Today we are talking about Stetson, not the famous hats but John B. Stetson Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Which incidentally is named after the man who is behind the hat. Stetson is available at most stores, comes in a screw top bottle priced around $25.00.
It is bottled at 84 proof with no age statement, but being that the bottle says straight, it is at least 4 years old. Oddly, on their web site they say the mash bill, while at least 50% corn, also has rye, wheat and barley. While all Bourbon has the corn and a little barley, everything we have come across before has either rye or wheat as the secondary grain, not both.
NOSE
Todd: Very nice sweet aroma of cocoa, honey, orange and vanilla. With a faint hint of woodiness.
Ron: I got the sweetness and the honey, along with some pear and oak.
TASTE
Todd: Very sweet neat, some spice and citrus comes out with ice. Also got a little mustiness, in a good way.
Ron: I got the sweetness and oak that I detected on the nose, with some touches of leather and caramel.
FINISH
Todd: Nice medium to long finish with a hint of vanilla.
Ron: Medium-long finish with some flower notes as well as vanilla.
OVERALL
Todd: This stuff just tastes good. Has a more complex nose than taste but that is a minor complaint.
Ron: Very well balanced smooth Bourbon. I liked it neat or with just one cube. High ranking in my book, and for the price a stable in my cabinet.
Nose 4.5 out of 5
Taste 8.5 out of 10
Finish 4 out of 5
Total 17 out of 20 barrels
Very good juice, especially for the price. The only thing holding up the score was the finish and a little knock for some lack of complexity on the taste. This, in our opinion, has to be considered one of the best Bourbons on the market for under $30.00. Being so sweet, we would probably not use it for cocktails. Better neat or on the rocks.
Our recommendation to you, go out and buy a bottle. Our recommendation to ourselves, pour another one.