Few Bourbon

Whiskey Review/Tasting: FEW Bourbon

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: FEW Bourbon is produced by the FEW distillery, which takes pride in its Illinois heritage, particularly its connection to Chicago.
  • Type: It is classified as a bourbon, adhering to the regulation of containing more than 50% corn, though the exact mash bill is unspecified.
  • Distillation & Maturation: The bourbon is handcrafted in small batches, with batch number 1412 mentioned. It is aged in charred new oak barrels for less than four years.
  • Age Statement: Less than four years.
  • Color and Bottle Design: The specific color of the whiskey is not described, but the bottle design features the State of the Republic statue, an image from the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, highlighting the distillery's pride in Illinois heritage.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Balance of Flavors: FEW Bourbon presents an uncommon complexity, deviating from the typical bourbon sweetness and straightforwardness.
  • Unique Characteristics: It has a subtle sweetness, with notes of fresh citrus, a bit of flowery essence, and a distinct rye note, contributing to its complexity. The flavor profile includes peppery notes, a bit of ash, dry smokiness, and a slight bitterness towards the end.
  • Comparison: Compared to typical bourbons, FEW Bourbon is less sweet, with a more pronounced emphasis on rye, making it an atypical bourbon with a unique flavor profile.

Whisky Storytelling

  • The FEW distillery is proud of its Illinois roots and Chicago's heritage, as evidenced by the bottle's design featuring an image from the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893.
  • The name "FEW" is a play on the pronunciation mistake made by the host in a previous video, highlighting the personal connection and attention to detail the distillery has with its audience.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • FEW Bourbon embodies a blend of Southern bourbon traditions with Northern rye influences, reflecting the geographical diversity of corn and rye production in the United States.
  • The distillery's emphasis on Illinois and Chicago's heritage adds a unique cultural and geographical identity to the bourbon.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • "It's a bourbon of uncommon complexity."
  • "This uncommon complexity...was just thinking this was a marketing blur but it is classified as a bourbon but from my point of view and the bourbon mmm it's a good mixture."
  • The host expresses surprise at the bourbon's deviation from typical sweetness and straightforwardness, highlighting its unique and complex flavor profile.

Summary

  • FEW Bourbon is a handcrafted, small-batch bourbon from Illinois, aged in charred new oak barrels for less than four years.
  • It features a unique flavor profile with subtle sweetness, fresh citrus, flowery notes, and a distinct emphasis on rye, making it an atypical bourbon.
  • The distillery is proud of its Illinois and Chicago heritage, which is reflected in the bottle's design.
  • FEW Bourbon is described as having uncommon complexity, offering a different experience from typical bourbons.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • Bourbon Enthusiasts Looking for Complexity: Those interested in exploring bourbons with unique and complex flavor profiles will find FEW Bourbon intriguing.
  • Rye Whiskey Lovers: Given its distinct rye note and emphasis, rye whiskey aficionados might appreciate this bourbon's deviation from the norm.
  • Whiskey Adventurers: Individuals who enjoy trying atypical whiskies that challenge traditional flavor profiles would likely enjoy FEW Bourbon.