This interesting little bottle of 1980s Old Whiskey River was found by a buddy on a dusty hunting trip and opened a few weeks later when we sat down to play some board games and enjoy some of our dusty finds. The brand is still around today, but it’s not easily found in Hollywood so I don’t have anything to compare it to at the moment.
In Heaven HIll’s Words: 1980s Old Whiskey River
“Old Whiskey River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a handcrafted small batch bourbon made from American corn, barley and rye, grown on family owned and operated farms located within 100 miles of the distillery. Our smooth and rich flavor comes from more than eight generations of experience and dedication that our master distillers, Parker and Craig Beam, pour into every bottle. Handcrafted in small batches, using the naturally purified waters of Kentucky limestone and choice grains from independent family farms, Old Whisky River is aged for six years in new, charred American oak barrels and adheres to the highest Bourbon standards.”
The coolest thing about Old Whiskey River is that it was made as a tribute to the legendary Willie Nelson and has been popular enough that it continues on today. Though if it was a proper tribute I think it should have come in a green bottle. Now let’s check out what it used to taste like in the 1980s Old Whiskey River review.
1980s Old Whiskey River Info
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Heaven Hill
Mashbill: At least 51% Corn + Rye + Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 6 Years
ABV: 43%
Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller ($30 for current)
1980s Old Whiskey River Review
EYE
Copper
NOSE
Caramel, oak, dried apricots, peanuts, spice and a touch of cocoa and copper – like a bitter chocolate, but a bit more metallic.
PALATE
Caramel, citrus peels, spice, oak, vanilla, toasted grain and a touch of that same bitter chocolate-meets-copper from the nose with just a touch of peanuts.
FINISH
Long oaky fade with bits of caramel, vanilla and spice.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Decent balance, round body and an oily feel.
OVERALL
1980s Old Whiskey River isn’t crazy complex, but it is tasty and inviting. As you’d expect there’s a solid bit of OBE stretching across the nose and to the finish from sitting on the shelf for 30 years. There’s also plenty of oak, caramel, vanilla and spice – the signatures of bourbon – that reside through the dram.
The experience doesn’t stretch too much further than that outside of a light bit of peanuts which you’d expect given it’s a HH product. Other than that this1980s Old Whiskey River about as standard as you can get for a 6-year-old bourbon and that ain’t too shabby of a thing to be.
SCORE: 86/100