Bourbon at the Barn: Bourbon Tasting

Wed, Sep 25, 24 |

Bourbon at the Barn: A Journey Through Heaven Hill, 2XO, Anita’s Choice, and Angel’s Envy Your Heading

Bourbon enthusiasts, gather 'round! Our first “Bourbon at the Barn” tasting event at O'Darby’s in Taylor, South Carolina, brought together a fantastic selection of bourbons, offering a rich exploration of flavor, history, and craft. Guided by our team of tasters—myself, Buddy Devin, Donald Barau, head of the Greenville Bourbon and Whiskey Society—we embarked on a tasting adventure featuring four distinct bourbons: Heaven Hill, 2XO, Anita’s Choice, and a special store pick of Angel’s Envy.

Join us as we dive into the details, sipping on history and flavor one glass at a time.

Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond

We kicked things off with a true bourbon classic: Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond. With its 7-year age and a mash bill consisting of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye, this bourbon holds a special place in the heart of many enthusiasts. The nose greets you with sweet spice and vanilla, while the palate delivers caramel and oak in a smooth, approachable package.

At 100 proof and $49.99, Heaven Hill is a crowd-pleaser, offering great quality at a reasonable price. This is the bourbon every home bar should have—timeless, versatile, and a perfect companion for any occasion.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Sweet spice, vanilla
Palate: Caramel, oak
Finish: Smooth and balanced

2XO Oak Series American Oak Bourbon

Next, we ventured into something with a bit more complexity: 2XO American Oak. The brainchild of master distiller Dixon Dedman, this bourbon stands out with its double oak aging, giving it a smoother, silkier profile compared to the Heaven Hill. On the nose, we were pleasantly surprised by a bubble gum sweetness, complemented by light oak and vanilla.

At $48.99 cash, this is a sophisticated option for bourbon lovers looking for something a little different. With its balanced flavor and silky texture, 2XO is the kind of bourbon you can sip all night, whether on the porch or around a cozy fire.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Bubble gum, vanilla
Palate: Silky, light oak
Finish: Long and smooth

Anita’s Choice Six Grain Bourbon

Straight out of the Lowcountry, Anita’s Choice is a celebration of history and bold flavors. Crafted by Burnt Church Distillery, this bourbon pays tribute to Anita, a Charleston native and suffragist. Its six-grain mash bill (corn, wheat, rye, malted barley, oat, and Carolina gold rice) makes for a complex and layered drinking experience.

With hints of brown sugar, caramel, and chocolate on the nose, and a rich, smooth mouthfeel, Anita’s Choice is both a tribute to its namesake and a standout bourbon in its own right. At 97 proof and $45.99 cash, it’s a bourbon with a story as rich as its flavor.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Brown sugar, caramel, chocolate
Palate: Smooth and complex
Finish: Long and smooth

Angel's Envy Private Selection Finished in Port Wine Barrels Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey O'Darby's Store Pick

We wrapped up our tasting with a special treat: Angel's Envy Private Selection Finished in Port Wine Barrels Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey O'Darby's Store Pick (Barrel #SB-230293). This bourbon, finished in ruby port casks for four months, is a luxurious blend of sweetness and spice. The nose was an unexpected delight, reminiscent of oatmeal raisin cookies and cinnamon.

At 110 proof and $99.99 cash, this bottle is worth every penny. The port finish adds a layer of complexity to the already rich profile, with flavors of maraschino cherry, cocoa powder, and dry oak emerging as you sip.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Oatmeal raisin cookies, cinnamon
Palate: Cherry, cocoa powder
Finish: Long, with dry oak and spice

Bourbon Tasting Final Thoughts

Our first Bourbon at the Barn tasting showcased a diverse array of bourbons, each with its own unique story and flavor profile. From the classic Heaven Hill to the indulgent Angel’s Envy, every pour offered something special. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon lover or a newcomer, these selections are sure to impress.

Stay tuned for more tasting events, and if you haven’t yet, grab a bottle of one (or all!) of these bourbons for your collection. You won’t be disappointed! Cheers!

By con@odarbyspirits.com