
This is the first bourbon from the Lyons Spirits division of
Alltech which is primarily known as an animal health and nutrition company that supplies the world with natural supplements that are placed in animal feed to improve animal health, they do like to dabble in brewing and distilling.
Alltech’s founder, Irishman Pearse Lyons, is quite schooled
in whiskey as he holds a Master’s Degree in brewing and distillation, and a
Phd in yeast fermentation.
Alltech has had success with their popular Kentucky Bourbon
Barrel Ale and Bluegrass Sundown Liquor, so I was interested to try out both
the Pearse Lyons Reserve malt whiskey, and their Town Branch Bourbon. Fortunately, the fine folks at Alltech
supplied me with a sample of the Bourbon.
I’ll have to hunt down that Malt on my own.

15% Malt
13% Rye
Having won Silver Medals at the 2013 Spirits of America
competition (American Whiskey Division) and another Silver Medal at the 2013
Denver International Spirits competition, I was eager to give this one a try.
Tasting Notes:Appearance: Amber +1
Nose: Gentle & clean, takes a moment but then
bananas and oak peek out
Palate: Very kind and polite, almost too polite,
kettle corn & nutmegFinish: Tiny bit of soft oak, short to medium length
Overall:
While I usually do not comment on packaging much, I kind of like this bottle. It has a
packing tape kind of label that appeals to my handy-man side. That being said, it is what is on the inside
that counts, and that is where it gets tricky.
I found this Bourbon to be lacking a ‘kick’. I kept waiting for that Rye to rear its spicy
head, but it never happened. I believe
that this Bourbon would improve with a higher ABV and maybe even a few more
years in the cask. Although, even at
this point, it is still a beautifully clean, smooth and calm whiskey. It is just a little too one-note for me to
put it up with some of the great bourbons of this world. I think if you prefer a sweet and gentle
bourbon that is highly approachable, this one may be up your alley. I just happen to have a preference for the
more assertive flavors of bolder and higher proofed whiskeys.
Score: 83
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