Review: Whiskey Jypsi Explorer Series

Last summer, we reviewed country music singer Eric Church’s first foray into whiskey, Whiskey Jypsi Legacy Batch 001. It was an unusual blend of bourbon, single malt, and Canadian whiskey that ended up being one of the better star-backed bottlings we’ve come across, albeit priced a bit steeply (like so many celebrity offerings). To our surprise, Mr. Church’s second release wasn’t a pricey follow-up Legacy Batch (that’s on the way), but the first in an entirely new line dubbed the Explorer Series.

Per the press release, the Explorer Series features whiskeys no younger than six years old, finished in combinations of “distinctive and exceptional woods” and bottled at 100 to 107 proof. The inaugural release in this new line is a blend of two six-year-old bourbons with a combined mashbill of 66% corn, 30% rye, and 4% malted barley that have been finished for an unspecified amount of time with French oak staves (specifically from Troncais) and American oak staves (from the Appalachian Mountains). It’s priced much more affordably than the first Legacy Batch. But how does it stack up?

It’s a surprisingly fresh bourbon, well-spiced on the nose with notes of golden syrup, cigar box, and vanilla frosting. The rye spice gets a little bolder as it opens, but light brown sugar and a dusting of woodshop keep things nicely balanced. On the palate, that freshness persists with top notes of butterscotch candies and lemon drops that offer a bright, sweet contrast to ample wood spice and seasoned oak notes. It’s an oak-forward bourbon to be sure, but the wood is exceptionally well-integrated without any hint of harsh tannins or overbearing barrel char. On the midpalate, that butterscotch turns to richer, buttery toffee complemented by crisp orchard fruits. The finish is long and warm with ginger snaps and cinnamon apples.

Just as impressive as Legacy Batch 001. Maybe even better. And commendable at this price point. In fact, with the exception of Heaven’s Door, there’s probably no better value in celebrity whiskey right now.

103 proof.

A / $70 / whiskeyjypsi.com

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