It’s like sipping a Bourbon at a great Bar-B-Q party.
Iron Smoke Distillery is a fairly new addition to the craft distilling community located in Upstate New York. In that part of the state they grow a lot of apples. So it is only natural that this local crop would have an impact of their Spirits they produce. Currently, there are four products in the Iron Smoke family — Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Iron Smoke Casket Strength, Rattlesnake Rosie's Apple Pie Whiskey and Rattlesnake Rosie’s Maple Bacon Whiskey.
Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon Whiskey is definitely a Bourbon. It’s got the corn, rye, and barley mash bill and it’s aged properly in triple charred, virgin white oak casks. What sets this Bourbon apart is that the grains used in production are exposed to applewood smoke in much the same way that Single Malt Scotch can be exposed to peat smoke. But in this case, the smoky flavor is lightly sweet and less "ashy" than you would otherwise get. The subtle flavor almost reminds us of bacon and Bar-B-Q, without overpowering the Spirit.
"I just love the fact that the apple smoke contains both tannins and apple... And the grains are allowed the freedom to link with the tannins and form a bourbony undertone… superb. Love it! Genuinely sublime!"
— Jim Murray, Whisky Bible 2018