Drink Review: Bird Dog Blackberry Whiskey
04/08/2019
By Mike Thayer
So I walk into my neighborhood liquor store for the second time in a week looking for Crown Peach Whiskey and the store is STILL sold out with what apparently is great stuff on back order! Other stores in my neck of the woods are sold out too, that Crown Whiskey is all the rage right now!
So tonight, in lieu of what I was shopping for, I went with Bird Dog Blackberry Whiskey. The Crown Peach will have to be reviewed another day.
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 Yukon Jack Jacapple.
Here's the description of the Bird Dog Blackberry from their website: Bird Dog Blackberry Flavored Whiskey is crafted by infusing two hand selected, all-natural blackberry flavors. The distinctive taste was nationally recognized during the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Potency: 80 PROOF / 40% Alc/Vol
Color: Golden Amber
Nose: Sweet blackberries and warm bourbon
Body: Sleek and smooth blackberry sweetness upfront with the subtle fade into traditional notes of honey, oak and a rich bourbon
Finish: Slight sweetness rolls into warm aged bourbon
This particular whiskey was one of the earlier arrivals to the flavored whiskey table, becoming popular after its award winning performance in competition back in 2010. Also of note, this whiskey is 80 proof. Most other flavored whiskeys are 70 proof, so this has a little more 'kick' to it.
As I have with all the other flavored whiskey samplings, I served up this whiskey in a straight shot and on the rocks. Bird Dog delivers on all the promo above. The nose is fruity, the color is inviting and you get all as advertised in the swirl and swallow. The best thing about this whiskey though is the finish, it's spot on. That slight sweetness says blackberry, yet BOURBON. That's exactly what you want in a flavored whiskey, a compliment. While best as a chilled shot and a very good one at that, I still prefer Yukon Jack Jacapple. It's just a flavor pairing preference thing, apple vs. blackberry. Costing me about $16 for a 750ml bottle, the price is reasonable and it's worth a repeat buy. Bird Dog Blackberry Whiskey gets 4 out of 5 Bachelor on the Cheap stars.
$pend Wisely My Friends...
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I was given a bottle of Bird Dog cherry for Christmas. I had reservations but one evening I poured some over ice and was very impressed. For the money this is an excellent whiskey. Very smooth and distinctive. I have enjoyed Bird Dog every evening that I'm at home since.
Posted by: James Rhoten | 01/05/2022 at 10:35 PM
It is simple, yet elegant. It starts with the antiquity shaped bottle with the classic bird dog on the label. When you crack it open the first time you get the sweet aromatic smell of Blackberries coupled with the hint of caramel in the whisky. It goes down smoother than the higher priced bourbons that I have had ( Jack and Jim). I give it an 8.5 out of 10.
Posted by: Mick Haugberg | 06/02/2022 at 10:45 AM
Due to the outstanding review and obvious intellect of Mick Hauberg, I decided to give this whiskey a try. I must say, it did not disappoint. The notes of blackberries and caramel are apparent but not overpowering. My friend Tracey Reece said that this whiskey is comparable and may be better than Pappy. Even though neither of us have ever had Pappy, I would agree. 8.6 out of 10.
Posted by: Josephine Collins | 06/02/2022 at 01:08 PM
Upon pouring a two ounce glass, I was pleasantly surprised by the fragrant hints of blackberry - noticeable, but not too strong. A splash of room-temperature filtered water brings out the exquisite oak and blackberry flavor. My wife, Carmon, and I finished the whole bottle in one sitting! This will quickly become a staple in my cellarette. 8 out of 10.
Posted by: Stewie Hodges | 06/02/2022 at 01:38 PM