Review #: 314
Description: Bourbon De Luxe
Spirit: Bourbon
Background: Another National Distillers product this time from 1980. I believe this, similar to the Kentucky Colonel, carried a 4 year age statement and bottled at 80 proof. Not sure if there was supposed to be much difference between the two brands though I believe this name was sold to Beam prior to the 90s. Let’s see how it tastes.
Distillery – National Distillers
Bottler – National Distillers
Brand – Bourbon De Luxe
Selection – N/A
ABV – 40%
Age – 4 Years
Nose – More rich than the Kentucky Colonel, butterscotch, caramel, orange, cinnamon, light barrel char, yellow cake
Taste – Candied orange, butterscotch, cinnamon pancakes, vanilla. Very nice mouthfeel
Finish – Orange, black tea, barrel char. Almost turns a little bitter.
Score: 6
Would I buy a bottle? Recent auctions look like $200 which is a hard no for me
Thoughts: This was a lot more what I was hoping for from National Distillers. A nice rich nose and thicker mouthfeel. It’s definitely great for an 80 proof, young bourbon, but still nothing mind blowing. I like that these have had a bit more barrel influence and dryer mouthfeel where it feel like current day stuff leans more on the sweetness. It just provides an interesting dynamic and a glimpse into the past. But for the price today, I wouldn’t pay it but certainly enjoyed this pour.