DSR – VT – 001: Smugglers’ Notch Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company/Distillery: Smugglers’ Notch Distillery
Location: Jeffersonville, Vermont
Mash Bill: Corn, Rye, and Barley
Age Statement: No Age Statement
Proof/ABV: 90 Proof/45% ABV
Color & Viscosity: In the bottle, Smugglers’ Notch Straight Bourbon has a light tawny color. Once poured, it deepens to a warm russet muscat hue with hints of amber.
The whiskey has a viscosity against the sides of the glass that appears thin and almost weightless. Tilting the glass and rolling the whiskey allows a thin viscous line to form. Tear drops take their time to develop before eventually forming legs that slide slowly down the sides, hinting at a smooth and balanced texture.
Purchase Price: $50.99 for 750 ml bottle at the distillery.
Bottle Label Information:
Front Label
SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH DISTILLERY
STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
VERMONT’S MOUNTAIN SPIRIT
Back Label
HAND BOTTLED BY SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH DISTILLERY
JEFFERSONVILLE, VERMONT
The alchemy of a father/son dream brings you Smugglers’ Notch Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a small batch blend of corn, rye, barley and Vermont spring water. Our processing and blending with these ingredients creates an award-winning Mountain Spirit with unparalleled smoothness and complexity. Aged in new charred white oak barrels, these bourbons are masterfully blended with a process we label “Smugglero”. Smugglers’ Notch Bourbon was awarded a Gold Medal in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Enjoy and please drink responsibly.
~ JEREMY & RON ELLIOTT
http://www.smugglersnotchdistillery.com
Distillery Background
Smugglers’ Notch Distillery
Located in Jeffersonville, Vermont, Smugglers’ Notch Distillery was founded in 2006 by father and son duo Ron and Jeremy Elliott. Jeremy studied Environmental Science and Chemistry while minoring in Business at the University of Vermont. During his time in college, Jeremy would take a course that included material from Alan Newman, founder of Magic Hat Brewing. Although this encounter in school did not immediately lead to Elliott’s desire to launch a distillery, it did plant the seed that would grow stronger over time.
Elliott would graduate from the University of Vermont and begin his career as a research chemist in the world of pharmaceuticals. It was in 2006 that Jeremy’s career was moving in a direction that he did not want to continue. This window of time allowed him an opportunity to explore the seed planted in college and visit numerous distilleries to learn more about the distillation process. Through this process, Jeremy set a goal to produce the world’s best vodka back home in Vermont. As Jeremy began the process of trying to find investors to launch his distillery, his father Ron, decided to jump in the business.
The name, Smugglers’ Notch Distillery, is inspired from the storied natural mountain notch located in the Green Mountains near Stowe, Vermont. As early as 1807, due to an embargo passed by President Thomas Jefferson, the notch was used to smuggle cattle and other goods from Vermont into Canada for trade. Several years later the notch would be used by fugitive slaves escaping the United States for passage to Canada. Finally, during prohibition, an updated road system allowed liquor to be smuggled through the notch from Canada down into the United States.
Smugglers’ Notch Distillery product line includes: highly decorated and #1 Rated Domestic Vodka by Wine Enthusiast, Smuggler’s Notch Vodka; Moroccan Rose & Grapefruit Flavored Vodka; Gluten-Free Organic Vodka; Maple Gin; Hopped Gin; Blend No. 802 Gin; Rye Whiskey; both Rum and Maple Bourbon; Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Vermont Maple Bourbon Cream Liqueur; Vermont Maple Cream Liqueur; and several special release products.
See more about Smugglers’ Notch Story and facility on YouTube!
Tasting Notes
Tasting Date/Vessel: January 4, 2025 – Tasted in a Glencarin Glass
Nose
Christian: In the bottle, Smugglers’ Notch Straight Bourbon Whiskey offers a nice sweet aroma. Robust notes of oak quickly give way to toasted brown sugar and a subtle hint of baking spices. As the bottle breathes a bit, a punch of fresh tobacco is released into the air. In the glass, this bourbon offers generous hints of vanilla custard, toasted brown sugar, and sweet honey. This is accompanied by a very light presence of a floral bouquet. A gentle swirl really allows the aromatics to open up, bringing forth sweet caramel, baking spices, and rye. Adding a drop of distilled water to this pour brings a buttery component to the nose. Sweet caramel remains but the rye spice seems to ramp up a bit. The added water throws the balance of the nose a little out of whack.
