Town Branch Bourbon

80 proof

As I wrote back in October, Town Branch is the first bourbon produced by craft distiller Alltech Brewing and Distilling Co. of Lexington, Ky. The distillery is the passionate hobby of Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder of Alltech, a global health and nutrition company. The packaging is flawless; this is one of the handsomest bourbon bottles on the shelf. Unfortunately, what’s inside didn’t quite live up to that promise. 

Aroma: Very sweet, with a strong esssence of caramel corn and rum.

Taste: Dried apricot, golden raisins, black pepper, oak. Very dry, short, tannic finish.

Verdict: This is one of those bourbons whose aroma and flavor profiles have very little in common. The sweetness promised on the nose never really comes through on the palate, and the finish is very short, leaving little behind. Part of the problem might be the low proof. (By comparison, Maker’s Mark and Woodford Reserve, which are also intended to be smooth, drinkable bourbons, are 90 and 90.4 proof, respectively.) Town Branch isn’t a bad bourbon; it’s just not as complex or memorable as some of the other brands at this price point (about $27). But that sure is a nice bottle.