When thinking of quality bourbon, there are many options that come to mind. No doubt, however, that whiskey lovers everywhere will have a soft spot for a quality Kentucky bourbon. Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey is easily one of the best options around for those who love the true American taste, the essence of the oak trees and distilleries built decades ago.This, of course, isn't to discredit the development of newer distilleries and newer bourbons. After all, the science of whiskey-making is progressing, and new drinks may very end up being the popular brands of the future.With that said, there's no doubt that classic bourbon still holds its own against the newer competitors. Whether you define a classic as a newer drink that conceals an old legacy, or a drink around for decades, it remains one of the most satisfying aspects of whiskey ever. A warming sensation when the snow falls outside or simply a classy drink to end an evening. No matter the reason, classic bourbon is enjoyed by whiskey the globe round.And indeed, nothing could be more classic than Bradshaw Kentucky straight bourbon. Without a doubt, this bourbon is a legend in its own right. Produced in one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky and by a third-generation master distiller, this unique and flavorful bourbon is undoubtedly a drink that many love.Look no further than the many positive reviews left anywhere this bourbon is available for purchase if you aren't convinced of its popularity (much, though, due to the namesake of this bourbon…which we'll get to later on).With that being said, however, popularity is no right of passage into quality. So how does this newly released yet classic bourbon of an olden age hold up against the tongue of an experienced taster?Is this bourbon good for the average whiskey or wine enthusiast who wishes to expand their palate with another drink? After all, the actual product and the product people want to believe they're getting can be vastly different. So how does Bradshaw Bourbon hold up on its own, and against other popular brands?Before that, however, we need to understand the history of Bradshaw Bourbon, and what makes this drink such a legend in its own right.
The History of Bradshaw Bourbon
Bradshaw Bourbon originated deep in the heartland of Kentucky's Bourbon Country and remains crafted there to this day. To those unfamiliar with the name, Bourbon Country is the area of Kentucky referred to by many as the "hearthstone" of American bourbon. To this day, Kentucky remains in many ways a point at which bourbon is produced, a location that is irreplaceable to the bourbon that many know and love.
Bradshaw Bourbon, of course, is created within these confines. This unique whiskey is distilled by a third generation master distiller, within one of the oldest distilleries in the entire nation.
In fact, one of the distilleries that produce this bourbon remains within the top 10 oldest distilleries in Kentucky. Undoubtedly, then, this bourbon has a claim to a rich history filled with vibrant production and unique geography.
Yet it doesn't stop there. The legacy of Bradshaw bourbon extends far beyond this. The reason, however, isn't necessarily due to the popularity or success of the whiskey. Instead, it lies with the namesake of the brand – Terry Bradshaw.
Terry Bradshaw's Whiskey Legacy
Terry Bradshaw may be most well known for his career in the NFL. This legend held a career including four total Superbowl wins and carried his team to success on multiple occasions.
After his retirement, however, Terry Bradshaw released his own brand of bourbon, becoming an entrepreneur and accepting that title instead of his previous one as a man of football. This, then, was the founding of Bradshaw Bourbon – a foundation that solidifies the brand as one backed by a famous name with a rich legacy unto itself.
With that being said, many people will – and for good reason – call into question if this whiskey is simply a grab at success through fading fame, or if Bradshaw Bourbon is instead a rightful placeholder as a whiskey sold from the middle of Bourbon Country.
This question is completely legitimate since many brands that gain popularity through their ties to celebrities are less than adequate and actually underperform in the long run.
But the question remains – does Bradshaw Bourbon hold up against the other classic drinks sold from Kentucky Bourbon Country? What are its palate, nose, and finish like? Do they ring with rejuvenating and warm qualities, or fall short?
Nose
The nose of any whiskey must distinguish itself from competitors to cast a truly unique light upon what it offers while remaining coherent and pleasant to those who partake of it. This, of course, is of crucial importance for a whiskey yet to prove itself as a legend among whiskies.
Admittedly, Bradshaw Bourbon separates itself from similar brands through multiple paths. For starters, this whiskey is not only manufactured within the United States but in the middle of Bourbon Country – instantly legitimizing this whiskey as something much more traditional and classic than many other bourbons available.
