One of the great joys of my job is when I’m able to join fellow whiskey lovers and the talented distillers who create this amazing spirit to get an insider look at the process and methods of the distillery. Recently I was honored to receive an invite to a media event that included a group tasting of Milam & Greene Whiskey’s newest release, the Unabridged Volume 3: A Cask Strength Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys, and was moved by the absolute love and passion observed from Master Blender Heather Greene as she spoke of this particularly impressive release.

It’s especially wonderful to hear from such an influential woman in the whiskey industry, as we all know that the world of whiskey is way too often seen as one appealing more to men. Where have we heard that fallacy before? Ah of course, the Horror genre of film. And anyone who knows my writing knows how hard I work to dispel such silly notions. Women love horror, and women love whiskey – and through supporting distilleries that feature such talented women as Master Blender Heather Greene and Master Distiller Marlene Holmes, both from Milam & Greene Whiskey, the industry doors open even wider as reputations are established and it’s proven that, in fact, a great palate services the creation of whiskey no matter who’s behind it.

That said, the tasting of Milam & Greene’s Unabridged Volume 3 was delightful and felt like an inclusive and community building experience for me as a solo act here at Whiskey & Horror. Seeing in the chat all the different tasting notes that other reviewers were extracting from the spirit opened my mind and palate during the experience, and while I settled on my own unique flavor profile from this release, it reminded me that whiskey tasting should be a communal act as often as possible, and that the spirit is meant to be shared with friends.

The whiskey comes in a gift box that gives homage to literature and romance from days long past. The label is textured and embossed and displays the age of each cask that contributed to the creation of the bourbon, a level of transparency that isn’t always seen from distillers. The whiskey is representative of the newness of Texas while giving respect and pairing with the classic bourbon out of Kentucky. Released at Cask Strength (59% ABV/118 Proof) and sold at the Milam & Greene website and select stores at a SRP $94.99.

Aesthetic:

The whiskey is a deep, rich amber color.

Nose:

So much to enjoy before even tasting. Notes of Allspice, clove and cinnamon, combined with stone fruit and brown sugar remind me of the joy of Fall in the PNW.

Palate:

For this cask strength, the whiskey has an immensely smooth mouthfeel. Tastes classic and modern all at once, in that the classic bourbon elements of brown sugar and vanilla are there but are joined by cherry cola and the malted rye gives a toasted rye bread note. Bitter but not sour, sweet but not cloying, the whiskey is very well balanced and offers a new experience with each pour. I would have loved to have been able to taste the previous two Unabridged Volumes just to compare, but this expression is absolutely delightful in every way.

Rating: 🥃 🥃 🥃 🥃 🥃 /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.**