Filibuster Bottled-in-Bond Virginia Straight Bourbon arrives from tries to grow into a bigger company – then I look forward to opening bottles of their whiskeys for many years to come. We assessed it with care.
Nose
A pleasant orangey, amber color. Watery legs on the side of the glass.
Palate
There’s something earthy and grassy going on that makes me think of hay bales in a field sitting in the summer sun. Also apricots, flowers, and allspice. The overall effect is of a mellow, approachable whiskey. Sometimes, high-rye bourbons hit you with spice right away and then melt into bourbon sweetness. Not in this case. The hay smell I noticed earlier presents itself as rye spiciness in the mouth, and it lingers across the palate front to back. It’s not overwhelming, though; just a nice, light spiciness that cuts the vanilla, brown sugar, and honey sweetness you expect from bourbon.
Finish
I really like this bourbon, especially as something new and different next to all the Kentucky bourbons I have on my bar. It’s distributed in 20 states, though Sid Dilawri said further expansion is coming soon. If Filibuster can manage its growth carefully and keep quality where it is now – not an easy thing to do as a craft distillery tries to grow into a bigger company – then I look forward to opening bottles of their whiskeys for many years to come.
Verdict
Filibuster Bottled-in-Bond Virginia Straight Bourbon delivers a thoroughly accomplished whiskey that justifies its price point. It is well-crafted, balanced, and worthy of a place in any considered collection.
