Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old vs Boss Molly Straight Bourbon: Which Bourbon Should You Buy? arrives with the quiet confidence of a spirit that knows its own worth.
Choosing between Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old and Boss Molly Straight Bourbon can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old | Boss Molly Straight Bourbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 90.4 proof | 45%ABV, high wheat bourbon finished with brandy st |
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Rating | 10/10 | 3/10 |
Nose
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old: Rather lean and oaky, like the inside of a sauna. There are notes of incense, clove, wood, and mint underlaid by a kind of steely minerality. With water, things get a little more floral: notes of pear cider, honey, beeswax, and red currant.
Boss Molly Straight Bourbon: Very strong and fragrant, right off the bat. A cloying sweetness similar to butterscotch, both musky and rummy, presents the prominent notes. A touch of high acrid gasoline is undeniably present, lingering but blowing off towards the end. A touch of grassiness, unexpected from the composition, takes over.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old: After nosing this whiskey, I worried the palate would be too astringent, but fortunately my worries were unfounded. While quite oak-inflected in the entry, the finish takes a surprising turn.
Boss Molly Straight Bourbon: Lighter than the nose for certain, in both flavor and texture. A strong vegetal bitterness forms the mid-palate, which becomes a long finish of burnt popcorn. A touch of marshmallow sweetness pops up alongside the popcorn note.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old: After the swallow, there’s a brief, shallow burst of ethereal lemon followed by a clean and slightly tart finish with notes of cola, coffee, and bitter herbs that reminds me of a modern light-roast coffee.
Boss Molly Straight Bourbon: Comments: 45%ABV, high wheat bourbon finished with brandy staves Pale, slightly opaque amber. Scattered legs
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Pricing varies by market, so check your local retailer for current rates on both bottles.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
In this matchup, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old takes the crown with a rating of 10/10 compared to Boss Molly Straight Bourbon's 3/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, Boss Molly Straight Bourbon is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of Boss Molly Straight Bourbon appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
Read the Full Reviews
Final Reflections
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old vs Boss Molly Straight Bourbon: Which Bourbon Should You Buy? is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
