Two more spirits for review today from the recent Bar and Restaurant Expo are the new Ole Smoky Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey that’s barrel aged for four years, and one of their popular flavored whiskies: Salty Caramel.
Most people are familiar with their moonshine brand. I had seen the jars everywhere myself. I honestly had little to no interest in them because moonshine itself is harsh, and flavored whiskies can be sweet. However, as a judge in the Proof Awards these past five years I’ve been exposed to more and more different flavored whiskies and any – and probably all – from Ole Smoky have been awarded many, many medals.
So, hopefully I’ve set the stage for you to be somewhat interested in what I have to say about these two whiskies. Here we go.
I’ve often referred to some great whiskies as “gateway” whiskies because they are so easy to drink that they can make whisky drinkers out of anyone, even anyone who claims they never like whisky. I had sampled the Ole Smoky Salty Caramel in a coffee-based cocktail at the Expo, and it reminded me of that thought. If you like an Espresso Martini, I believe this Salty Caramel whiskey would take it up a notch. Let’s see how this one and the new bourbon do on their own:
Tasting notes
Salty Caramel Whiskey, 60 proof: Golden hue color, clean and clear; I can smell freshly toasted toffee peanuts from a foot away, getting closer I noted salted butter, caramel apple, and cream. On the mouth it’s all salted caramel, of course, and it’s also very rich, with great mouth coating viscosity, a bit of heat, espresso, toffee candy, and a finish that goes on and on. You could sip this on its own, but I would experiment in different cocktails!
4 YO Bourbon, 80 proof: Sparkling honey gold color, clean and clear; a nose of charred oak, roasted corn, honey, toffee peanuts, and dried citrus; the mouth is very balanced with both spice and fruit, a bowl of roasted mixed nuts, banana, and lingering caramel. I thought this bourbon was very well done for their first one.
From the website
Bourbon: Ole Smoky Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey is barrel-aged 4 years and true to Tennessee tradition, full-bodied and smooth for sipping. The rich, warm flavors with subtle hints of smoke, char, and caramel combine to create a premium product without a premium price.
Salty Caramel Whiskey: Might be the best thing to happen to whiskey since, well, whiskey. Savor every sip of this blend of rich, sweet 60 proof whiskey that tastes like liquid caramel with a hint of salt at the end of it. Whiskey never tasted so decadent.
@OleSmoky on Instagram
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards since 2022 (submit via https://proofawards.com) Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. Follow on Instagram and Facebook.
