Old Emmer Toasted Barrel Review

Distillery: IJW Whiskey Company – Danville, Kentucky

Proof: 104 (52% ABV)

Age: NAS – minimum of four years

Mashbill:

MSRP: $100

Website: https://totalwine.com/spirits/bourbon/old-emmer-toasted-barrel-bourbon/p/2126235561?s=2001&igrule=true

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Who They Are

Old Emmer Toasted Barrel is crafted by IJW Whiskey, a distillery based in Kentucky with offices in Louisville and Rickhouses in Danville. Google IJW and you won’t find much. While most brands proudly tell you many things about themselves, their process, etc. IJW seems to be an enigma. Several years ago, while visiting Wilderness Trail Distillery in Danville, I vaguely recall seeing “IJW” very prominently displayed on some Rickhouses just over a small rise on the property adjacent to Wilderness Trail.

The name “Old Emmer” refers to an ancient wheat strain. Emmer wheat, also known as farro, is among the oldest cultivated grains, dating back thousands of years. Known for a robust flavor and high nutritional value, Emmer wheat is a unique choice.

Given “Toasted” in the name, we can fully expect the bourbon has been traditionally aged in new charred then a secondary aging in toasted oak barrels. The lack of an age statement gives me great pause. Hopefully, the use of both charred and toasted barrels will add some complexity to what could be a young bourbon.

Some intel on Old Emmer Toasted Barrel indicates it is a Total Wine Direct Spirit, meaning Total Wine is the sole source for this expression. Indeed, that’s where I picked it up. Full Confession:from the moment that I purchased this expression, I had a high level of skepticism.My thinking is they are simply playing off the Emmer wheat fame from the Daniel Weller Emmer Wheat expression. I would love nothing more than for my skepticism to be proven wrong.

If you give Old Emmer Toasted Barrel a try, have questions or want to suggest an expression for a future review, please drop me a note. I would love to hear from you. mike@bourboninspector.com

Old Emmer Toasted Barrel Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 3.5/5

But I found a rich and inviting Nose. There are prominent aromas of maple syrup, vanilla, and a hit of chocolate with a subtle bit of smokiness.

Palate – 3.5/5

On the Palate is a complex and satisfying experience. A burst of honey and cocoa, followed by the refreshing taste that mimics that of a honey crisp apple. The sweetness is undergirded by rich chocolate notes resulting in a wonderfully understated sipper.

Finish – 1.5/5

The Finish leaves a good lasting impression. The initial warmth of the mild spice gradually fades into notes of dried cherries with a return of the gentle smokiness that was on the Nose. As the finish exits, there is a touch of tanginess, reminiscent of lemon zest. The tanginess eventually fades into an acidic aftertaste that is more than mildly off-putting.

Value – 1/5

At $100 MSRP, Old Emmer Toasted Barrel is positioned as a premium offering. Its unique use of ancient wheat and the double-barrel aging process seems to make this bourbon a worthwhile investment for those looking to add something special to their collection. But at the price point, I want more and OETB does not rise to a strong value level. As I said earlier, I had hoped my skepticism would be proven wrong.

Old Emmer Toasted Barrel: The Verdict

Verdict – 2.4/5

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