Hudson Whiskey NY: Bright Lights, Big Bourbon

Hudson Whiskey's Bright Lights, Big Bourbon lives up to its flashy name with a focus on bold, grain-forward flavor. Here's a breakdown of this unique bourbon's description and tasting notes:

Description:

• Produced in New York State by Tuthilltown Distillery, making it one of the first bourbons distilled in the state.
• Crafted with 100% New York State corn, showcasing the quality of local grains.
• Aged in new charred American oak barrels, which impart classic bourbon characteristics but with a potentially shorter aging time compared to traditional bourbons.
• No age statement (NAS), meaning the specific aging time is not disclosed.
• Bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV).

Tasting Notes:

• Aroma: Packs a punch with a focus on the grains used:

  • Grain Forward: Heavy emphasis on corn sweetness, with some reviewers mentioning a grainy or even popcorn-like aroma.
  • Oak: Hints of vanilla and caramel peek through, representing the influence of the new charred oak barrels.
  • Spice: A touch of peppery spice might be present.
  • Lighter Notes: Some reviewers mention subtle hints of fruit or floral notes.

• Palate: The emphasis continues on the bold, grainy character:

  • Grain Forward: Corn sweetness dominates the palate, with a noticeable grainy texture.
  • Oak: Vanilla and caramel notes are present but take a backseat to the corn.
  • Spice: A peppery kick might add some warmth.
  • Other Flavors: Depending on the batch and individual palate, some tasters might detect hints of baking spices, dried fruit, or even a touch of chocolate.

• Finish: Generally described as medium-length:

  • Grain: Corn sweetness lingers, along with the grainy character.
  • Spice: A touch of peppery warmth might persist.
  • Oak: Hints of vanilla and caramel may become more noticeable in the finish.

Overall:

Hudson Whiskey Bright Lights, Big Bourbon offers a unique take on bourbon, highlighting the grains used and showcasing a bold, youthful flavor profile. This might not be for everyone, especially those accustomed to smoother, more oak-influenced bourbons. However, those who enjoy a grainy character and a more adventurous whiskey experience might find it interesting.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• Reviews for this bourbon can be quite varied. Some find the grainy character off-putting, while others appreciate its boldness.
• Due to the potentially shorter aging time, this bourbon might not have the same level of smoothness and complexity as some older bourbons.
• If you're new to bourbon, it might be a good idea to start with a more classic expression before diving into Bright Lights, Big Bourbon.

I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any other questions about Hudson Whiskey or other bourbons.