Whiskey Review/Tasting: Charter 101

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: American straight bourbon.
Distillery: Produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, which has undergone several name changes over the years, including Frankfort Distillery and Ancient Age, before adopting its current name.
Age Statement: Not explicitly mentioned, but references to an "old charter eight years old" suggest some variants may carry age statements.
ABV: 50.5% (101 proof, following the American system where proof is twice the ABV).
Bottle Design: Comes in a liter bottle, described as not expensive, with a relatively dark color and appealing printing on the bottle, making it a good gift option.

Nose: Honey, corn sweetness, spiciness, fruitiness, and a covering of vanilla note. The high alcohol content is not immediately apparent on the nose.
Palate: Strong presence of alcohol with a peppery kick at the tip of the tongue, nuttiness, caramel, and a faint yet aromatic oakiness.
Finish: Long-lasting with a hint of pepperness, described as full, intense, yet mild and mellow, which is preferred by bourbon enthusiasts.

The distillery's history is rich, with its foundation dating back to 1874 near Bard, Kentucky. It has undergone several name changes and ownerships, reflecting a deep and evolving heritage within the bourbon industry.

The Buffalo Trace Distillery is named after an old buffalo path that crossed through its estate and the Kentucky River, highlighting its deep-rooted connection to the local geography and history.

Horst Luening, the master taster, finds the Charter 101 to be a "wonderful, full and intense bourbon" that is "mild and mellow," aligning with the preferences of bourbon lovers. He emphasizes its value, noting it's "not that expensive" and "well made."

Charter 101 is an American straight bourbon with a 50.5% ABV, produced by the historically rich Buffalo Trace Distillery.
It offers a flavor profile that balances sweetness, spiciness, and oakiness, with a strong yet pleasant alcohol presence.
The distillery's name and the whisky's connection to the geographical and cultural heritage of Kentucky add to its appeal.
Described as a great value, both in terms of quality and price, making it an excellent gift option.
Praised by the master taster for its fullness, intensity, and mildness, making it a hit among bourbon enthusiasts.

Bourbon Enthusiasts: Individuals with a deep appreciation for full, intense flavors and the traditional bourbon profile will enjoy Charter 101.
Value Seekers: Those looking for high-quality bourbon without breaking the bank will find Charter 101 appealing due to its reasonable price point.
Gift Givers: The attractive bottle design and the whisky's overall quality make it an excellent gift option for whisky lovers.
New Bourbon Explorers: The mild and mellow character, despite its high ABV, could appeal to newcomers eager to explore higher-proof bourbons without being overwhelmed.