Blaum Bros. Straight Bourbon

Produced by Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. in Galena, Illinois, this straight bourbon is built from a mash bill of 72% corn, 23% rye, and 5% malted barley, sourced primarily from local Illinois farms. It's distilled on a hybrid pot still, barreled at 117.5 proof in air-dried white oak, matured a minimum of four years, and bottled non-chill filtered at 100 proof (50% ABV) in small batches of just eight barrels. The higher rye percentage shows clearly throughout: expect a nose of sweet corn and caramel alongside baking spice, clove, cinnamon, and ginger, with notes of vanilla and leather rounding things out. On the palate, look for toasted rye bread and roasted peanut character, caramel and dried orange, with the spice carrying through into a medium-to-long finish that closes on bittersweet chocolate and maple. At full proof, expect real weight and warmth without excessive heat.