Old Williamsburg Sour Mash Whiskey Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey — that's a mouthful of a name, but it tells you almost everything you need to know before you even crack the seal. This is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which under American whiskey law means it's been distilled from at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and spent a minimum of two years maturing in the state of Kentucky. The 'sour mash' designation refers to the production method where a portion of previously fermented mash is added to the new batch, much like a sourdough starter — it keeps the fermentation consistent from batch to batch and contributes to a rounder, more predictable flavour profile.
At 40% ABV, this sits right at the legal minimum for bourbon, which is actually a deliberate choice that works in its favour for a certain kind of drinker. You're not going to get the barrel-proof punch that some bourbon enthusiasts chase, but what you will get is approachability. This is a bourbon that doesn't ask you to work for it.
Tasting Notes
I won't pretend to break this down into a forensic nosing exercise — what I will say is that Old Williamsburg delivers exactly what the style promises. As a NAS (no age statement) Kentucky Straight Bourbon at this price point, you should expect the classic bourbon signatures: caramel sweetness from the corn-heavy mashbill, vanilla and char from the new oak, and that characteristic warmth that sour mash processing brings to the mid-palate. It's not trying to be complicated, and that's perfectly fine. Not every bourbon needs to be a 12-year single barrel experience. Sometimes you want something honest and drinkable, and Old Williamsburg fits that brief.
The Verdict
At £36.50, Old Williamsburg occupies a competitive spot in the market. You're paying a fair price for a genuine Kentucky Straight Bourbon — not a sourced mystery blend, not a flavoured whiskey masquerading as the real thing. The sour mash process gives it a consistency that I appreciate, especially at this tier. You know what you're getting bottle to bottle, and what you're getting is solid.
I'm giving this a 7.5 out of 10. It doesn't reinvent anything, but it executes the fundamentals well. This is a dependable, well-made bourbon that punches right where its price tag suggests it should. If you're building a home bar or looking for a daily sipper that won't break the bank, Old Williamsburg deserves a spot on your shelf. It does exactly what it says on the label — no more, no less — and in a market full of overpriced hype, there's real value in that kind of straightforwardness.
Best Served
This bourbon was practically built for an Old Fashioned. The 40% ABV means it won't overpower the drink, and those classic caramel-vanilla bourbon notes play beautifully with a sugar cube, a few dashes of Angostura bitters, and an orange peel expressed over the top. If you're mixing at home and want a bourbon that lets the cocktail shine without demanding attention, Old Williamsburg is a smart choice. On warmer evenings, try it in a simple Whiskey Sour — two parts bourbon, one part fresh lemon juice, three-quarters part simple syrup, shaken hard with ice. The sour mash character holds up nicely against the citrus. And if you prefer it neat or with a splash of water, there's no shame in that either. At this proof, it's an easy, uncomplicated pour.
