Boone County Eighteen33 12 Year Review

Welcome to the review of Boone County Eighteen33. We've written about Boone County previously on our Bourbon Trail Series. This is our first experience reviewing a Boone County product so we're excited to get started. The interesting thing about this bourbon is that they outsourced the product to fill the gap between when their house-made bourbon will be ready. The Eighteen33 is an homage to when the first Boone County Distilling company was founded. The rumor is that they will run out of this bourbon before their bourbon is ready to hit the shelves. This was confirmed during the tour so if this is in your wheelhouse, stock up while you can.

With that said, let's get started with the specifications.

Manufacturer: Boone County Distilling

Age: 12 Years

Location Produced: MGP in Indiana

Mash Bill: 75% corn 21% rye 4% malted barley

Aroma (from manufacturer): Full caramel and brown sugar notes with carmalized wood essence (crème brulee), Hints of corn sweetness and grain. Black pepper/leather/tobacco/raisin/dates/ripe peach/bing cherry/red delicious apple.

Taste (from manufacturer): Spice on back of palate with bell pepper and light cayenne/nutty coffee/vanilla/brown sugar

Finish (from manufacturer): Warm and full mouth feel with dry, sweet, long finish

Alcohol: 45.4%

Who is this for?: People looking to try a new bourbon.... Individuals looking for a bourbon that won't be around much longer. People named Boone.

Cost (Ohio): $35.85 + tax for a 375ml bottle (bought in Kentucky)

Let's start the review. 

Taste - Score 26 out of 35

On the nose, we picked up hints of oak, wood, peat, raisin, and a hint of peach. Overall, Boone County was pretty accurate on their tasting notes. The nose had an overall aura of sweetness to it.

On the taste, we picked up the vanilla and had a very good traditional bourbon taste to it. We liked it.

Smoothness/Finish - Score 20 out of 25

The finish for us was juicy... Jonny-boy described it like he 'just ate a gusher'. I didn't get the juicy, but I found it as a smooth quick finish.

Intangibles: Color/Appearance - Score 13 out of 15

In the glass, the Boone County Eighteen33 has a very rich dark color that looks incredibly inviting to drink. I'm reusing the pictures from the Old Forester review to show just how dark it is.

The bottle is square with a wood cork with the label wrapping around 3 sides. I liked the font and that it tells the story of the bourbon. I also really like the font... almost art deco in a way. 

Availability - Score 0 out of 5

Unfortunately, this isn't for sale in Ohio.

Overall Value - Score 15 out of 20

This surprised me how much I enjoyed this bourbon and I'm excited for what Boone County has in the future. The reason I scored it how I did is $70 is a premium price. However, I think given that we're talking about a 12 year bourbon, combined with the price, this is one you should have on hand or pull out for celebrating with friends. 

Final Score: 74 out of 100 - Solid

Note: This review was done by Mark with help from Jonny-boy. The bottle was purchased at the Boone County Distillery in Boone County, Kentucky.