DSR – NC – 030: Momentum Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
Company/Distillery: Momentum Spirits, LLC
Location: Wilmington, NC
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 24% Rye, and 1% Malted Barley
Age Statement: 3 Years Old
Proof/ABV: 80 Proof/ 40% ABV
Color & Viscosity: In the glass, this bourbon shows a warm light chestnut hue, with golden flashes catching the light. The body is thin, producing streaky, fast moving legs that hint at a lighter, more delicate sip rather than a heavy, oily pour.
Purchase Price: Sample Gifted to Rickhouse Ramblings, LLC
Bottle Label Information:
Front Label
MOMENTUM
SINGLE BARREL
BOURBON WHISKEY
Back Label
MOMENTUM
MASH: Corn 75% | Rye 24% | Malted Barley 1%
BARREL FILL: 8/11/2020
AGED: 3 Years
BARREL #1 | BOTTLE 127/290
DISTILLED AND BOTTLED BY MOMENTUM SPIRITS, LLC
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
Distillery Background
Momentum Spirits, LLC
Hunter Ford founded the brand Momentum in 2020 after burning his hand on a stovetop, which would later become the company logo. Mr. Ford started Momentum as a lifestyle brand specializing in surfing and skateboarding, including the launch of his own line of surfboards. In 2006, Mr. Ford moved the company from Virginia Beach, Virginia to Wilmington, North Carolina.
The idea for a spirits line evolved from late night brainstorming sessions with his employees in Wilmington. As a result, Mr. Ford came up with the idea to design liquor bottles in the shape of North Carolina. After a few years of running a restaurant and bar, the Fords decided to run with their bottle idea and launch a distillery in Wilmington. In 2022, Hunter and Misti Ford celebrated the official grand opening of Momentum Distillery.
Momentum Product Line: Momentum Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, Momentum Rye Whiskey, Momentum Limoncello, Momentum Orangecello, Momentum Vodka, Momentum International Gin, Momentum New World Gin, and Momentum Rum.
Additional information regarding the distillery and its products can be found on their website.
Tasting Notes
Tasting Date/Vessel: March 6, 2025 – Neat in a Glencarin glass.
Nose
Christian: The nose of this Momentum Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey has notes of acidic citrus right out of the gate – reminiscent of lemon zest. As I continue to take in the aromatics from my Glencarin glass, rye spice, pepper, and toasted brown sugar become more noticeable. There is a sweet fruity component to this that forms slowly and requires concentration to notice.
Mike: The nose opens softly, with Momentum offering a brief flash of ethanol before easing into a faint aroma of banana with a dusting of brown sugar. As the bourbon breathes, the ethanol sharpens into a rubbing alcohol note, accented by a soft black pepper bite. The aromas remain understated, requiring a patient nosing to draw out any depth.
Mouth
Christian: The mouthfeel of Momentum Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is soft, delicate, and thin. On the palate, a subtle sweetness develops, giving way to light honey, vanilla bean, and corn before developing a punchy rye spice with hints of apricot and herbs. This is a little more earthy than I anticipated.
Mike: The first sip greets the palate with mild sweetness and a whisper of stone fruit, reminiscent of a delicate pear, before settling into a steady sweetness mid palate. Gradually, a gentle dryness develops toward the back, joined by a subtle touch of rye spice. Momentum’s texture is light and easy, lacking the dense coating mouthfeel found in more robust expressions.
Finish
Christian: This bourbon offers a short finish that one would expect from an 80 proof whiskey. Apricot jam, honey, and a smidge of star anise really builds long after the warming sensation leaves the chest.
Mike: The finish is soft and mild, with very little bite. A faint ember of warmth lands mid chest after swallowing, while the pear-like fruit note lingers briefly. The fade is clean, leaving a subtle echo rather than a bold statement. This is surprising for a single barrel bourbon.
Our Rating
2.00/5.0 Rickhouses – “On the Rocks”
Final Thoughts
Christian: Momentum Spirits Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey offering is an interesting introduction to the brand from Wilmington, NC. At 3 years old, this bourbon exhibits a lot of the characteristics one would expect from a neutral grain spirit or new make whiskey. There is flavor, but the influence of the barrel just hasn’t been given its due time to develop. In addition, the mash bill is a little bit different than I have seen before with just 1% malted barley – something I would have never guessed as this almost tastes more like an Irish Whiskey than an American Bourbon to me. Overall, this whiskey is approachable for a large audience with delicate sweet flavors and loads of stone fruit. A pour that could be used in a nice summer cocktail! Cheers!
Rating: 2.00 Rickhouses
Mike: Momentum Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is approachable and easy drinking, making it a friendly option for those who prefer a softer profile. However, I find that it holds back from delivering the bold complexity and distinct personality one might expect from a small craft distillery. Pleasant and inoffensive, but ultimately more gentle than memorable.
Rating: 2.00 Rickhouses
Gallery
