Whiskey Review/Tasting: John B. Stetson

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Kentucky, USA.
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Distillation: Mentioned as pot stilled sour mash, but the host speculates it's more likely column still whiskey with a doubler, which can technically be considered a pot still.
Maturation: Aged in selected white oak barrels.
Age Statement: Not specified.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the emphasis on oaky, woody flavors suggests a potentially deep amber color typical of bourbons aged in white oak.
Bottle Design: Not described, but the label provides information about the whiskey being a sour mash and pot distilled, which the host questions.

Overall Balance: Dominated by oaky, woody flavors.
Unique Characteristics: Lacks the caramel notes expected in bourbons but has a freshness that's atypical for the category.
Comparison: Described as fresher than the usual bourbon, missing the caramel but including vanilla, a bit of lemon, and some sourness not attributed to the sour mash process.
Alcohol Note: Presence of an alcohol note, which is common in many spirits.

Brand Whiskey: John B. Stetson is a brand whiskey without its own distillery, implying it sources its spirit or whiskey from other distilleries for blending.
Speculation on Distillation: The host speculates about the distillation process and doubts the claim of pot still distillation, suggesting it's more likely produced with a column still and doubler.

Kentucky Bourbon: Emphasizes its identity as a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, adhering to the strict laws and traditions that define this American spirit category.

"Oh, okay, very, very much oaky woody flavor."
"For me, it's a bit more fresh than the usual bourbon."
The host expresses skepticism about the pot still claim and the absence of caramel notes, which are typically expected in bourbon.

John B. Stetson is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey without its own distillery, suggesting it's a blend sourced from other producers.
It's speculated to be column still whiskey despite the bottle's pot still claim.
The flavor profile is characterized by strong oaky, woody notes, with an absence of expected caramel but includes vanilla and a hint of lemon.
The whiskey is described as fresher than typical bourbons.
The host questions the accuracy of the distillation process described on the label and notes the absence of expected caramel flavors.

Bourbon Enthusiasts looking for a whiskey with a strong wood influence and a departure from the sweeter caramel profile.
Whiskey Explorers interested in brand whiskeys and the blending process, as well as those curious about the nuances of labeling and distillation claims.
Casual Drinkers who prefer a less sweet, fresher profile in their bourbon might find this whiskey intriguing.