Blackhat Whiskey Review

Distillery: Blackhat Distillery—Colorado Springs, CO

Proof: 94.0 (47.0% ABV)

Age: NAS

Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

MSRP: $46

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Not a Bourbon, but Built Like One

Blackhat Whiskey comes from Colorado, though the distillery behind it remains undisclosed.  While the mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley fit comfortably into what many would consider a bourbon profile, the brand has chosen to label this release simply as whiskey.  That choice often signals either a unique production decision—such as barrel entry proof, cask size, or aging approach—that may not conform to bourbon’s legal definitions.

Colorado’s high-altitude and climate plays a critical role in maturation.  Hot summer days, cool nights year-round, and lower humidity combine to encourage an aging process where the whiskey aggressively interacts with the barrel.  The result can be intensified flavors, a quicker development of oak influence, and distinct grain-driven character compared to Kentucky standards.

Blackhat Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.0/5

Caramel corn.  Toasted corn.  Cinnamon stick.  Orange peel.  Sweep pipe tobacco.
Strengths:  The Nose highlights grain sweetness along with a lift of rye spice.  Oak presence feels natural and not overbearing.
Why It’s Not Higher:  A touch of ethanol prickle remains, keeping the aromas from fully integrating into layered complexity.
Rating Justification:  Solidly expressive for a Colorado-aged whiskey, but not pushing into the refined depth of longer-aged bourbons.

Palate – 4.3/5

Maple candy.  Caramel apple.  Boiled and buttered corn.  Light baking spice.

Strengths:   Nicely balanced between corn sweetness and rye spice.  Richer in the mid-Palate than what the Nose suggests.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Lacks the typical fruit notes that would help to broaden the Palate’s profile.  The sweetness and spice trade back and forth making it feel like a split personality.
Rating Justification:  A highly satisfying Palate that feels mature.  Drinks much higher than its proof point.

Finish – 3.8/5

Oak char.  Clove.  Herbal.  Black tea.

Strengths:  Finish carries spice and oak with lingering herbal tones.
Why It’s Not Higher:  A little short in length, tapering quicker than expected, especially considering the rye ratio.
Rating Justification:  Flavorful.  Leaves the drinker wanting more, meaning more of the whiskey and yet, simultaneously wanting more pizazz.

Value – 4.1/5

While Blackhat is a solid whiskey, the lack of a declared age statement detracts from its marketability.  Fair or not, intuitively the consumer will assume it’s a lower aged release and negatively discriminate against the whiskey.  That said, judging the whiskey that’s in the glass and not what’s missing from the label, this is a solid performer at a very strong price point.

Blackhat Whiskey Review: The Verdict

You can almost feel the impact of Colorado aging in Blackhat Whiskey.  While it is not labeled as a bourbon, it is born of a mashbill and flavor set that closely mirrors a bourbon—making the decision to position it differently an interesting choice.  The whiskey excels in balancing corn sweetness with rye-driven spice, offering a well-designed, straightforward sip.

Where it falls short is in the Finish length as it doesn’t stretch as far as enthusiasts might hope. Still, at its core, Blackhat Whiskey delivers on the flavor.

Verdict – 4.0/5

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