BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Milam & Green
• MASH BILL: 70% Corn | 22% Malted Rye | 8% Malted Barley
• AGE: 4 years
• YEAR: 2024
• PROOF: 100 (50% ABV)
• MSRP: $64.99
• BUY ONLINE: Milam & Greene Online Store

STEVE’S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any whiskey lover.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle.

OVERALL: I’m a fan of Milam & Greene for several reasons. Heather Greene came from the whiskey writing world and was a genuinely nice colleague. When she speaks at press meetings, she connects like no other whiskey maker because she gets press dorks and skips over history and processes we already know, brand stories we won’t believe in a million years or a lengthy list of her personal accomplishments. She’s just Heather.

Her business partner, Marlene Holmes is a whiskey industry veteran who, mysteriously to me, escaped not only my notice, but many others’ covering the industry. Only now am I hearing other industry veterans’ appreciation for her work. I want to interview her soon.

Lastly, I love the brand’s transparency. They tell you how they make it, where it’s made, where it’s stored, why they do what they do and all with a straight face and without B.S. That, “Here we are!” openness translates into “This is ours!” whiskey that’s novel, creative and provides a very different drinking experience.

On the nose of this BIB release is spring in a glass–a mixed bouquet of peonies, roses and lilac–backed by cinnamon stick and lavender. I’d be hard pressed to recall nosing such a floral spirit. (Some of this surely can be credited to M&G’s use of two yeasts to richen its spirits.) The floral notes carry straight to the palate as rose water and cinnamon red hots. Cedar and toasted oak commiserate in the background with vegetal and herbal notes before switching into costumes of creamed corn and Bit-O-Honey candy. If you like high-note complexity, this is your pour. And if you like high balls with a bit of lemon and honey, choose this bourbon. I’ve never been one to call out a sip as “seasonal,” but this seems ideal for summer drinking.

BRAND NOTES

Color: Mahogany

Nose: Grain forward with notes of candy corn, honey, and chocolate malt

Palate: Nice viscous palate with notes of fresh bread, malted milk balls, wildflower honey, and a touch of tannic oak

Finish: Smooth finish with notes of grain, spearmint, and cinnamon

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.