American Highway Reserve
American Highway Reserve Bourbon Whiskey is a name that has been making waves in the bourbon enthusiast community. As an amateur bourbon fan, a few months ago at a client’s party, I had the opportunity to experience this intriguing spirit, and one aspect that truly stood out was the concept of these four words: rolling Brickhouse Brad Paisley.
Two things set this bourbon apart from others are its maturation process in what they call the "rolling rickhouse” and a Brad Paisley collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Co. Traditionally, bourbon ages in static rickhouses, where barrels are stored in a fixed position. However, the rolling rickhouse departs from the norm. This innovative approach involves the periodic rotation of barrels, allowing for a more dynamic interaction between the whiskey and the wood.
This constant movement introduces a unique element to the aging process. As the barrels roll, the spirit inside interacts with the charred oak in an unpredictable and captivating way. This method is believed to enhance the extraction of flavors from the wood, contributing to the complexity and depth of the final product. One can argue this process does not do any good as far as the aging of the bourbon. Other companies have done something similar, such as Jefferson at the Sea, Mystic Distilleries Galatic Bourbon, which will be “aged” in space, and Blackend, which apparently uses music in the rickhouse to produce sound waves in the bourbon. I want to throw a fat question mark on that one. Nevertheless, it's a method nobody has tried, so why not?
Now, let's touch upon the overall tasting experience of American Highway Reserve Bourbon Whiskey. We get the usual suspects of caramel and vanilla, hinting at the sweetness. Upon the first sip, the palate is treated to a delightful medley of oak, toffee, and spice that dances on the tongue. The finish is long-lasting, leaving a lingering warmth that invites you to take another sip.
The impact of the rolling rickhouse isn’t evident in American Highway Reserve Bourbon Whiskey. The bourbon carries a distinct character, with nuanced flavors that evolve with each sip. The influence of the wood is pronounced, with a rich and robust profile that reflects the craftsmanship involved in its maturation.
Though the rolling rickhouse technique brings an extra layer of excitement to the tasting experience, it's as if each bottle tells a story of its journey through the rickhouse, picking up flavors and characteristics along the way. For the adventurous bourbon drinker, this innovative approach adds unpredictability, making each bottle a unique exploration.
American Highway Reserve Bourbon Whiskey, with its rolling rickhouse maturation, offers a tasting adventure that goes beyond the ordinary. Despite yet another celebrity spirit on the market, the combination of traditional craftsmanship and innovative aging techniques results in a bourbon that stands out a bit. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of whiskey, American Highway Reserve is worth a try for its intriguing influence of the rolling rickhouse but not its value.
Cheers to a dram good time! 🥃✨
The Details:
Distiller: Bardstown Bourbon Co. • Proof: 96 • Aged: 3yrs • Price: $100
A blend of bourbons using corn, rye, and barley
Mashbill Blend: 28% 3-yr (71/21/9) • 25% 3-yr (60/36/4) • 24% 13-yr (74/18/8) • 23% 15yr (78.5/13/0/8.5)
Brown Water Rating Scale:
Nose: 2 • Palate: 3 • Finish: 3 • Uniqueness: 4 • Value: 2 • Overall: 2.8
This is a 5-point scale based on my own preferences. This was also tested by my father-in-law, another whiskey lover. 