Evaluation: American Freeway Reserve Route 1 and Route 2

Nation music star Brad Paisley should like Jefferson’s Ocean, as a result of he determined to make use of an identical method when crafting his new bourbon in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Co. However as an alternative of utilizing varied waterways, Brad caught to the roads, ageing his American Freeway Reserve Bourbon in barrels saved inside a 53-foot semi-trailer, dubbed the “rolling rickhouse” that adopted his 2019 tour throughout the US of A for greater than 7,000 miles. The primary launch, dubbed Route 1, was a mix of sourced Kentucky high-rye bourbons aged 3 to fifteen years. The newest launch, Route 2, adopted Brad’s 2021 tour which traveled much more miles and contains 4- and 12-year outdated Kentucky shares, in addition to a majority share of bourbon distilled in Georgia(!). We obtained each for evaluation. Let’s kick the tires on them, we could?

American Freeway Reserve Route 1 (2021) – There’s a pleasant mixture of youth and austerity on the nostril right here, peanut notes mixing with aromas of chocolate, a mixture of baking spices, and a light-weight layer of barrel char. Nothing too unique, and the palate follows alongside in lockstep, although there’s extra nougat and a stronger milk chocolate notice right here, giving the whiskey a slight sweet bar character on the tongue. Once more, some barrel char emerges later within the sport, driving a layer of chewy tannins that hold on to a end that retreats to spice notes and a touch of incense. Nicely-crafted however decidedly simple, truck journey or no. 96 proof. A- / $100 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] -CN

American Freeway Reserve Route 2 (2022) – The aroma on Route 2 showcases one other interesting mix of youth and maturity with notes of buttery caramel candies, sweet corn, and saddle leather-based. A little bit of savory and candy apple dumpling builds with time within the glass till it’s nearly all I can odor. On the palate, there’s a freshness and vitality that distinguishes this launch from its predecessor, with brilliant spice and decadent notes of English toffee and sugary pralines balanced in opposition to decidedly fruitier parts: apricot jam, blood orange, and apple pie filling. Heading into the end, there nearly appears to be an excessive amount of happening right here, however in some way all of it coalesces with a refined cinnamon-tinged spice and fudgy barrel notes that linger and linger. Route 2 was clearly extra of an journey. 98 proof. A / $100 -DB

americanhighwayreserve.com

American Freeway Reserve Route 1 (2021)

$100

About Publish Creator

Drew Beard

Drew Beard is Assistant Editor and Social Media Supervisor for Drinkhacker. He has studied and written about beer, whisk(e)y, and different spirits since he first began consuming them, incomes a number of booze-related benefit badges alongside the best way, together with Licensed Specialist in Spirits and Government Bourbon Steward. A recovering Federal authorities worker, he’s completely satisfied to have lastly discovered a profession the place it’s acceptable to drink on the job.