Whisky: Milam & Greene Unabridged Vol. 1 Limited Edition
Producer: Provision Spirits
Distillery: Milam & Greene and sourced from two other distilleries
Region: Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas
Whisky Type: Blend of Straight Bourbons
Age: NAS
ABV: 59.15%
Aged in Cask: New charred American Oak.
Price Range: $$
Milam & Greene Unabridged Vol.1 is a limited edition blend of straight bourbons. A collaboration between CEO/Master Blender Heather Greene and two liquor experts, Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich. The Unabridged name refers to the uncut version (a term typically used for books) due to its alcohol strength (59.15% ABV) and no chill filtration.
From the website:
Our limited edition, literary-themed blend of straight bourbon whiskies was created by calling on the expertise of three award-winning authors and whiskey experts including our CEO, Heather Greene, along with Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich, authors of the Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails and Flaviar’s resident liquor experts. The three tasted numerous whiskey samples and ultimately created a blend of straight bourbons, which were made in three different states and are of different ages. Unabridged Volume 1 showcases the flavors a barrel can impart into bourbon over time and place.
Unabridged is a Blend of Straight Bourbons made from casks ranging from 2 to 14 years. A combination of distillate from the Milam & Greene distillery in Blanco, Texas, with sourced bourbons from other states. Here is the breakdown:
- 6 Casks. 14 Year Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey
- 8 Casks. 6 Year Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey
- 4 Casks. 4 Year Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey
- 5 Casks. 4 Year Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
- 2 Casks. 3 ½ Year Texas Bourbon Whiskey with Malted Rye
- 13 Casks. 2 ¾ Year Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey with Malted Rye
Check this video from Milam & Greene Unabridged Volume 1:
Tasting Notes for Unabridged Vol. 1 Limited Edition
Nose: There are tannins and aromas of caramel, leather, chocolate, and cinnamon spice. The blend has a big alcohol-forward nose.
Palate: A rich and intense arrival that makes a statement from the start. A spicy and sweet entry, but the alcohol level makes the oakiness stand out more than the sweetness. The elements of a great bourbon are here, but I need to dial down the alcohol because there is too much alcohol for my taste. After adding a few drops of water is when the experience worked for me because the sharp oak note came down while the brown sugar and caramel trended upwards.
Finish: Long with plenty of oak and spices. Adding water makes the blend less oaky and shorter.
Conclusion: The blend was too intense for my taste without water.
Those who read my previous review of Aberlour Distillery Exclusive 11 Year Old might notice that I had the same situation where the whiskey was too hot when enjoyed neat. However, one teaspoon of water and I found my happy place. This blend is not a crowd-pleaser because it has too much alcohol power. I would have given it half of a point more if bottled at 46% ABV, but still a good blend of bourbons. However, Unabridged would be a fantastic option for an old-fashioned due to its bold flavors. Expect it soon. Cheers!
If you are new to the Milam & Greene brand, check out the Triple Cask version here.
Score: 3.5/5 ⭐
Click here to learn more about Milam & Greene. Look for more bourbon reviews here.
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