Are Toasted Bourbons Here to Stay?

It seems like it was just yesterday we were sitting down to record our what’s trending episode for 2022 and this conversation arose. While toasting is trendy, I was skeptical that it would continue to be something that stuck.  Fast forward nine months and nothing has changed as bourbon and whiskey giants continue to add a secondary toasting to their lines ups. Over the next several reviews will dive a few different toasted bourbon and whiskies.  Today’s pour is Daviess County Lightly Toasted, which I am excited to try, as I wasn’t as high on their finished bourbons previously.

Just the Facts:

Proof: 96

Age: Undisclosed

Mash Bill: Undisclosed

Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon    

MSRP: $49.99

Jake’s Tasting Notes: Daviess County Lightly Toasted

Color: Melted Butter

Nose:  Toasty and nutty sweetness with dried fruit (apricots and banana.)

Palate:  The nuttiness jumps right out and grabs your attention, almost holiday sugar coated nuts. The more you drink there is a custard note that shines through that balances the pecan type of notes you get right at the front.

Finish: Long to medium, flavors stay on your palate for a good while.

Closing Thoughts

Toasting is such a unique finishing technique; I believe it can be something that can give you flavors that either accentuate the whiskey or overpower it.  The light toasting may be all this whiskey can take. I believe the toasting gives such a nuttiness to this whiskey which is flavorful but may not be for everyone. A good benchmark to this whiskey would be the Elijah Craig Toasted or Basil Hayden’s Toasted if you wanted to do a flight of toasted bourbons. I will ask you one last time Are Toasted Bourbons Here to stay? You decide and let us know your thoughts!