Medley Bros Bourbon is put out by the Charles Medley Distillery, Inc. and is the same company that puts out the Wathen’s line of whiskey as well as the Old Medley 12 years. Even though the company doesn’t actually distill anything, Charles Medley spent a good chunk of his life as a distiller at the old Medley Distillery. TOday he contracts out his whiskey making (supposedly to Heaven Hill) using his chosen mashbill of 77% Corn, 10% Rye, 13% Malted Barley.
In the Charles Medley Distillery’s Words: Medley Bros Bourbon
“Originally crafted in the 1940’s, Medley Bros. was the collaboration and love of five bourbon-loving brothers. Now, nearly 75 years later, we are bringing it back.
Made with the same philosophy as our original recipe, Medley Bros. is an authentic reminder of American Whiskey’s rich history.
Bottled at 102 proof, it is the ideal addition to any classic bourbon cocktail. “
What’s interesting about the above passage is that, unlike so many stories, it’s not complete BS. The label on this whiskey is even modeled after their old label and is managed by a 50 year veteran of the industry who actually worked at the original distillery and his dad is on the label. He may not be doing the distilling now, but it’s being done to Charles’ specs and he’s doing quality control to decide when product is ready to be bottled. This is a NDP doing everything the right way. All that’s left now is to see how it performs in the Medley Bros Bourbon review below!
Medley Bros Bourbon Info
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Heaven Hill (rumored)
Bottler: Charles Medley Distillery, Inc.
Mashbill: 77% Corn, 10% Rye, 13% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: At least 4 Years old
ABV: 51%
Price: $24
Medley Bros Bourbon Review
EYE
Caramel
NOSE
Caramel, dried corn, Almond Roca, butterscotch and spice (cinnamon & clove heavy). Light bits of oak and dark fruit hang in the background.
PALATE
Toffee, candy corn, butterscotch, spice, oak and pepper with an underlying nuttiness, vanilla and dark fruit.
FINISH
Medium finale of toffee, spice, toasted grains, nuts and oak.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Ok balance, medium body and warm easy feel.
OVERALL
Medley Bros Bourbon is not a fancy bourbon. It doesn’t put on airs, hell it barely manages to put pants on before company comes over, but it’s warm and friendly and works well in mixed (drink) company and can find itself a home in nearly any environment. Its high proof works well when there’s ice involved, but it’s also perfectly enjoyable at room temp.
The aroma is a nice straight-forward bourbon scent that’s missing a true sense of depth or complexity but remains perfectly pleasant. The Medley Bros Bourbon palate is more robust than the aroma, but not by much. The major factor is the amount of oak that arrives on the scene as it hits the tongue and heads on down the gullet – an aspect that’s missing a bit from the aroma.
If you decided to do so, water does bring out a bit more oak and spice and gives the overall sweetness a slightly more “full” feeling, but it’s definitely not necessary and the changes aren’t drastic. The Medley Bros Bourbon is just fine the way it is straight out of the bottle and into your glass.
SCORE: 84/100 (B)
