Experience a taste of bourbon history with the I.W. Harper Gold Medal Kentucky Straight Bourbon from 1994. This 86-proof masterpiece offers a smooth, balanced palate of caramel, vanilla, and gentle oak, culminating in a satisfying, nuanced finish that earned its 'Gold Medal' distinction. A true connoisseur's delight, perfect for sipping and savoring.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A gentle and inviting nose, typical of a well-aged, lower-proof bourbon from the pre-boom era. Notes of sweet corn and vanilla bean are prominent, intertwined with soft caramel and a hint of toasted oak. There's a subtle fruitiness, perhaps dried apricot or apple, and a delicate floral spice, possibly rose petal or a whisper of cinnamon, indicating a well-matured spirit that hasn't been over-oaked. The 86 proof allows for a more nuanced aromatic experience, with minimal ethanol burn.

Palate: The palate is remarkably smooth and approachable, a characteristic often found in bourbons of this proof and vintage. A creamy texture coats the mouth, delivering a balanced sweetness of brown sugar and maple syrup, quickly followed by classic bourbon flavors of vanilla, butterscotch, and a light char. Mid-palate, a pleasant spice emerges – a gentle black pepper and a touch of nutmeg, complementing the underlying oak structure. The fruit notes from the nose resurface, presenting as ripe orchard fruits and a faint citrus zest. Despite being NAS, the maturity is evident in the integration of flavors and the lack of harshness.

Finish: A clean, medium-length finish that is surprisingly complex given its proof. Sweetness lingers initially, with vanilla and caramel, gradually transitioning to a dry, pleasant warmth from the subtle oak tannins and a fading spice. There’s a soft echo of dried fruit and a faint, comforting earthiness. It leaves the palate refreshed and invites another sip, with no bitterness or overly aggressive heat.

About the Distillery

I.W. Harper Distilling Company, founded in 1872 by Isaac Wolfe Bernheim, has a storied history rooted in quality and international recognition. Though the brand's ownership and distilling locations have evolved over time, it consistently represented a classic Kentucky Straight Bourbon profile, known for its smooth and approachable character. Bottles from the 1990s reflect a period of continuity for this historic brand.