I.W.HARPER AGE 15 YEARS KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

We don’t blame you if you aren’t familiar with I.W. Harper 15 Year Bourbon, or even the Harper name, mostly because it hasn’t been available here in the US in nearly 20 years. The Harper brand dates back to the late 1800’s, when Isaac Wolf Bernheim and his brother began distilling. It has remained a premium offering in Japan all along, and if finally back on shelves in the states after a long hiatus. Packed with flavor, this 15 year old bourbon whiskey was distilled at the Bernheim Distillery and comes packaged in this decanter that is as classic as the Harper brand name.

• The mash is 86% corn, 6% rye, and 8% barley. On the nose: lots of mint, cinnamon, dark chocolate, and some lumber. The body features ample citrus notes, more baking spice, and emerging chocolate and caramel on the backside. There’s heat at first, but this settles down into supple sweetness and a finish that’s surprisingly gentle for a 15 year old bourbon. Ultimately it’s quite balanced and delightful  and well worth sampling. Delightfully retro decanter, too. 86 proof