“In my experience, there are two types of flavored whiskeys. The first involves attempting to salvage substandard whiskey by burying it in additives. The second is adding or infusing flavors into otherwise decent whiskey to enhance it. Yes, there is a real difference.”
That
was the introduction to my June 2023 review of Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey. It not only took my Bottle rating, but I also
named it my Best Flavored Whiskey of 2023.
JD Recobs and Chris
Buglisi were childhood friends. After
graduating college, they discovered a passion for whiskey. They recognized that
many non-whiskey drinkers didn’t indulge because they found whiskey to have
off-putting notes, such as smoke, alcohol burn, etc. Their mission was to
develop whiskey that would appeal to everyone.
That
sounds like a near-impossible task, and, in reality, it is. However, what’s
perfectly feasible is discovering a means to broaden the pool of those who
might find a whiskey palatable. The duo tinkered with recipes, and in 2017, the
first bottles of Misunderstood
Whiskey were released.
When
JD and Chris announced the release of Misunderstood Orange Blossom Whiskey, my curiosity was naturally piqued, and I inquired
if I could procure a sample. They graciously agreed.
“Inspired by nature’s sweetest moments, Orange Blossom Bourbon blends the elegance of small batch bourbon with the delicate essence of pure orange blossom honey. This creation celebrates spring’s bloom […]. Distilled at the historic Ross & Squibb distillery in Indiana, this 99% corn bourbon is light, smooth, and aged in char #4 barrels for rich notes of vanilla & toasted caramel.
After our barrels are harvested, our bourbon is blended with premium orange blossom honey, steam-distilled citrus, and botanical extracts for a bright, balanced bourbon that lets natural sweetness shine […] No artificial additives, no shortcuts - just damn good bourbon and Nature’s Finest Flavors.” - JD Recobs & Chris Buglisi, Co-Founders
Misunderstood
Orange Blossom Bourbon begins with Ross
& Squibb (MGP) 99% corn Bourbon. Then came the
infusion. The whiskey carries no age statement nor a straight designation.
Misunderstood produces and bottles its wares in Bardstown, Kentucky. It is
non-chill filtered. Packaged at 40% ABV (80°), a 750ml bottle costs about $30.00.
Everything with this whiskey is 100% natural.
My
experience with Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey puts JD and Chris in a
weird place: there are expectations with Orange Blossom Bourbon that I
shouldn’t have, yet do. On the flip side, I recognize that even the base
whiskeys are dissimilar. All of that winds up becoming a perfect #DrinkCurious
opportunity.
I
evaluate nearly every whiskey neat. In the case of today’s subject whiskey,
I’ll pour two servings: neat and on the rocks. Why? Because the label suggests that’s
how it should be approached.
Served
Neat
Appearance: In my
Glencairn glass, I discovered a honey gold liquid, creating a thick rim and
slow, crazed tears.
Nose: Even though
the proof was low, I still allowed the whiskey to rest for about ten minutes before
approaching it. I found ripe citrus peel that smelled a lot like tangerines
versus the oranges I expected. As I continued to sniff, I noticed honey and a dollop
of vanilla. Orange citrus and lime zest were present when I drew the air through
my lips.
Palate: Orange
Blossom’s mouthfeel was creamy and warm. The front tasted of honey, dried apricots,
and orange rind. The middle consisted of candied ginger and vanilla, while the
back included nutmeg, caramel, and charred oak flavors.
Finish: I found the finish extremely short; I timed it at 0:28. It featured charred oak, caramel, toffee, nutmeg, and honey.
Served on
the Rocks
There’s
no need to rehash the appearance and nosing, as those should be consistent. Ice
would change what happens in my mouth and throat. I did give it several minutes
to relax and mingle with the ice. While I do encourage everyone to drink their
whiskey as they see fit, I never, ever sip whiskey on the rocks. Ever.
Palate: The
texture was oily. I must admit that I didn’t expect that big of a change. It
began with orange peel and toffee on the front. Next came honey and vanilla; I
tasted nutmeg and drier oak on the back.
Finish: The oak
and nutmeg notes remained, and Bit O’Honey carried through. That dryness garnered
my attention. The duration ran only 0:13.
Bottle, Bar, or Bust: I must interrupt
the closing; while it has no impact on my rating, this whiskey has the tightest
stopper I’ve ever come across. Despite the ridges on the side of the cap, I had
to get one of those rubber jar openers to gain traction and remove it. It could
be just my sample bottle; it may be something for JD and Chris to look into
further with their on-hand stock.
Now, back to your regularly-scheduled
programming…
Served neat, Orange Blossom
Bourbon was an interesting pour. I’ve had citrus-infused whiskeys before, and
they tasted industrial and overpowering. That isn’t the case here. While I
appreciated what was in my glass, it didn't strike me as something I'd crave.
Served over ice, the alcohol warmth was non-existent. It changed the mouthfeel and finish; the palate was somewhat muted (which is why I don’t drink whiskey on the rocks; without getting into a detailed, scientific explanation, chilling a beverage subdues flavors). While I found it easier to sip, it was too low-key for me this way.
Misunderstood Whiskey provides
several cocktail suggestions, and I can wholeheartedly imagine Orange Blossom
Bourbon performing well that way. However, I am not a mixologist; I don’t get
too fancy beyond Old Fashioneds or Colorado Bulldogs, and my ordering them is
rare (I don’t make them at home).
I believe Orange Blossom Bourbon
should be tried at a Bar before you commit further. I wish I could give
this a higher 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.
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