Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Initially launched in 2017, Tommyrotter Napa Valley Heritance Cask Straight Bourbon Whiskey became the first bourbon whiskey to be released by the Tommyrotter Distillery. It is the first limited-edition expression to come from their Masterwork Collection which also includes the 2018 release of the Tommyrotter Cider Cask Finished Tennessee Straight Whiskey.
The Tommyrotter Distillery was founded in 2015 by Bobby Finan and Sean Insalaco. The primary focus of this New York distillery is on producing small batch spirits out of their 116-year-old factory located in Buffalo’s historic hydraulic manufacturing district.
The Tommyrotter name used on their bottles was inspired by what the Tommyrotter Distillery describes as the Tommyrotters’ Club of the early 20th century. According to the distillery, its members consisted of “a band of rebellious artisans in the early 20th century who broke rank from the Arts and Crafts Movement to create for creation’s sake. They sought adventure, mischief and inspiration in nature.”
Distilled using non-chill filtration with no color added, Tommyrotter Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a non-age statement bourbon whiskey, bottled at 95 proof, consisting of a blend of three separate straight bourbons that were distilled in Indiana. This blend includes a high corn bourbon, a high wheat bourbon, a high rye bourbon, and malted barley. Once blended the final straight bourbon was aged for three months in Taub Family Selections Heritance Cabernet Sauvignon French oak barrels.
According to Tommyrotter Distillery’s Master Distiller and Co-founder Bobby Finan, you can expect notes of honey and dark dried fruit on the front, followed by flavors of vanilla spice, sweet cocoa, and sherry notes in the middle, with brandied cherry and soft herbal notes on the backend and finish.
Tommyrotter Napa Valley Heritance Cask Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded the Gold Medal at the 2021 New York International Spirits Competition.
We review Tommyrotter Napa Valley Heritance Cask Straight Bourbon Whiskey, it is blended from four grains and finished in ex-Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. (image via Jennifer Williams/The Whiskey Wash)
Tasting Notes: Tommyrotter Napa Valley Heritance Cask Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Vital Stats: Four-grain bourbon, 95 proof (47.5% ABV), 750 ml bottle MSRP $ 50.99.
Appearance: Tawny.
Nose: The nose offers fruity, fragrant notes of cinnamon, red rose, demerara sugar, orchard fruit, and cherry vanilla.
Palate: Upon first sip there’s an initial soft burn that goes straight to the mid-palate and holds steadily there. The raw grassy notes on the backend are preceded by notes of spicy caramel, red grapes, and a subtle dry, fruity sweetness.
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