2024 Thinkers & Drinkers Holiday Edition

Bourbon in the Late 80s to Early 90s

The late 80s and early 90s were pivotal years for bourbon, marked by a shift in consumer appreciation and a growing interest in premium spirits. Following a period of overproduction and a subsequent “bourbon glut,” distilleries began to focus on quality over quantity, resulting in a renaissance for the bourbon category. This era saw the emergence of iconic brands and innovative expressions, laying the groundwork for the craft bourbon movement we enjoy today. 

1992 Elijah Craig 12-Year-Old

Introducing the 1992 Elijah Craig 12-Year-Old, a classic bourbon that reflects the evolution of the craft during the early 90s. Aged for a full 12 years, this expression showcases a harmonious blend of sweet caramel, toffee, and dried fruit, rounded out by a hint of smoke and spice. Notably, this release comes before the devastating fire at Heaven Hill in 1996, making it a rare find from a time when the distillery was at its peak. Elijah Craig’s commitment to age and quality has earned it a dedicated following, and this vintage release exemplifies why bourbon aficionados have long revered this label.

  • Nose: The nose opens with a rich, inviting aroma of vanilla and caramel, balanced by the warmth of oak and a hint of spice. As it breathes, toffee and dark chocolate emerge, along with subtle notes of dried fruit and cinnamon, indicative of the 12 years spent in the barrel.
  • Palate: On the palate, the bourbon is full-bodied and smooth, with layers of rich toffee, butterscotch, and spiced oak. The vanilla and caramel sweetness blend beautifully with a touch of dark fruit, like plums and raisins, adding depth. The wood influence is noticeable but well-integrated, providing a perfect balance between sweetness and warmth.
  • Finish: The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of vanilla, oak, and a faint hint of dark chocolate. A slight spice remains, keeping the bourbon’s richness alive as it fades.

    • 1992 Blanton’s Takara

    A true gem from 1992, Blanton’s Takara offers a unique twist on the classic Blanton’s experience. While regular Blanton’s is celebrated for its smooth, balanced flavor profile featuring notes of honey, vanilla, and caramel, the Takara edition stands out with a richer, more intense character. This limited release is known for its slightly higher proof and an added depth of flavor, showcasing dark fruit, spice, and a complex finish that distinguishes it from its more widely available counterpart. The Takara series embodies the innovative spirit of bourbon during this era, inviting you to savor a rare piece of bourbon history.

  • Nose: The nose is delicate and complex, offering a mix of orange zest, clove, and a light hint of caramel. There is a noticeable fruitiness, reminiscent of dried apricot and apple peel, alongside a touch of oak and a faint floral undertone, highlighting its distinct Japanese bottling.
  • Palate: On the palate, this bourbon is rich and smooth, with a perfect balance of citrus, toffee, and light vanilla. The mouthfeel is silky, with subtle notes of spices, including cinnamon and a slight touch of nutmeg. There is a clear influence of the oak, but it’s less intense than typical American bourbons, giving it a refined, more elegant profile.
  • Finish: The finish is medium, with oak and vanilla lingering, leaving a soft, fruity sweetness in the mouth. There’s a touch of spice that fades gently, making it a graceful and refined experience. 

    • 1989 Wild Turkey 101

    Step back into 1989 with Wild Turkey 101, a bold representation of traditional bourbon craftsmanship from an era renowned for some of the highest quality and most sought-after products. This expression delivers robust flavors with rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice, balanced by a warm, oaky finish. Wild Turkey’s commitment to quality has made it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts, and this vintage release showcases the brand’s signature character that has stood the test of time.

    • Nose: The aroma is rich and complex, featuring butterscotch, caramel, honey-maple, vanilla, and a distinctive "funky" oak character. Additional notes include fruit cocktail, herbal spice, floral perfume, bubblegum, nutmeg, baked bread, melted butter, and orange peel.
    • Palate: The taste offers a warm butterscotch flavor complemented by fruity vanilla, caramel candy, musty oak, herbal and floral spices, brown sugar/molasses, nutmeg, tobacco, leather, and hints of clove.
    • Finish: The finish is notably long and flavorful, with lingering butterscotch, caramel, vanilla, sweet musty oak, nutmeg, herbal/floral spice, honey-maple, hints of buttered bread, and faint licorice and pepper.