Traverse City Bourbon Review

Craft whiskey is the theme of the week and we’re kicking it into high gear with this: Traverse City Bourbon. Coming from the Northern part of the United States (Michigan) with an eye towards doing things with a spirit of tradition, heritage, and small bottles.

I don’t know if they actually sell their whiskey in these smaller-sized (200 ml) versions of their larger bottles, but I love them. I love the overall size, the amount in them and I wish more distilleries offered their whiskey in a smaller form factor like this. It would definitely make it easier to explore more of what’s out there like we’re doing this week.

Traverse City Bourbon – Details and Tasting Notes

Whiskey Details

Region: Michigan, USA

Distiller: Traverse City Whiskey Co.
Mash Bill: At least 51% Corn + Rye + Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 3 Years
ABV: 43%

Price: $45*

White background tasting shot with the Traverse City Bourbon bottle and a glass of whiskey next to it.

“Amber and elegant, our XXX Straight Bourbon Whiskey has been aged at least four years in new American white oak barrels. With warm vanilla and a little heat, this is your go-to whiskey for all occasions. Perfect for sipping, it still holds its own in your much deserved craft cocktail.” – Traverse City Whiskey Co.

Tasting Notes

EYE
Amber

NOSE
Caramel, vanilla taffy, oak, leather, dried cherries, nuts, spice and a hint of char/smoke and biscuits.

PALATE
Copper, oak, brown sugar, dried cherries, nuts, spice and some bits of vanilla candy, citrus and a malt-like sweetness and fruitiness.

FINISH
Medium -> Oak, caramel, fruit, spice, dried corn.

BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Ok balance, medium body and a light warm feel.

Traverse City Bourbon – Overall

Aroma is a standard bourbon that comes through shockingly mature with a nice sense of oak and dark sweetness and a biscuity note that slowly grows as it opens; Palate is a bit brighter than the aroma and brings in some notes of copper and a light fruitiness that I don’t hate – the youth shows here, but not in a foul crafty way; Finish starts dark and oaky but fades out to this interesting spicy-fruity note that’s oddly enjoyable.

A decent bourbon that shows insane promise.

Traverse City Bourbon – Final Thoughts and Score

I think this whiskey still has a ways to go and needs further maturity, but for a 3-year-old craft whiskey… it’s nice. There is a warm oaky profile that threads through the whiskey and adds a nice touch of depth for the lighter notes to bounce off of.

Traverse City Bourbon shows nothing but potential and I’m incredibly interested to see how this distillery continues to work and grow. I think they’re on to something up there.

SCORE: 2.5/5

*Disclosure: The sample for this bourbon review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.