Mike: In the bottle, Smugglers’ Notch straight Bourbon greets you with a sweet and floral aroma, accented by light tobacco, brown sugar, and a subtle hint of black pepper spice.
In the glass, the aroma evolves further, offering notes of sliced apples, ripe pears, and vanilla, along with a delicate floral hint that is reminiscent of honeysuckle. While the nose may not offer great complexity, its inviting and pleasantly fragrant character make it approachable and enjoyable.
Mouth
Christian: The mouth feel on this bourbon is incredibly light and silky. Not nearly as viscous as I expected, given the viscosity left on the glass. Smugglers’ Notch Straight Bourbon Whiskey is very traditional in flavors. Notes of cereal grains, light vanilla bean, leather, and rye spice all dance on the palate. As I take additional sips, a sweetness comes forward in the form of caramel syrup and light honey. The addition of distilled water brings forth the corn, vanilla, and rye punch. Some of the sweetness actually disappears, allowing the rye characteristics to become more prominent.
Mike: Smugglers’ Notch straight Bourbon starts dry upfront, with a bold rye kick that quickly hits the back of the palate. Flavors of aged leather and black pepper come through strongly, especially in the mid-palate. As the whiskey flavors continue to develop, the bold notes give way to a smoother profile, with hints of sweet cream and light honey. A second sip reveals a touch of apricot, adding a sweeter character up front thus creating a pleasant balance.
Finish
Christian: The finish in this bourbon whiskey is medium in length. The distillery indicates they were looking for a nice smoothness and that mission was accomplished. A light cinder develops in the throat and slowly warms your core. The finish here is nice and sweet, yet a little dry. Caramel sauce, cinnamon, and a surprise rush of stone fruit, maybe apricot, are all present. The distilled water doesn’t impact the finish a lot. Again, the baking spices become the more dominant trait with cinnamon and clove remaining strong.
Mike: The finish is moderate in length with a gentle heat that lingers in the lower throat. Notes of apple remain adding a light, fruity, sweetness to the tasting experience. As the warmth fades, the whiskey becomes softer and sweeter on the back end. The balance of heat and sweetness makes the finish smooth and enjoyable.
Our Rating
Final Thoughts
Christian: Smugglers’ Notch Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a traditional no frills bourbon. Sipping on this whiskey is an enjoyable experience offering a sweet nose, traditional flavors, and elegant finish that is tasty, approachable, and worth your time. This is a bourbon that I have enjoyed sipping on during the review process. Adding distilled water to the whiskey didn’t really enhance the drinking experience so I would recommend just enjoying this bourbon as presented by Smugglers’ Notch. If you find yourself in an area where you can obtain it or passing through Vermont, grab a bottle and give it a shot!
Rating: 3.25 Rickhouses
Mike: Smugglers’ Notch Straight Bourbon is a very good whiskey, offering a satisfying experience. It strikes a nice balance of sweet fruit and floral aromas, followed by a flavor profile that is dry with a touch of spicy notes and honeyed sweetness. The finish is smooth, with a subtle warmth that lingers, complemented by a touch of apple. While it may not have a bold or standout characteristic, it’s a consistently enjoyable bourbon that’s easy to drink and perfect for a relaxing sip or a simple cocktail. Overall, it’s a well-rounded choice that delivers quality without needing to be flashy.
Rating: 3.50 Rickhouses
Gallery
PHOTOS PROPERTY OF RICKHOUSE RAMBLINGS LLC
Exciting to hear a good review on this distillery, gentlemen – looking forward to giving it a try soon
Thank you, Randy, for carrying this one back to us from Vermont! Much appreciated!!