Country music superstar Eric Church has long made his love of whiskey known, first with his partnership with Jack Daniel’s for a single barrel release, and later by launching Outsider Spirits and Whiskey Jypsi. Church, who has an undeniable palate for fine whiskey, teamed up with acclaimed whiskey maker Ari Sussman to bring Whiskey Jypsi to life. Before working with Outsider Spirits, Sussman built a reputation with Michigan’s Mammoth Distilling and Three Chord Bourbon. The duo made quite an impression with their debut, Whiskey Jypsi Legacy, but it came with a price tag that may have been a bit steep for the average consumer. Now, Sussman’s latest venture is to craft a noteworthy bourbon that stands out, yet remains accessible to the “every man.” The result? Whiskey Jypsi Tribute Double Barreled Bourbon.

Ari Sussman has an affinity for working with heirloom grains, and this bourbon showcases Cherokee white corn, grown by small-scale farmers. Though the mashbill hasn’t been officially disclosed, several online retailers suggest it consists of 80% corn, 10% rye, and 10% malted barley. If these figures are accurate, the mashbill strongly suggests the bourbon is distilled by Tennessee Distilling Group in Columbia, Tennessee. For years, consumers have assumed that any whiskey marked as “distilled in Tennessee” must come from George Dickel’s Tullahoma facility. However, that assumption is no longer safe. Tennessee Distilling Group, which prefers to remain out of the spotlight, has been quietly crafting whiskey for other brands—including this one.

The production process of Whiskey Jypsi Tribute adds another layer of distinction. This bourbon is initially aged for at least 4 years in charred oak barrels, but its journey doesn’t end there. After the primary maturation, it is proofed down to 86 proof before being transferred to new charred oak barrels for a secondary aging period of 3 to 6 months. While double oaking is a fairly common technique, the real difference here lies in the proof at which the whiskey enters the second barrel. Rather than entering at a higher cask strength, the bourbon enters at 86 proof, allowing more water to interact with the oak, extracting additional caramel-like compounds from the wood. The final product is bottled at 86 proof, maintaining the unique balance achieved through this technique.

With its focus on heirloom corn and an innovative maturation process, Whiskey Jypsi Tribute Double Barreled Bourbon offers consumers a rare opportunity to experience a whiskey with unique character at a surprisingly affordable price of $45. Sussman’s goal was to create a bourbon that remains within reach of the average consumer, but does it succeed in delivering both quality and value? Let’s dive in and find out.

Whiskey Jypsi Tribute Double Barreled Bourbon Tasting Notes

The nose is an indulgent experience that immediately draws you in. Dried apricots greet the senses first, offering a sweet, fruit-forward aroma. This is followed by a wave of caramel, adding buttery sweetness to the mix. There’s also a touch of buttercream frosting which gives the nose a luxurious, almost dessert-like quality. Subtle hints of nutmeg add a spiced complexity, while a whisper of coconut rounds out the profile, adding a light, tropical sweetness. Overall, the composite nose bears a resemblance to the frosting of a classic German chocolate cake.

On the palate, Sussman’s creation opens with an inviting note of toasted coconut, offering a slightly nutty, smoky sweetness that lingers on the tongue. It quickly transitions into the flavor of unsweetened cornbread complemented by a drizzle of honey that adds a touch of natural sweetness. As the sip unfolds, cinnamon and nutmeg present, adding a gentle spice that enhances the depth of the whiskey. The mouthfeel is medium in viscosity.

The finish settles down with a blend of dusty corn, evoking a rustic, earthy sweetness that ties back to the whiskey’s heirloom corn base. This is followed by a touch of honey, adding a light sweetness that gently fades. As the finish develops, a cinnamon roll with icing surfaces, bringing a rich, doughy warmth that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The balance of sweetness from the 86 proof double oaking works perfectly with the natural character of the heirloom corn, creating a finish that’s rich yet approachable. The proof ensures that it’s easygoing enough for a wide range of whiskey drinkers, appealing not just to those who favor higher-proof expressions, but to any consumer looking for a balanced, flavorful whiskey that doesn’t overpower the palate.

86 proof.

B+ / $45 / whiskeyjypsi.com

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