Tom's Foolery Bottled In Bond Batch #3 Ohio Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

A weekend in my wife's hometown - celebrating her incredible accomplishments as a designer - turned into one of the most exciting work trips of the year when I realized her grandparents' house was a five minute drive from the well-regarded Tom's Foolery Distillery. The town of Chagrin Falls is a beautiful, quaint little place, which as the name suggests has a massive waterfall running through the middle of town. Just outside the town are some of Ohio's largest and most historic estates along with apple orchards and open space. It was there that we came upon the home of the Herbrucks. Tom and Lianne are the real deal. With out the pomp, ego, or gimmicks that have become ubiquitous in the Craft Whiskey world, these two are generally achieving something great through hard work and dedication. They hit all the important craft notes without making a fuss about it (local grain grown on their own farm, hand distillation, pot stills, years of experience). They have several hundred barrels sitting in their unheated warehouses and while they no longer have the historic Michter's stills that is not stopping them from continuing to make some of the best craft whiskey in the country. This whisky does of course come from those special stills. Expect big bold flavors of dark wood, stewed stone fruits, minty spice and earthy grain. The nose reminds me of some of the great young old whiskies I've had (those post-Prohibition gems). Ultimately, it's a flavor profile that's almost non-existent in KY today. Dryer than most modern bourbon, likely due to the lack of patent warehousing, it remains very balanced with a lovely palate filling texture - leaving you with a unique forest floor and dark cocoa finish. There isn't a hot or harsh note anywhere in the mix and the whole thing is as seamless and integrated as can be. We're all very lucky to have a crack at this special juice.

This pot-still distilled Ohio bourbon is insanely delicious. Sweet maple balanced by spicy nutmeg and allspice lead to a backbone of earthy, clay pot-still flavor. A must-have, absolutely unique bourbon for the collection.

Truly exceptional product. I was really impressed with the preciseness of the aromatics, so focused but layered. On the palate, the supple density is highlighted with spice and toast, but it’s never over the top. The finish is long and smooth, yet it is the density, saturated with flavors, with so much richness yet so light on the palate, that's truly exceptional.

Real bourbon from a some guys backyard shed in Ohio? I've heard those stories before. But now I've tasted the reality of Tom's Foolery. This is not some rapidly-rushed brown water attempt to exploit the current bourbon fever. This is something entirely legit. A rich, spicy, full-flavored, old school American whiskey that brings credit to the word "craft." This four year old wonder gives me new hope for the market. Knowing that someone out there can make something this good for the price has me excited for more!

A great addition to the craft bourbon selection. There are inviting caramel and vanilla aromas. Lush, complex flavors follow that are round and juicy, with vanilla and caramel and a hint of spice.