Whiskey Reviews: Branch Point Whiskeys

Whiskey Reviews: Branch Point Whiskeys from s’ malt landed on my desk at 46% ABV, carrying a $53.95/ 750ml bottle price tag. Here is what I found.

Nose

This whiskey is moderate mahogany in color. This whiskey is deep golden amber. In the glass, this whiskey shows a pale mahogany amber color. The nose is intensely spiced with aromas of cedar, freshly chopped wood, and German spice cake. There’s a prickle from the alcohol on the nose that belies the low ABV. This carries into a sweet and succulent aroma of fresh pear pastry dough. This opens with notes of roast sweet corn and dried lemons. It has a greenish herbal note that reminds me of fresh lemon grass. The whiskey captures the feel of wood pulp and dust on the nose with a prickly sensation from the alcohol. I can also pick up notes of dried oranges and clove. There’s a malty aroma on the finish like ale, corn puff cereal, and bamboo. The aromatics are moderate in strength showing more dried fruit notes than the previous two. There are aromas of dried apricots and dried orange peels alongside a hoppy aroma. It’s an interesting mix of scents that makes me curious about the palate. The sweetness softens the palate, with a silkiness to the spiced character. This reminds me of old wooden furniture. It is very impactful with a savory sweetness that opens into notes of green apples, fresh cream, vanilla and dried apple slices. I enjoy the mix of fresh cream aromas with the spiced character. The finish is evocative of rye with notes of maple syrup, old chewing gum, and caramel sauce. A dash of water brings out the lightly floral aromas as well as notes of cedar perfume. The silky body and peppery nose are a lovely contrast. Score: 4 Branch Point Single Pot Still Oregon Whiskey (image via Branch Point Distillery) Tasting Notes: Branch Point Single Pot Still Oregon Whiskey Vital Stats: Aged for three years in new American oak, 46% ABV. Mash bill: Oregon barley, crystal malt, chocolate malt, and distillers’ malt, SRP $59.95/ 750ml bottle. Appearance: This whiskey is deep golden amber. Nose: This opens with notes of roast sweet corn and dried lemons. It has a greenish herbal note that reminds me of fresh lemon grass. The whiskey captures the feel of wood pulp and dust on the nose with a prickly sensation from the alcohol. I can also pick up notes of dried oranges and clove. There’s a malty aroma on the finish like ale, corn puff cereal, and bamboo. Palate: This, too, is silky on the palate but with a more neutral aroma than the wheat. It develops into notes of dried pineapple and old furniture. Tasting these whiskeys brings to mind camping in an old log cabin. The finish is lingering and builds into notes of dried fruits, raw honey, and saline. There’s a touch of astringency on the finish that’s amplified by the feel of the alcohol. Despite clocking in at only 46% ABV, the proof seems out of balance. Given the pepperiness on the palate, I would guess this was closer to 60%. Score: 4 Branch Point TRIT Straight Whiskey (image via Branch Point Distillery) Tasting Notes: Branch Point TRIT Straight Whiskey Vital Stats: Aged for four years in new American oak at char #3, 46% ABV. Mash bill: Oregon triticale, rye malt, and distillers’ malt, SRP $49.95/ 750ml bottle. Appearance: In the glass, this whiskey shows a pale mahogany amber color. Nose: The aromatics are moderate in strength showing more dried fruit notes than the previous two. There are aromas of dried apricots and dried orange peels alongside a hoppy aroma. It’s an interesting mix of scents that makes me curious about the palate. Palate: On said palate, are richly spiced notes of warm spices infused in honey. The notes are somewhat indistinct and hard to pin down. The palate is beyond silky, it feel supple and refined. I can pick up notes of fresh peaches, allspice, clove, vanilla and cedar. The finish is lightly astringent with notes of sweet cherries and whipped cream. It has the longest and most interesting finish of the trio and offers great complexity than the nose. Were this wine, I would be tempted to lay this down for a few years to see how it develops. A dash of water clarifies the palate, bringing forth notes of toffee, roasted grains, herbal tea, and lavender. Score: 4.5 Final Thoughts Across the board, I was fooled by the ABV. None of the whiskies read as on the low end for proof. Aromatically, they all benefited from a dash of water to help open up the subtle aromatics. The vanilla sweetness of the oak did not jump out, allowing the notes of the grains to feature more prominently. These are thoughtfully produced whiskeys that benefit from thoughtful imbibing and are worth seeking out.

Palate

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.

The Bottom Line

Whiskey Reviews: Branch Point Whiskeys did not quite work for me. At $53.95/ 750ml bottle, I would steer you toward other bottles that offer more for your money in this category.