There are a lot of bourbons out there with names designed to make you feel like you’re buying into a story rather than a drink. Bearded Lady could easily fall into that trap, but once you actually open it, the liquid does the talking.

This is a small-batch American bourbon, and that comes through. There’s a level of attention to detail you don’t get from the stuff produced by the millions of litres.

What You’re Getting

Pour it into a glass and the colour is a deep amber, thick and rich looking. Give it a swirl and it moves slowly, coating the sides with those syrupy legs that tell you something decent is going on before you’ve taken a sip.

On the nose, it’s classic bourbon territory upfront: caramel and vanilla. But sit with it for a moment and there’s more happening. Dried fruits, a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a solid oak note underneath. It smells like a proper whiskey, not a dessert.

The Taste

The first sip is genuinely smooth. Not “marketing brochure smooth” that turns out to be just forgettable, but actually smooth. The caramel and vanilla come through first, then the spice kicks in and gives it some warmth. There are hints of raisins and figs if you pay attention, along with toasted oak and a faint chocolate note somewhere in the background. The finish hangs around with spice and oak, which is exactly what you want. You’re not reaching for water to clear your palate.

How to Drink It

Neat first, every time. Have it straight so you actually know what you’re working with. A small splash of water if you want to open it up a bit is fine. I wouldn’t go heavy on ice; you’d be dulling the very thing you paid for.

It apparently makes a very solid Old Fashioned, which makes sense given the spice and sweetness are already doing the heavy lifting. If you want to pair it with food, something fatty works well, a decent steak or a charcuterie spread. Personally I’d just have it after dinner on its own.

Worth It?

Look, if you’re new to bourbon and want something with actual character rather than just a label, this is a good place to start. If you’re already a whiskey drinker, you’ll appreciate that corners haven’t been cut. It’s not going to be the cheapest bottle on the shelf, but it earns its spot.

Rating: 8/10

A well-made bourbon that delivers on both nose and palate. Approachable enough for newcomers, but layered enough that it doesn’t bore anyone who knows what they’re looking for.