Review: O.H. Ingram Flagship Bourbon (2025)

The Mississippi River — often called the lifeblood of America — has carved its way through history as a vital artery for exploration, commerce, and culture. For centuries, this mighty river has carried the stories and spirits of the nation, and nowhere is that more evident than in the story of bourbon. In the 18th and 19th centuries, distillers in Kentucky and Tennessee relied on the Mississippi and its tributaries to send barrels of whiskey downstream to New Orleans and beyond. This waterway wasn’t just a route for trade; it became an unexpected partner in bourbon’s maturation. The slow journey by flatboat, with its shifts in temperature and gentle motion, coaxed complex flavors from the aging spirit — an alchemy shaped by the river’s own rhythm.

Mark Twain, a son of the Mississippi himself, captured the river’s mystique best: “The Mississippi River will always have its own way; no engineering skill can persuade it to do otherwise.”

Through generations, countless boats have navigated these waters, but some have always stood out as more impressive than others. Among them is the vessel of Ingram Whiskey’s ongoing homage to the river’s legacy — the annual release of O.H. Ingram Flagship Bourbon. Unlike the common use of “flagship” to describe standard offerings, Ingram’s Flagship Bourbon is the pride of their fleet, a meticulously crafted blend showcasing the best barrels of the year. Each vintage is personally blended by Master Blender Scott Beyer.

The 2025 Flagship Bourbon is a micro-batch of just eight barrels, distilled by Jacob Call at Green River in Owensboro, Kentucky, and aged not in a traditional warehouse but fully aboard a converted barge moored on the Mississippi River in Columbus, Kentucky. This floating rickhouse offers a unique aging environment — high humidity, gentle river motion — that Ingram Whiskey calls “Mellowed on the Mississippi.” The barrels experience a dynamic maturation process, stirring the spirit inside and deepening its character.

Interestingly, this bourbon breaks from Owensboro’s most known mashbill, instead featuring a blend of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley — a profile often associated with Indiana’s MGP distillery, yet this bourbon is all Kentucky. The eight barrels, all from a single lot code distilled in May 2018, spent more than seven years aging, split between the barge’s first and second floors.

The idea of aging whiskey on a floating vessel isn’t new — Jefferson’s Ocean pioneered the concept in the modern whiskey world, stirring debate about whether the boat’s journey truly influences flavor or serves as a clever marketing tale. While skepticism lingers, previous editions of O.H. Ingram Flagship Bourbon, including the lauded 2024 release, have consistently impressed critics and enthusiasts alike.

As Twain once mused, “It is noble to teach oneself, but still nobler to teach others — and less trouble.” Ingram Whiskey seems intent on teaching the world that the Mississippi River’s spirit isn’t just in its water but in the very essence of the bourbon it cradles.

Does the 2025 Flagship Bourbon keep the excellence alive? Let’s float the Mississippi and find out!

O.H. Ingram Flagship Bourbon (2025) Review

The nose opens with the scent of soft canned pears, still dripping with syrup. This juicy fruit note is briefly interrupted by a savory pinch of nutmeg, which quickly gives way to the return of sweetness in the form of powdered sugar donuts. As the bouquet develops, carnation flowers make a late entrance, adding a floral lift that complements both the nutmeg and the sugary notes. Overall, the aroma leans heavily toward the sweet side, but it works — anchored by the ever-present pear note that remains the most consistent element throughout.

On the palate, black licorice takes the lead before giving way to a rich vanilla fudge. Mid-palate, a well-measured spice character appears in the form of ginger snap cookies and cardamom. The texture is exceptionally rich — perhaps influenced by the vanilla fudge character — offering a mouthfeel that’s notably thick and luxurious. The finish introduces browned butter draped over toasted pecans, and as it persists, light brown sugar and a hint of nutmeg gently return.

What makes this bourbon especially compelling is the contrast between the fruit-forward nose and the more confectionary and spiced character on the palate. Each phase of the tasting experience delivers something distinct, yet cohesive. This release is not only enjoyable from start to finish, but also delivers real value. The quality of the base spirit shines through, and it’s clear the floating barge rickhouse adds something unique to the final product.

116.5 proof.

A / $80

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