Sergeant’s Valor Bourbon by BHAWK Review

Distillery: Brad Halling American Whiskey Company – Southern Pines, NC

Proof: 93 (46.5% ABV)

Age: Four+ years

Mashbill: 72% Corn 18% Rye 10% Malted Barley

MSRP: $60

Website: https://hallingwhiskey.com/

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Who They Are

Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko. (“BHAWK”), founded by Brad Halling, a retired Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army is deeply rooted in Halling’s personal history and his experiences during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. A Battle that was memorialized in the movie “Black Hawk Down.” The distillery’s mission is to honor the extraordinary service of military personnel and first responders through his premium whiskey offerings.

The distillery’s name, BHAWK, reflects Halling’s commitment to producing high-quality spirits that pay tribute to the heroes he served with. The distillery’s Gratitude series, which includes Sergeant’s Valor Select Bourbon, is a tribute to those who have shown remarkable courage and compassion. Each batch of whiskey in this series is dedicated to a specific group or individual who has made a significant impact.

Sergeant’s Valor Select Bourbon is a blend of hand-selected, straight bourbon whiskeys sourced from Bardstown Bourbon Company and blended at BHAWK.
Sergeant’s Valor Select Bourbon has received numerous accolades, including a Gold medal at the 2024 USA Spirits Ratings.

If you give Sergeant’s Valor Select Bourbon 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

Sergeant’s Valor Bourbon by BHAWK Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 3/5

The Nose invites prominent aromas of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. The caramel provides a sweet and enticing butteriness. The vanilla adds a creamy, indulgent quality, while the toasted oak brings a grounding, earthy note.

Palate – 3/5

The Palate is both complex and satisfying. The initial sip bursts with caramel and vanilla, followed by the rich, creamy taste of toffee. A subtle spiciness adds a decent amount of depth. The high corn content contributes a smooth, creamy mouthfeel that makes for an overall pleasant drinking experience.

Finish – 2.5/5

The Finish is smooth and well-balanced leaving a very nice lasting impression. The initial warmth of the oak spice gradually fades and gives way to notes of caramel, vanilla, and toffee. The toffee is a smooth, indulgent flavor that carries through to the end. As the Finish begins to exit, a touch of spice adds a pleasant warmth to the aftertaste.

Value – 4/5

At $60 MSRP, Sergeant’s Valor Select Bourbon offers excellent value for a high-quality, small- batch bourbon. Its rich flavor profile makes it a worthwhile everyday sipper.

Sergeant’s Valor Bourbon by BHAWK: The Verdict

Verdict – 3/5

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