SPIRITED SELECTIONS: High N' Wicked 12-Year Bourbon

After 15 years in the family business, entrepreneur Lyons Brown left the Brown Forman company in 2005 to start Altamar Brands -- an import company which partners with distilleries and invests in the brands which they represent.

When bourbon drinkers hear the words “Brown Forman,” names like Woodford Reserve, Old Forester and even Jack Daniels come to mind.

For years Lyons Brown has focused on small-batch, high quality spirits across several categories -- from importing rum and absinthe to getting involved with the production of the gin and tequila in Altamar’s portfolio.

For Brown to now be releasing the first whiskey from Altamar Brands is surely a testament to its quality given his family history and also the years he’s waited with Altamar for just such the right product.

High N’ Wicked is based in Jackson, Wyoming and was formed to develop and release single expressions annually which the company deems worthy of the name “The Honorable.”

This 12-year old, 90 proof, Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey was finished for four months in ex-California Cabernet Sauvignon barrels and is the first to carry the title of “The Honorable” from High N’ Wicked.

With a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye & 8% malt, the palate of this whiskey is layered and full with subtle complexities and flavors of red fruits and citrus on the open, evolving into cherries, cranberries, dried goji berries and spearmint. There’s hints of dark cocoa, leather and subtle notes of baking spices such as clove and allspice on the close.

Layered and full, with subtle complexities – red fruits and citrus on the open, evolving into ruby red grapefruit, cherries, cranberries, dried goji berries, and spearmint with hints of dark cocoa, leather and subtle baking spice notes – clove and allspice at the close.

The nose of The Honorable is rich and assertive, with wisps of dark cherries, red currants, dried orange peel, cacao nibs, toffee, dried apricots and a touch of cedar.

As the finish lingers it evolves into an invite for another sip, dry, full, silky and slightly tannic.