Window Jane - 12 Year Single Barrel
89.99
Widow Jane – 12 Years Single Barrel (Total Wine 2018)
Barrel: No 125, Bottle No 145
Proof: 99
Age: 12 Year
Distillery: MGP Indiana (Sourced), Proofed and Bottled by Widow Jane Distillery
Type: Straight Bourbon
Mash: Unknown. Guessing a 70-75% Corn, 20-25% Rye, 5% Barley
*Disclaimer: A score of 5 is the midpoint for my reviews. Above 5 I like it. Below 5 I didn’t for some reason. Most of my reviews are between 4-7. It takes something really really special to go above 7 or below 4. See the methodologies for rating at the end of the article
Nose: Whoa, there’s a lot going on here. It’s very rich on the nose. There’s a distinct smell that you get with “older” bourbons. It’s reminiscent of the smell you get in an old rick house. A great combination of oak, angels share, and mustiness. It’s not off-putting, but an old rick house is one of my favorite smells if that adds clarity. This bottle gives a whiff of that. It also gives off berries, old leather books, old oak, orange citrus, and a tiny bit of vanilla and caramel.
Taste/Palate: This comes on strong on the palate. You immediately get citrus notes, berries and orange. Within seconds you get a medium mouthfeel with a tingle in the lips and roof of the mouth. I don’t consider 99 proof high, but the alcohol isn’t in hiding. After a little pause you get a lot more complex notes of tobacco and pepper spice, There’s a little sweetness in the midpalate, but this bourbon lends more to spice.
Finish: The finish lingers for a while! One pour can last you a while if you’re not in a hurry. The sweetness comes out more on the finish. You still get all the same notes from the nose and taste, but they settle out and mature in the finish. From the Nose to Taste to Finish, this is a complex pour.
Verdict: If you see it for less than $125 I think it’s absolutely worth it. This is NOT an everyday drinker (unless you can get your hands on multiple bottles). This pour is more of a treat. Pull it out if you have friends that appreciate complexity.
MSRP: BUY Price Ceiling: $125 (The most I’d pay for this bottle)
The Story: I like to have eyes and ears out there. I have a few friends in different states and sometimes they take pictures of local liquor store bourbon shelves for me. I spotted this one in the mix of your every day bourbons. The price was $89 and I had my scout pick it up for me. The more I sip on this one the more I like it. It’s down to about half full and it’s painful to take more of it knowing I probably won’t see this offering again.
My story isn’t the only one out there. Widow Jane also has a story. I’m hard pressed to pay $90 for a bottle of bourbon that’s been sourced and rebranded. But, Bourbon is about taste. And, the taste of this hits the mark. I suggest if you’re interested in learning more about Widow Jane look give them a quick google. I have read (I can’t confirm or deny) that they proof their spirits with a special water that’s native to a specific well in their area. I have read that the well that’s claimed to be in use might not actually be in use by the distillery. It could all be hearsay, but if I’m ever on a tour of the distillery I’ll certainly ask to clarify.
Methodologies for Rating:
1. Dump it down the drain or regift it to someone you don’t care for.
2. This doesn’t even belong in a mixed drink. Use in case of an emergency.
3. It’s really not for me, but I heard some people like it.
4. Its only good when I’ve had too many and it’s decent in a mixer.
5. Solid. It hit all of what’s expected.
6. Above average. Good to bring to an event and you wouldn’t expect any guff from it.
7. Buy two if you see it to make sure you have one on reserve.
8. Very Very good. Constantly a GREAT POUR.
9. Superb. If I were to drink this and only this from now on I’d be a happy person.
10. Perfection is impossible. But this really comes as close as you can possibly get.
Reviewer: David S
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