Whisky Review/Tasting: Ranger Creek .36

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: San Antonio, Texas, United States.
Type: Craft Bourbon.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky undergoes a maturation process in smaller casks than the American standard barrel, leading to a faster maturation due to more wood per volume of whisky. This process enhances the interaction between the whisky and the cask, infusing the whisky with more wood sugars and flavors.
Age Statement: 9 to 18 months for the small caliber series.
Color and Clarity: The whisky has a significant color, attributed to the caramelization of wood sugars during the toasting of the casks.
Bottle Design: The bottle size is 0.375 liters, a nod to its namesake, the Colt Patterson revolver.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a balance of sweetness, with prominent notes of caramel and vanilla, alongside a fresh note of flowers and honey.
Unique Characteristics: Despite its relatively young age, the whisky boasts a strong flavor profile, with a notable kick from its 48% ABV. There's a hint of an alcoholic note, which could be mellowed with longer maturation.
Comparison: The flavor profile aligns with typical bourbon characteristics, such as sweetness, vanilla, popcorn, and caramel.

Name Origin: The name ".36" is inspired by the Colt Patterson revolver, a significant piece of Texas history as the first repeating firearm sold to the public. This choice reflects the distillery's Texan pride and heritage.
Production Insights: The distillery's approach to using smaller casks for faster maturation is a craft technique that distinguishes this bourbon from more traditional methods.

Texan Identity: The whisky is positioned as a Texan bourbon, distinct from Kentucky bourbons, emphasizing its unique origin and production methods.
Historical Reference: The reference to the Colt Patterson revolver underscores the cultural and historical significance of firearms in Texas, linking the whisky to a broader narrative of Texan identity.

"It's a bourbon, but it's not from Kentucky... they want to make not a Kentucky bourbon but a Texan bourbon."
"You do get a lot of sweetness. You do get caramel at the beginning. A bit of a popcorn note there. But also I get a bit of a honey note."
"The maturation in Texas... they do have very hot conditions so that's what gives them a very fast maturation where you get this the strong flavor the strong color."

Ranger Creek .36 is a craft bourbon from San Antonio, Texas, with a unique maturation process in smaller casks.
The flavor profile is rich in sweetness, caramel, vanilla, with hints of honey and a fresh floral note.
Named after the Colt Patterson revolver, the whisky embodies Texan pride and heritage.
The hot Texan climate contributes to the whisky's fast maturation and strong flavor, despite its young age.
The whisky is praised for its strong flavor profile and is considered a good bourbon, especially for its age.

Bourbon Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in exploring bourbons outside of Kentucky will find Ranger Creek .36 an intriguing option.
Craft Spirit Lovers: Those who appreciate craft distilleries and innovative maturation techniques will enjoy the unique approach of Ranger Creek.
History and Culture Buffs: Individuals fascinated by Texan history and the cultural significance of firearms may be drawn to the storytelling aspect of this whisky.