Bachelor on the Cheap

By Mike Thayer

Blended and flavored whiskeys are red hot right now, consumer demand for brown spirits continues to rise with American Whiskey in particular seeing some phenomenal sales growth. 

Regular readers know that I am a fan of flavored whiskey, I've always got a bottle of something in my freezer for a chilled shot or flavored specialty in the liquor cabinet to enjoy on the rocks.  My favorite in all this tasting fun so far, has been Revel Stoke Spiced, which ironically, is Canadian.  So in shopping around for something in an American version, I bought a bottle of Jesse James Spiced Whiskey.

NOT a repeat buy

This is a straight bourbon whiskey blended with vanilla, cinnamon and clove flavors according to the Jesse James Spirits website.  They need to go back to the drawing board.  This whiskey is WAY too spice forward.  The nose when you swirl a neat glass is OK, but the taste is sharp and the finish is harsh rather than warm.  I didn't enjoy this whiskey neat, I didn't enjoy it on the rocks, I don't care for it as a chilled shot.  Like the Evan Williams Peach, this is a bad whiskey that will remain in chill status and might - key word 'might' - be used as a topping for some vanilla bean ice cream. 

Jesse James Spiced Whiskey is a sub-standard flavored blend and is NOT a repeat buy.  In my opinion this is a case of a whiskey provider rushing out a questionable product for the money grab.  Costing about $15 a bottle, it's wallet friendly but NOT friendly on the palate.  I'm giving Jesse James Spiced Whiskey two stars.   Revel Stoke Spiced is WAY better and will continue to be my go-to for a spiced Whiskey.

Spend Wisely My Friends.....