Hogsworth Blend No. 9 Bourbon Whiskey Review

Distillery: Balthazar Rex — Shoreham, Vermont

Proof: 93.8 (46.9% ABV)

Age: Varies (see below)

Mashbill: Varies (see below)

MSRP: $50

---

Where Tennessee, Minnesota, and France Unite for Something Special

The brainchild of Raj Bhakta (formerly of WhistlePig), Hogsworth Bourbon Whiskey & Armagnac Blend No. 9 is a bold step forward. This distinctive combination of bourbon and Armagnac brings together the craftsmanship of Minnesota and Tennessee distilling and merges it with the tradition of French brandy-making. The result? An intriguing bottle.

Inside this blend lies a fascinating mix:

• 10% 2019 bourbon — aged 4 years — distilled in Minnesota
• 42% 2019 bourbon — aged 4.5 years — distilled in Tennessee
• 21% 2012 Armagnac — aged 13 years — distilled in France
• 22% 2010 Armagnac — aged 11 years — distilled in France
• 5% 1982 Armagnac — aged 41 years — distilled in France

This curated blend creates a flavor profile that is truly one-of-a-kind. Hogsworth Blend No. 9 invites enthusiasts to step outside the ordinary and explore something extraordinary, all at an approachable $50 MSRP.

Hogsworth Blend No. 9 Bourbon Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.75/5

The Nose is sweet and fruity, with a dazzling blend of rich caramel and toasted oak complemented by a floral elegance likely stemming from the Armagnac. Notes of apricot, dark cherries, and orange zest create a delightful fruit-forward splendor. The interplay and contrast between the bourbon’s warmth and the Armagnac’s delicacy creates an expectation for an exciting sip.

Palate – 4.25/5

On the Palate, Hogsworth Blend No. 9 is easily described as a symphony of flavors. A peppery spice and brown sugar sweetness—presumably from the Tennessee bourbon—lead the charge. Vanilla cream, fig, roasted almonds, and baked apples make their presence known, creating a wonderfully layered experience. A full-bodied mouthfeel ties everything together beautifully, making this an enjoyable sipper.

Finish – 3.75/5

The Finish is a balance of warm spice and lingering fruitiness. Mild cracked black pepper, toasted oak, and dried figs taper into hints of dark chocolate and a slight tannic dryness. While it’s not the longest Finish, its medium length leaves you wanting another sip.

Value – 4.5/5

At $50, Hogsworth Blend No. 9 offers exceptional value. It’s an invitation to take a leap of faith and explore a blend unlike any other at this price point. With its rare combination of bourbon and Armagnac, it’s a great way to experience something both familiar and adventurous without breaking the bank.

Hogsworth Blend No. 9 Bourbon Whiskey: The Verdict

Hogsworth Blend No. 9 is a testament to the mastery of a blender. By combining bourbons from Tennessee and Minnesota with Armagnac aged up to 41 years, Hogsworth is a crafted bottle that is a unique story in every sip.

If you’ve had the pleasure of trying Hogsworth Blend No. 9, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your experience with the Insider Community!

Verdict – 4.25/5

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