’s chance of winning. It has almost morphed into meaning luck. Having said that, despite the gimmicky name and the slight confusion over who makes it, we are giving Puncher’s Chance a punching chance.
NOSE
Todd: A slightly hot aroma of oak, corn, toffee, cherries, and milk chocolate. Also getting a bit of barley, cereal, and rye. Behind all of this, a scent that reminds me of cut grass. Ice brings out some caramel.
Matt: Wood, corn, vanilla, and brown sugar are the dominant smells, with red apple and grain coming in as lesser scents. I pick up the grass aroma that Todd got, or maybe it is leaves. Getting a slight smell that reminds me of a cleaner.
TASTE
Todd: Hot neat with more sweetness that I got on the nose, including vanilla, caramel, toffee, and brown sugar. Wood is another strong taste. Getting something different that I just can’t identify. Ice opens things up and brings out some grain.
Matt: Sweeter than the nose, with maple syrup and caramel joining the vanilla. Getting some corn as well and a bit of cinnamon. I didn’t taste the cleaner smell I got on the nose, probably a good thing. Ice brings out some butterscotch and rye.
FINISH
Todd: Medium with some definite heat along with sweetness and mint.
Matt: Medium with more of the same that I got on the taste.
OVERALL
Todd: Nothing really jumps out that says buy me.
Matt: Decent Bourbon, but I won’t rush out for another once this bottle is gone.
Nose 3.75 out of 5
Taste 7 out of 10
Finish 3.25 out of 5
Total score 14 out of 20 barrels.
In a world where we have hundreds of choices of Bourbon at this price point, Puncher’s Chance Single Barrel didn’t really do anything to separate itself from the masses. Not a bad drink, but there is a lot of better Bourbons out there for less money. We also feel like you should get a little older Bourbon for $60.
Our final recommendation would probably be to pass on this Bourbon. But, while $60 is somewhat high, it is not breaking the bank money. So maybe give Puncher’s Chance Single Barrel a try. It just might win you over,