DSR – VA – 026: Reverend Bourbon Whiskey
Company/Distillery: R.D. Wilhelm Distillery
Location: Norfolk, VA
Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley; Barreled at Char#3
Age Statement: No Age Statement
Proof/ABV: 86 Proof/43% ABV
Color & Viscosity: Reverend Bourbon undergoes a visual transformation from a light tawny hue in the bottle to a dark chestnut in the glass, evoking a sense of warmth and richness. The whiskey exhibits a pronounced and sharp viscous line, gradually transitioning into tiny droplets resembling pinheads. The droplets undergo a leisurely release, gliding down the sides of the tasting vessel with a gentle and unhurried descent.
Purchase Price: $34.99 at a VA ABC Store for 750 ml bottle
Bottle Label Information:
Front Label
REVEREND
BOURBON WHISKEY
BATCH NO A40
BOTTLE NO. 297
Back Label
Crafted and Bottled at RD Wilhelm Distilling Co.
1120 W. Olney Rd., Norfolk, VA 23507
Distillery Background
R.D. Wilhelm Distilling Co.
One quick glance at a bottle of Reverend Bourbon Whiskey on the shelf may leave one wondering what slight of hand business this whiskey company is playing with in regards to their logo. Quickly walking by one may first spot devil horns adorning the bottle. But that is not the case. In fact, Reverend Bourbon Whiskey playful displays the clerical collar of priest – ah, now we see where Reverend comes from!
R.D. Wilhelm Distilling Company was launched by Karl Dornemann and business partner Eric Stevens in 2019 after 8 years of planning and research. Dornemann and Stevens, both restaurateurs, continued to work together until a TBB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) regulation, known as the “Tied House” regulation, required Stevens to step away and handle the restaurant side of the team. At that time, Amy Stevens stepped in to assist Dornemann with the project.
R.D. Wilhelm Distilling Company gets its name and the Reverend Spirits Brand from Karl’s father, Reverend Doctor William (Wilhelm in Austrian) Eugene Dornemann. In addition to the Reverend Bourbon Whiskey reviewed here, R.D. Wilhelm Distilling Company also produces Reverend Vodka and Reverend Gin. For more information about the distillery, visit their website at drinkrevered.com.
Tasting Notes
Tasting Date/Vessel: January 21, 2024 – Neat in a Glencairn glass; Again with a few drops of distilled water.
Nose
Christian: In the bottle, Reverend Bourbon Whiskey is very light in aromatics. There is definitely a hint of sweetness present, seemingly like light brown sugar, and an accompaniment of fresh cured tobacco. In my Glencairn glass, the nose is again very light and unassuming. At first pass, I am detecting notes of pastry dough, ethanol, and a slight remnant of cedar wood cologne. A slight swirl emits notes of bread yeast, raw corn, and caramel. The addition of distilled water really turns up the sweetness a touch while accentuating the floral notes. A flowery bouquet erupts from the glass.
Mike: Reverend Bourbon’s aroma offers a multi-layered experience, starting with the bottle’s initial notes of rubbing alcohol, slight fruitiness, and soft tobacco. In the glass, it evolves with modeling glue, yeasty notes, and fruity scents resembling Juicy Fruit gum. Cinnamon and green corn contribute warmth and freshness. Overall, the aroma of this bourbon is quite subdued.
Mouth
Christian: Reverend Bourbon has a mouthfeel that is very thin, bordering watery, on the palate. The first sip offers notes that are soft and subtle. Green corn is the first flavor that jumps out of me. As I continue to sip further, some resemblance of butter, cinnamon, and vanilla join in. There may be a slight hint of black pepper present early as well. It seems to me that the flavor profile struggles to find an identity as it is just so muted. Unfortunately the added distilled water really takes an already unassuming flavor profile and almost eliminates it. Left behind are notes of green corn and oak barrel influence.
Mike: Reverend Bourbon presents a nuanced tasting experience with a thin upfront mouthfeel. The initial notes include sweet cinnamon and light oak, creating a warm and spicy profile. A soft bitterness develops, adding complexity without overpowering, and it fades to a final touch of lightly sweetened apples. Although it is easy to drink, the overall taste profile lacks depth and progression.
Finish
Christian: Reverend Bourbon Whiskey offers a finish that is approachable, short, and lacking zip. There is no real cinder or hug to speak of in each sip. As the finish develops on my palate, I am noticing faint notes of pears in sweet syrup, saccharine or artificial sugar sweetener, and just a touch of oak bitterness. Distilled water does little to change the finish here. The sweetness intensifies a bit while losing a small amount of the fruitiness that was present before.
Mike: Reverend Bourbon’s finish is medium to short, with an initial warm sensation in the lower throat that quickly fades. There’s a subsequent reemergence of warmth in the mid-chest region, though it’s noted to lack the power to reach its full potential. What remains is a pleasant and refreshing crispness lingering on the palate.
Our Rating
Final Thoughts
Christian: Reverend Bourbon Whiskey seems to fit the name it is given. Generally a reverend is thought of as a person who has the characteristics of being gentle, tender, non-confrontational, and mild mannered. All of those would be suitable adjectives to also describe this whiskey. Reverend Bourbon has a firm foundation. The whiskey doesn’t have any off putting or harsh flavors allowing lots of room for growth and development. I would really like to see what Reverend Bourbon would bring to the table if it was bottled at a little higher proof with perhaps more time in the bottle or even a heavier barrel char. But all in all, this is a drinkable craft whiskey.
Rating: 2.45 Rickhouses
Mike: Reverend Bourbon presents a visually captivating experience with its shift from a light tawny hue to a dark chestnut, featuring a pronounced viscous line and tiny droplets with a leisurely release. The aroma is intricate, starting with notes of rubbing alcohol and fruitiness, evolving into modeling glue and fruity scents. The taste is nuanced, incorporating sweet cinnamon, light oak, and a subtle bitterness, concluding with lightly sweetened apples. While it is easy to drink, there’s a perceived limited depth in the flavor profile. The finish is medium to short, with initial warmth in the lower throat and a subsequent reemergence in the mid-chest, leaving a refreshing crispness on the palate. Overall, Reverend Bourbon offers an intriguing visual and aromatic experience, with room for enhancement in taste depth from my personal experience.
Rating: 2.5 Rickhouses
Gallery
PHOTOS PROPERTY OF RICKHOUSE RAMBLINGS LLC
