Union Horse Distilling Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Review

Distillery: Union Horse Distilling Co – Lenexa, Kansas

Proof: 100.0 (50.0% ABV)

Age: Four Years

Mashbill: Corn/Rye/Malted Barley – Undisclosed ratio

MSRP: $48

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A Midwest Bourbon Standing on the Edge

While the Bottled-in-Bond process operates very differently today than the early years after its enactment in 1897, the distinction still carries weight.  Not many independent distilleries take on the challenge, but Union Horse Distilling Co. in Lenexa, Kansas has.

Union Horse, a family-owned, grain-to-glass distillery, handles every stage of production on-site—from milling and mashing to aging and bottling.  While their original Reserve Bourbon established Union Horse’s reputation in the Midwest, this newly released Bottled-in-Bond expression aims to elevate the profile by meeting the highest benchmark of authenticity and structure in bourbon making.  Please read on to see if this is just another label extension or if it’s a whiskey that earns your trust and a place in your glass.

Union Horse Distilling Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.6/5

Caramelized sugar.  Vanilla custard.  Newly opened bag of dried cherries.  Fresh sawn oak.
Strengths:  The Nose opens with the classic bourbon sweetness.  There is real depth and maturity here.  A couple of swirls and a little time in the glass brings more depth.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Hard to come up with something there other than a slight trace of ethanol sharpness that holds it back from near perfection.
Rating Justification:  Deeply aromatic and expressive.

Palate – 4.5/5

Toffee. Baked apple.  Cocoa.  Baking spice.
Strengths:  The Palate delivers a seamless blend of sweet and spice.  A significant lift mid-Palate with a highlight that brings the creaminess in the mouthfeel.
Why It’s Not Higher:  While it’s 100 proof it’s still slightly conservative in its intensity—elegant rather than explosive.
Rating Justification:  A richly satisfying sip.  Give it some patience in the glass and it will reward you.

Finish – 4.0/5

Oak char.  Cracked pepper.  Cocoa nib.  Leather.
Strengths:  The Finish doesn’t hold up as you might expect given the significant quality of the Nose and Palate.  That said, it’s still a wonderful Finish.
Why It’s Not Higher:  A touch tannic and dry, tapering rather than building to a crescendo before it fades more quickly than desired.
Rating Justification:  Flavorful, though not the star of the experience.

Value – 4.7/5

For a Bottled-in-Bond bourbon from an independent, family-run distillery, under $50, this expression represents exceptional value.  The combination of age, authenticity, non-chill filtration, and full in-house production makes it a standout.  Union Horse proves that Bottled-in-Bond doesn’t have to come from Kentucky to deliver a rich expression worthy of serious attention.

Union Horse Distilling Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Review: The Verdict

Union Horse Distilling Co.’s Bottled-in-Bond Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey affirms this is a distillery that continues being one to watch.  The Nose and Palate confidently lead the experience and are clearly the highlights, while the Finish, though slightly dry, reflects a well-aged bourbon.  While this expression barely misses our Platinum level, it is a Kansas whiskey that stands proud and loudly calls out for enthusiasts to give it a notice. Shop now.

Verdict – 4.4/5

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