Review: Stonestreet Bourbon Founder’s Edition

Stonestreet Founder’s Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the creation of Christopher Stonestreet Jackson, the son of renowned wine producer Jess Stonestreet Jackson. The Jackson family, founders of well-known brands such as Kendall Jackson and Stonestreet Winery, are celebrated for their contributions to American wine. They have also achieved remarkable success in thoroughbred racing, with Stonestreet Farms in Kentucky winning the title of American Horse of the Year three consecutive times in 2007, 2008, and 2009.

They distilled this inaugural high wheat bourbon at Green River Distillery in Owensboro, Kentucky, but the aging location is unknown. The brand has plans to build their own distillery in the future, saying, “In time, we aim to build our own distillery, craft distinct mash bills, and share our artisanal creations.” If their golden touch continues, I expect some great whiskey to come out of the Jackson distillery and have high hopes for some interesting wine barrel finishes.

The whiskey is aged 5 years, with 131 barrels produced. The mashbill is Green River’s standard of 70% corn, 21% wheat, 9% barley.

This bourbon has an inviting, deep amber color. On the nose, toasted caramel presents itself right away. Baked bread aromas emerge midway, followed by hints of citrus, then more sweet scents. So far, this bourbon delivers everything you’d expect from a traditional Kentucky bourbon of a similar age.

The initial flavor is warm and sweet with stone fruit and candy corn arriving midpalate, plus a little toasted almond and vanilla bean as well. The mouthfeel is more silky rather than creamy in texture and the viscosity is pretty standard. The citrus from the nose doesn’t come through on the palate, but the variety of sweet flavors is interesting enough that it isn’t missed. There is a very light hand used with the oak in this bourbon, though eventually it comes around, especially after a few drops of water. The fruit and toasted notes come through clearly on the finish and leave a lingering flavor.

The whiskey makes for an easy drinker at 94 proof, and is very approachable. It’s not a starter bourbon, but it’s approachability should help it appeal to a wide range of American whiskey fans.

94 proof. Reviewed: Batch #241.

B+ / $60 / stonestreetwhiskey.com

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