J. Mattingly 1845 Double Staved Classic Bourbon balances the sweetness of dessert with the rich complexity of oak and spice.
Fast Facts about J. Mattingly 1845 Double Staved Classic Bourbon:
- Style: Kentucky Bourbon
- Mashbill: Not disclosed
- Proof: 119 (59.5% ABV)
- Age: 6.5 Years
- Price: $120
- Availability: at J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, in select retailers, and online, with shipping to 46 U.S. states.
Tasting Notes: J. Mattingly 1845 Double Staved Classic Bourbon
- Nose: The nose is an intriguing mix of apple pie and cherry cobbler, rich and sweet like fresh-baked desserts. Beneath its baked fruit sweetness, there’s a subtle note of earthy tobacco. The aroma continues with a gentle woodiness, reminiscent of cedar lined furniture, perhaps the result of the “double staved” finishing process. Overall, the nose is both rich and balanced, offering a perfect complement of sweet and savory.
- Palate: The first sip delivers an immediate wave of cinnamon, warming your palate with spice. There’s a dry, almost coffee-like bitterness that adds some complexity. Despite its noticeable strength (119 Proof), the proof is well-managed—high enough to give the bourbon a nice, satisfying punch without overwhelming the palate. Don’t be mistaken, this is a bold (but not overly aggressive) whiskey without the deep burn I often associate with cask-strength.
- Finish: The finish leaves behind a lasting charred oak note that lingers pleasantly. A drying effect is evident, but not off-putting. The bourbon’s warmth gives it a sense of aged sophistication, with just enough oak influence to keep things interesting.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a bourbon that balances the sweetness of dessert-like aromas with the rich complexity of oak and spice. It’s full-bodied without going overboard, offering a satisfying and proofy punch that doesn’t overwhelm. J. Mattingly 1845 Double Staved Classic Bourbon is an excellent whiskey that is complex, yet comforting and familiar. Thank you to the team at J. Mattingly 1845 for providing this sample for purposes of review.
About J. Mattingly 1845:
The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth, and with connections to some of the most illustrious names in the distilling industry, including George Garvin Brown, the Willetts and the Samuels.
It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2. Many historians today believe his distillery was the first registered distillery in Kentucky. In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business. Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together father and son offer their proprietary double staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at JMattingly1845.com.
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