AVB
Jesus of Cool, I'm bad, I'm nationwide
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2003
- Messages
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Johnny Drum 15 yo Sour Mash Bourbon, no packaging although it may have a soft bag in some markets, 750ml, Short squat bottle, wax seal, 101 proof, about $22-27. There are also 12 and 8 yo versions at lower proofs.
Johnny Drum is a name not known to most bourbon drinkers. For years the Willett distillery sold it only locally and overseas with no national distribution. Willett closed in the 70's and most of the equipment was salvaged out. However, in the late 80's the name and what was left of the remaining stock was bought and the distillery started a renovation that is still underway to this day. A group called Kentucky Bourbon Distillers now bottles Johnny Drum under the guise of the Johnny Drum Distilling Company. They also bottle three other bourbons and have, in the last few years, started to distribute in the US. It may be hard to find in a local store but at least it is on the Internet.
This Johnny Drum noses Oak first and foremost followed by what I remember as cotton candy sweetness. This is not a bad thing, just not the usual smell of sweetness that bourbon has. A touch of vanilla enters the picture too if you let the glass breathe a bit. Tasting is a bit of a surprise because the oak that came out in nosing doesn't show up nearly as strong as I would have thought. At 101 proof there is some alcohol burn but less then I would have expected and it goes away rather quickly leaving a fairly long sweetish finish behind. Carmel apples come to mind as the flavor slowly fades.
All in all not a bad bourbon and easily worth the $25 or so it costs. A bit sweeter then most but that helps with the higher proof. I think if you like the Maker's Mark style you should like this. It's good enough that I'll buy another when I finish this bottle.
Johnny Drum is a name not known to most bourbon drinkers. For years the Willett distillery sold it only locally and overseas with no national distribution. Willett closed in the 70's and most of the equipment was salvaged out. However, in the late 80's the name and what was left of the remaining stock was bought and the distillery started a renovation that is still underway to this day. A group called Kentucky Bourbon Distillers now bottles Johnny Drum under the guise of the Johnny Drum Distilling Company. They also bottle three other bourbons and have, in the last few years, started to distribute in the US. It may be hard to find in a local store but at least it is on the Internet.
This Johnny Drum noses Oak first and foremost followed by what I remember as cotton candy sweetness. This is not a bad thing, just not the usual smell of sweetness that bourbon has. A touch of vanilla enters the picture too if you let the glass breathe a bit. Tasting is a bit of a surprise because the oak that came out in nosing doesn't show up nearly as strong as I would have thought. At 101 proof there is some alcohol burn but less then I would have expected and it goes away rather quickly leaving a fairly long sweetish finish behind. Carmel apples come to mind as the flavor slowly fades.
All in all not a bad bourbon and easily worth the $25 or so it costs. A bit sweeter then most but that helps with the higher proof. I think if you like the Maker's Mark style you should like this. It's good enough that I'll buy another when I finish this bottle.
