One of my newest favorite recommendations is Savage & Cooke Distillery, located on Mare Island and owned by Napa Valley winemaker Dave Phinney. After several wonderful tastings, the distillery is my go-to when asked what whiskey brands stand out to me from the past few years, and the distillery continues to impress with two new releases, the wonderfully genre-friendly Howling Mob and Bloody Butcher Bourbon Whiskey.

Gorgeous and aesthetically pleasing bottles with great, tactile details on the label, these Bottled in Bond bourbons have intense depth and rich flavor profiles. Both expressions were created entirely at the Savage & Cooke Distillery, sourcing California heirloom corn and producing limited barrels for each release. These sophisticated, grain to glass bourbons are developed beyond their years, and the distillery has really found its voice amongst the sea of craft distillers, having recently been named Bourbon Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition.

Savage & Cooke Howling Mob Bourbon

Mash bill of 93% ancient heirloom corn and 7% malted barley. Seguin Moreau char #3 barrels. 31 barrels produced. 4 years old. 100 proof/50% ABV. SRP $99.

Aesthetic:

The whiskey is a rich, deep mahogany color.

Nose:

Such delicious aromas emerged from this bottle. Elements of black currant, faint leather, brown sugar, and burnt ends of cinnamon toast presented after the whiskey sat for a minute.

Palate:

The tasting starts mellow and grows in intensity. Stone fruit and pine nut at the outset, with coffee and sugar cane joining an umami element, the whiskey has an astringent mouthfeel and long finish.

Rating: 🥃 🥃 🥃 🥃.5/5

Savage & Cooke Bloody Butcher Bourbon Whiskey

Mash bill of 70% ancient heirloom corn, 16% red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley. 44 barrels produced. 4 years old. 100 proof/50% ABV. SRP $99.

Aesthetic:

A dark, thick, rich orange color with slow legs.

Nose:

Equally impressive, the nose on this bourbon mixes classic notes with more surprising ones. I enjoyed graham cracker, chocolate covered maraschino cherry, with malty and oaky aromas standing out above the glass.

Palate:

Offering substantial balance across the entire palate, the whiskey has a chewy mouthfeel. Dark brown sugar, butter-basted sage, and orange peel mix with very slight smokey elements.

Rating: 🥃 🥃 🥃 🥃.5/5

**This whiskey was provided as a review sample by those who created and released it. My reviews are my own, and I tell it how I taste it.**