DSR – AL – 001: Dread River Distilling Co. Straight Bourbon
Company/Distillery: Dread River Distilling Company
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 30% Wheat, 10% Malted Barley
Age Statement: At Least 2 Years
Proof/ABV: 90 Proof/45% ABV
Color & Viscosity: Dread River Straight Bourbon has a deep auburn color in the bottle. This gives it a rich and appealing look. In the glass, it transitions to a russet muscat tone with subtle amber highlights. When swirled, the bourbon develops a thin viscous line along the glass that quickly develops into a medium lip. Legs instantly form and move quickly down the sides, suggesting a lighter texture.
Purchase Price: $52.99 for 750 ml bottle at the distillery.
Bottle Label Information:
Front Label
DREAD RIVER DISTILLING CO.
STRAIGHT BOURBON
WHISKEY 90 PROOF
BIRMINGHAM’S FIRST BOURBON IN MORE THAN 100 YEARS
DISTILLED & BOTTLED BY DREAD RIVER DISTILLING COMPANY IN BIRMINGHAM, AL
FOUNDED IN THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE
AQUA VITAE
ESTD 2016
Back Label
DREAD RIVER DISTILLING CO.
BIRMINGHAM’S FIRST BOURBON IN MORE THAN 100 YEARS
When we turned our still on for the first time three years ago, we had one goal in mind…Bourbon. The world has changed a lot since then. But through it all, this bourbon has been quietly resting, mellowing, waiting for its release. Creating this bourbon has been our passion, our ambition, our adventure. We are proud to share our flagship product, one century in the making, with you.
STRAIGHT BOURBON AGED AT LEAST 2 YEARS
DISTILLED BY DREAD RIVER DISTILLING CO.
BIRMINGHAM, AL
Distillery Background
Dread River Distilling Co.
Dread River Distilling Co. was founded in 2017 by an orthopedic surgeon with Andrew’s Sports Medicine, Dr. Jeff Dugas, and former Auburn football player and experimental marketer, John Cubelic. The idea came after a brief visit to a South Carolina distillery, during which Dr. Dugas, Cubelic, and friends began to wonder why craft distillery hadn’t been done in revitalized Birmingham, Alabama. Shortly thereafter, the group began the process of digging through laws and procedures for forming a distillery. They worked to locate a prime spot for a distillery and visited over 30 distilleries in the name of research.
After a couple years, Dread River Distilling Co. was officially opened in 2019. Six months after they began their distilling journey, the world shut down as they faced the COVID pandemic. The distillery pivoted to produce much-needed hand sanitizer. As things began to return to normal, Dread River Distilling Co. shifted its attention back to the main goal of making exceptional whiskey. A journey that has morphed into a vibrant bar and tasting experience in the same facility as the distillery.
The current lineup of products at Dread River Distilling Co includes: Dread River Blackstrap Rum; Dread River Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Dread River Sherry Finished Rye Whiskey; Dread River Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Dread River Vodka; Dread River Gin; Dread River Rum; Dread River Whiskies; Dread River Blue Agave Spirit; Dread River Double Barrel Aged Agave; a special release of Dread River Master Series Veteran’s Addition Bourbon.
Tasting Notes
Tasting Date/Vessel: January 4, 2025 – Tasted in a Glencarin Glass
Nose
Christian: In the bottle, Dread River Straight Bourbon opens with a unique nose. Cherry tobacco jumps out instantly. A second pass continues the surprises! More sweet dark berries, pastry dough, and a soft touch of coco powder are all beginning to show themselves. In my glass, the bourbon emits a sweet symphony of mixed berries, honey, and vanilla bean. If you continue to smell as you swirl, the coco powder will start to creep in again. The addition of distilled water ramps up the sweet richness in this pour. Heavy brown sugar, Kairo syrup, and butterscotch all are present with just a few drops of water.
Mike: In the bottle, Dread River Straight Bourbon offers a rich aroma with notes of brownie batter, ripe cherries, and a hint of tobacco. On a second pass, there’s a sweet, playful touch of strawberry Pop-Tarts. In the glass, the bourbon reveals softer notes of mixed berries alongside an aroma of wine musk. As you get closer, light chocolate and a subtle yeasty, dough-like scent emerge. Floral and fruity notes develop later, adding a nice balance to the overall aroma. Dread River’s bouquet is unique, layered with sweet, fruity, and earthy elements.
Mouth
Christian: This bourbon has a soft oily mouth feel that provides a satisfying coating on the tongue and roof of my mouth. On my palate, this whiskey is sweet. It has flavors of buttered breakfast pastry, toasted brown sugar, and a kiss of barrel char. A second pass offers an earthiness from the cereal grains, cinnamon, and clove. As I continue to sip, I am beginning to taste honey roasted peanuts. The distilled water softens the mouth feel and removes some of the oiliness. On the palate, the sweetness is definitely toned down and the oak bitter notes move forward. Roasted corn, brown sugar, and oak stand out most.
Mike: Dread River Straight Bourbon begins light and crisp with a semi-dry mouthfeel upfront. Heavy notes of aged leather come through early, providing a bold and earthy complexity. The whiskey then transitions into flavors of baked pie crust and dough, offering a warm, comforting quality. These flavors gradually fade into soft oatmeal notes with a touch of traditional baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. On the back end, a slight bitterness balances the sweetness, while soft black pepper notes linger on the palate, rounding out the experience.
Finish
Christian: The finish of this straight bourbon from Dread River is short to medium in length, dry, and slightly bitter. A little cinder of heat builds very slowly in the chest and sits nicely for a short period of time. Here the baking spices are the story. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove all dance on the palate before a touch of brown sugar enters. Again, the oak’s presence is felt, bringing just a touch of bitterness to the end. As I continue to enjoy the finish, I notice the mixed berries making a slight return to the palate. Distilled water takes a short to medium finish and tamps it down. The influence of the oak barrel is still present with slight notes of mixed berries and pastry dough. It tastes a little like a cobbler around a campfire.
Mike: The finish of Dread River starts with a scratchy sensation at the back of the throat, giving way to a warmth that moves down into the mid-chest area. It’s a medium length finish, not overpowering but still noticeable, with a subdued intensity that gently fades. As the warmth dissipates, leather and black pepper notes linger on the palate, leaving a subtle, earthy, and spicy aftertaste.
Our Rating
Final Thoughts
Christian: Dread River Distilling Co. Straight Bourbon offers a fun and unique tasting experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a very positive introduction to a distillery that wasn’t on the Rickhouse Rambling’s radar. I was pleasantly surprised by the aromas that are amazing straight out of the bottle. A nose that is sweet and enticing in the glass. In addition, tasting notes that were balanced and desirable. Considering this was Batch #1 for Dread River, I am very impressed. I hope we are able to find more expressions in the future to try from this distillery! Thanks to the gentleman from North Carolina, Randy, for bringing this little hidden gem back to us for a review!
Rating: 3.75 Rickhouses
Mike: This is my first time trying bourbon from Alabama, and Dread River has made a great impression. It blends traditional bourbon flavors with a unique twist that sets it apart. The smoothness, warmth, and subtle complexity have left me quite impressed. With its balance of earthy, spicy, and sweet notes, including hints of leather and black pepper, Dread River offers a consistent, enjoyable drinking experience. While not overly bold, its character makes it perfect for sipping and relaxing. I look forward to exploring more from this distillery in the future.
Rating: 4.00 Rickhouses
Gallery
PHOTOS PROPERTY OF RICKHOUSE RAMBLINGS LLC
Very glad this one was a winner, gentlemen. Enjoy!