Leather and Oak Spirits Bourbon Whiskey Review

Distillery: Leather and Oak Spirits—Hillard, Ohio

Proof: 93.56 (46.78% ABV)

Age: Blended of 7 ½ and 6 ½ year-old barrels

Mashbill: 80% Corn, 20% Malted Barley

MSRP: $60

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Leather and Oak Bourbon: A Small-Batch Spirit That Just Went Gold

Leather and Oak Spirits, located in Hilliard, Ohio, is a craft distillery known for its commitment to small-batch, handcrafted spirits. Founded by Steve Lambert, a distiller with an agricultural background, the distillery prides itself on meticulously crafted grain bills and controlling the planting and harvesting of  locally grown grains. Leather and Oak is a small craft distillery, producing less than 10,000 proof gallons per year allowing them to focus on quality and craftsmanship at every step of production.

The name “Leather and Oak” inspired by a local cigar club, symbolizes the robust nature of their bourbon and attention to craftsmanship. Focusing on authenticity, Leather and Oak is a standout among Ohio’s small craft spirits producers

Leather and Oak Spirits Bourbon Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

(Tasted at High West Distillery)

Nose – 4/5

Leather and Oak Bourbon opens up with inviting notes of caramelized sugar and vanilla, layered with gentle oak. A touch of honey adds a delightful sweetness, while a faint nuttiness and spice rounds out the Nose. Leather and Oak Bourbon does not display the quintessential sharpness that I find in many other 90+ proof craft spirits.  Instead, it is highly approachable while still delivering complexity on the Nose.

Palate – 3.75/5

On the Palate, Leather and Oak Bourbon delivers a medley of sweet flavors, with vanilla and toffee standing center stage.  As it opens up, I found notes of cocoa and a touch of black pepper.  The mouthfeel is velvety, making it an easy pour to enjoy neat or a single rock.  However, I’d be concerned about a large rock or multiples as I think the Palate will quickly disappear quickly if it’s proofed down.

Finish – 3.5/5

The finish is satisfying, with notes of oak and spiced nuts. As I said about the Nose, there is not the typical craft distillery sharp finish.  Leather and Oak Bourbon balances nicely the Finish so that it is not overly sharp or overly sweet.  There is a wonderful balance of heat and sweetness that lingers gently.  It’s the type of finish that is comforting and well-rounded, with no harsh edges.

Value – 4/5

At $60, Leather and Oak Bourbon offers excellent value. It delivers a well-rounded flavor profile, striking a good balance between sweetness and spice.  Offering complexity without a steep price tag, this expression is a great purchase that both gives you a quality bottle while supporting a small authentic craft distillery.

Leather and Oak Spirits Bourbon Whiskey Review: The Verdict

For enthusiasts who appreciate understated complexity and who want to support small craft producers who don’t cut corners, Leather and Oak is worth discovering.

Balanced and impressively refined for a small craft producer, Leather and Oak Bourbon secures its place in our Gold tier—and it also qualifies as one for the record books, thanks to a Gold Medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  It’s a pour that proves age, craft, and careful blending can elevate a modest mashbill into something memorable.  While it’s not an oak bomb or proof monster, it wins on refinement and drinkability.  Shop now.

Verdict – 4/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3