H.K. Young Bourbon Co. "Gambit" Toasted Barrel Blend #1 Review

In today’s Bourbon boom environment, new brands are popping up what seems like almost daily. The key to success is finding a way to differentiate yourself from everyone else on the store shelf. Some brands make an attention-grabbing bottle shape or label design. Others throw a considerable price tag on theirs to convince you it isn’t another me-too whiskey. Then, you have the ones who actually do something to the whiskey as their game-changing strategy.

 

H.K. Young Bourbon Co. was founded by a trio of Bourbon enthusiasts and experts: CG Hanna, Spencer Kilijian,  and Tyler Young. Its mission is to produce and blend toasted barrel Bourbons.  

 

“The goal for the signature product, the H.K. Young Toasted Blend, is to tell the barrels’ stories. To accomplish this, each batch will consist of various ratios of Bourbon finished in a distinct variety of toasted barrels to deliver a bourbon rich in flavor yet different from the last. We are not simply launching a brand; we are introducing a new perspective on a bourbon segment. Our vision is to craft a bourbon experience that resonates with connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike.” – CG Hanna

 

Toasted Barrel Blend Batch #1 is called Gambit. One component is a 10% rye (meaning the 90% is at least 51% corn and the rest malted barley) that aged 6.5 years before finishing. The second is a 36% rye that rested 6 years, 8 months, and the third is a 20% rye that matured 7 years, 7 months. These barrels were stored at Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distilling.

 

The 10% rye barrels were finished in barrels from Independent Stave Company (ISC), and the first part of that process was spent on the lower levels of the warehouse. They were then moved to the sixth floor for an additional six months. H.K. Young does disclose what makes these finishing barrels special:

 

• Heavy Toast American Oak Barrels: Caramelized oak, toasted nuts, hints of dark chocolate, and coffee
• Custom Spice Toast, Char #1 American Oak Barrels: Baking spice, subtle char, smoky note, coconut-like character
• Medium Toast, Char #1 Hybrid Oak (American/French) Barrels: Vanilla, caramelized sugar, nutty aromas, fresh oak notes

 

The finishing time of each was between 18 and 24 months. From there, the base blend is layered with the Kentucky Straight Bourbons until it meets the desired result.

 

Gambit is available at retail outlets in Tennessee and Kentucky and online via Seelbachs. A 58.3% ABV (116.6°) 750ml bottle has a suggested price of $79.99.

 

Before I get to the #DrinkCurious part, I must thank H.K. Young for providing me with a sample in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review.

 

Appearance: I poured this Bourbon into my Glencairn glass to sip neat. The dark orange-amber liquid formed a thin, jagged rim and fast, medium-width tears.

 

Nose: The aroma was very sweet, with marshmallow fluff, nougat, cranberries, peaches, and the slightest hint of barrel char. The air in my mouth reminded me of S’mores.

 

Palate: With my first sip, I encountered a medium texture and a blast of spice. At the second, the palate shock was no longer an issue. On the front, there were flavors of tobacco, toasted coconut, and nutmeg. The middle offered nougat, buckwheat, and maple. I tasted black pepper, smoked oak, and cocoa powder.

 

Finish: The finish clocked in at 1:41, placing it as a long duration. Maple syrup, buckwheat, toasted coconut, smoked oak, and clove remained.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: To be frank, I was worried after that first sip. It was a sharp spice bomb. It was also a reminder to never judge any whiskey, good or bad, on that first try, because there's always palate shock to deal with.

 

I appreciated how the spiciness and sweetness competed with one another. The buckwheat was a nice touch. It, along with the maple syrup, made me think of breakfast. The smoked oak was delightful.

 

H.K. Young Bourbon Co. tasked itself to do something different. I believe the three founders accomplished that. Gambit is worth the price of admission and deserves my Bottle rating. Cheers!  

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you to do so responsibly.