Widow Jane is a relatively young distillery in the world of bourbon, but their commitment to quality and innovation has made them a force to be reckoned with. Their 10-year anniversary is a testament to their journey, and their 10-year bourbon is a celebration of their dedication to creating exceptional whiskey.
This review explores Widow Jane’s 10-year bourbon, delving into its unique characteristics, flavor profile, and the story behind its creation. We’ll examine the significance of this milestone for the distillery and its place in the evolving world of bourbon.
A Taste of History: The Story Behind Widow Jane
Widow Jane’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a dedication to quality. Founded in 2010 by a group of friends, the distillery is named after the widow of a legendary New York City distiller, Jane “Widow” Jane, whose legacy continues to inspire their pursuit of excellence.
The distillery itself is located in the heart of Brooklyn, a vibrant and dynamic borough known for its creativity and innovation. This location is symbolic of Widow Jane’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating unique expressions of bourbon.
The Journey to 10 Years: A Look at Widow Jane’s Success
Widow Jane’s journey to its 10-year anniversary has been marked by several key milestones:
- 2010: Founded in Brooklyn, New York, with a focus on crafting bourbons that honor traditional methods while embracing modern innovation.
- 2012: Released their first bourbon, which quickly gained recognition for its distinct flavor profile and unique character.
- 2015: Expanded their distillery and production facilities, allowing for the production of more limited-edition releases and specialty bourbons.
- 2018: Released the highly acclaimed “The Widow’s Keep,” a blend of bourbons aged for 10 years.
- 2020: Celebrated their 10-year anniversary with the release of their flagship 10-year bourbon, a testament to their dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
The Widow Jane 10-Year Bourbon: A Review
The Widow Jane 10-Year bourbon is a remarkable achievement, showcasing the distillery’s mastery of the art of aging and blending. It embodies the spirit of Widow Jane’s commitment to quality and tradition.
Appearance: The bourbon has a deep amber hue, with a rich, oily texture.
Nose: The aroma is complex and inviting, featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and a hint of spice.
Palate: On the palate, the bourbon is smooth and velvety, with a rich and satisfying body. Flavors of maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon dominate, with a subtle hint of cherry and a long, warm finish.
Overall: The Widow Jane 10-Year bourbon is an exceptional expression of the art of crafting bourbon. It’s a well-rounded whiskey that showcases the distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation.
The Significance of the 10-Year Anniversary
The 10-year anniversary of Widow Jane is a significant milestone for the distillery and a testament to their commitment to creating exceptional bourbon. It’s a reminder of their journey and a celebration of their success.
The release of their 10-year bourbon is a tribute to the years of dedication, passion, and innovation that have gone into creating this exceptional whiskey. It’s a symbol of their continued commitment to pushing boundaries and creating unique expressions of bourbon.
Widow Jane’s Impact on the World of Bourbon
Widow Jane’s success has had a significant impact on the world of bourbon. They have helped to redefine what it means to be a craft distillery, demonstrating that it’s possible to produce exceptional bourbon outside of traditional bourbon-producing regions.
Their commitment to quality and innovation has inspired other distilleries to experiment with new techniques and flavors, leading to a more diverse and exciting landscape of bourbons available today.
FAQs
Q: Is Widow Jane 10-Year bourbon worth the price?
A: The Widow Jane 10-Year bourbon is a premium bourbon, and its price reflects its quality and limited availability. For those who appreciate fine bourbon and are willing to pay for excellence, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Q: How is Widow Jane different from other bourbons?
A: Widow Jane’s bourbons are known for their unique flavor profiles, which are often described as being complex, smooth, and well-balanced. They use a variety of techniques to create their bourbons, including using rye mash bills and aging their whiskies in a variety of barrels.
Q: What are some other popular Widow Jane bourbons?
A: In addition to their 10-Year bourbon, Widow Jane is known for their:
- The Widow’s Keep: A blend of bourbons aged for 10 years, known for its smooth and complex flavors.
- Bourbon Cask Strength: A higher-proof bourbon, offering a bolder and more intense flavor profile.
- Single Barrel: Each bottle is unique, reflecting the individual characteristics of the barrel from which it was sourced.
Q: Where can I buy Widow Jane bourbon?
A: Widow Jane bourbons are available at select liquor stores and online retailers. Check with your local liquor store or search online for availability.
Q: What other bourbons are similar to Widow Jane?
A: If you enjoy the smooth and complex flavors of Widow Jane, you might also like:
- Eagle Rare 10 Year: Another highly acclaimed bourbon known for its smooth and complex flavor profile.
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year: A well-respected bourbon with a smooth and mellow taste.
- W.L. Weller Special Reserve: A popular bourbon known for its caramel and vanilla notes.
Q: What are some cocktail recipes that use Widow Jane bourbon?
A: The smooth and complex flavors of Widow Jane make it an excellent choice for a variety of cocktails. Some popular options include:
- Old Fashioned: A classic cocktail with a smoky and sweet taste.
- Manhattan: A sophisticated cocktail with a rich and balanced flavor profile.
- Whiskey Sour: A tart and refreshing cocktail.
Q: What is the best way to enjoy Widow Jane bourbon?
A: There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy bourbon, but some popular methods include:
- Neat: This allows you to fully appreciate the bourbon’s flavor profile.
- On the Rocks: Adding ice will cool and dilute the bourbon, making it more refreshing.
- With a splash of water: This can help to open up the bourbon’s flavors.
- In cocktails: Bourbon is a versatile spirit and can be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails.
Q: How do I store Widow Jane bourbon?
A: To preserve the quality of your bourbon, store it in a cool, dark place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or heat.
Final Thoughts
Widow Jane’s 10-Year bourbon is a testament to their dedication to crafting exceptional whiskey. It’s a well-rounded bourbon that showcases the distillery’s mastery of aging and blending. As a young distillery that has made a significant impact on the world of bourbon, Widow Jane’s journey is one to watch.