Bourbon Reviews: Terry Bradshaw Bourbon and Rye arrives at 103.8 proof. Priced at $44.95, we assessed it with care.
Nose
Light amber, watery legs on the side of the glass. Light copper, not a lot of legs. You can tell its a high-rye bourbon, but the spiciness isnt overwhelming. Think Crème brûlée, vanilla, and brown sugar cake with brown sugar glaze. The finish is relatively short, with just a hint of the rye spice lingering in the back of your mouth. Final thoughts: Nobodys going to the Hall of Fame for this whiskey, but thats a high bar. For the price, this is a perfectly acceptable Kentucky bourbon. Given the sweetness and lack of layering, it would probably be ideal for mixed drinks. Score: 3/5 Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Rye (image via Terry Bradshaw Brands) Tasting Notes: Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Rye Vital stats: Mash bill of 95% rye and 5% barley; 103.8 proof/51.9% alcohol by volume; aged a minimum of two years in new oak; $44.95 for a 750ml bottle. Appearance: Light copper, not a lot of legs. Nose: Like the Bradshaw bourbon, theres a lot of ethanol here. On top of that, you get a healthy snout full of spice initially. Also apple slices, ginger, turnips, and, interestingly, a hint of an old gymnasium. Palate: The lack of aging shows up more in the rye than it did in the bourbon. This is a young whiskey that would undoubtedly benefit from a couple more years in oak. Its not bad; its just not particularly complex or long-lasting. Think dark fruit like figs or black cherries, and brown sugar. Final thoughts: The novelty of a Terry Bradshaw whiskey on your shelf might warrant the price on this one regardless, and its not a bad rye. Enjoy it with your favorite TB stories from the glory days. Score: 2.5/5
Palate
A lot of ethanol, even for a whiskey at more than 103 proof. Underneath the booziness, however, you find brown sugar and molasses. It doesnt come across as complex whiskey just simple, straightforward, and sweet. Like the Bradshaw bourbon, theres a lot of ethanol here. On top of that, you get a healthy snout full of spice initially. Also apple slices, ginger, turnips, and, interestingly, a hint of an old gymnasium. Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Verdict
Bourbon Reviews: Terry Bradshaw Bourbon and Rye is a modest offering that, at $44.95, serves its purpose without distinction. Those seeking depth or complexity may wish to look elsewhere in this price bracket.