Another aspect this bourbon has which separates itself from other competitors is the distillery where this bourbon is produced, as well as the master distiller who produces it.
With all this being said, does the nose truly hold even with these supposedly impressive feats and qualifications?
The nose of this whiskey is surprisingly gentle when starting off, offering not an incredible amount of punch or kick at the beginning. With that said, the aroma is of a grainy aspect, similar to that of a fresh loaf of bread. This aroma has mixes of vanilla and toffee, with leathery notes and a campfire-ish undertone that feels akin to ethanol.
Admittedly, this undertone may seem overpowering in comparison to the gentler nature of this bourbon's aroma and adds an overall unsettling aspect to the nose of this whiskey.
Beyond this, however, the vanilla and tones of caramelizing toffee seem to create an effective barrier for the tester and offset the jarring undertone.
This, then, leads to an ultimately satisfactory nosing experience – although there may be leeway for improvement.
Here, then, Bradshaw Bourbon does certainly seem to perform in a satisfactory manner. Although there is potential for improvement, this is a newer whiskey that can definitely hold its own against some of the older variations and distilleries. Certainly, perhaps, this is due to the production of this bourbon within these classic facilities and by master distillers.
When it comes to the nose of Bradshaw Bourbon, it's definitely nothing extraordinary. Instead, it seems to be more of a regular expectation, leading to what some may consider proof that celebrity brands can't contribute as efficiently to production as some of the more classic producers.
With this being said, there is still much room for improvement when it comes to the palate and finish – and Bradshaw Bourbon very well may offer the desired qualities in these aspects.
Palate
Now for potentially the most important aspect of any bourbon – the palate. This interesting aroma which is proffered by Bradshaw Bourbon, has many intriguing aspects, but the question of how this will translate to the tongue remains to be seen.
Ultimately, an American whiskey such as this is usually aged much longer than Bradshaw Bourbon, which doesn't seem adherent to the standard. Many whiskies and bourbons of superior quality will be aged anywhere from nine years and upwards. With Bradshaw Bourbon, however, it seems that this whiskey skips much of the aging process for the sake of a quicker release on the market.
Aged only two or three years at the maximum, Bradshaw Bourbon has the tables turning against it when it comes to out-competing some of the more established brands on the market.
So what of the resulting palate of this whiskey? Upon the first taste, it offers a resounding and shockingly sweet flavor, nearly overwhelming the hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and other baking spices that imbue the flavor of the whiskey. The palate cinnamon which this offers is uniquely pleasant, also offering notes of roasted nuts and other aspects.
This is soon expanded upon by a stronger, jarring, syrupy note which disrupts the initial flavor of the whiskey. Although this isn't a deal breaker, this is rather obviously a result of the rushed aging process of this whiskey, and undoubtedly the actual product falls short when compared to many other options which are aged longer.
Considering that many whiskies are aged years in hand-selected barrels, this ultimately shows the lacking aspect this whiskey entertains.
Not the worst, that's for sure – and still a good and unique drink in its own place, but the liquor doesn't seem as established as many may hope for a drink with such a classic origin and namesake.
Bradshaw bourbon still has a chance for redemption, however, in the finish. Can this bourbon land its finish and find a place in the NFL hall of fame? Or will it fall into the lackluster depths of another celebrity liquid?
Finish
The finish of this whiskey seems to be its redeeming quality – the aspect which actually seems cohesive and that very well may live up to its name in respect to the other aspects of this bourbon.
Admittedly, there may be doubt if the finish is enough to redeem this bourbon entirely – whether or not it will establish itself as a classic liquid remains to be seen.
Beyond this, however, the finish itself seems to be cohesive, and an overall pleasant experience. The syrupy note that disturbed the vanilla, roasted nuts, and baking spices degrades itself, vanishing quickly as it is replaced with a spicy flavor akin to black pepper and a block of wood such as oak.
This provides a surprisingly calming and warming finish in comparison to the initial palate of the whiskey, one which showcases the expertise of the master distiller in charge of this whiskey. Although the initial prospect and promise of this whiskey do seem to fall short, the redemption through the finish may very well be enough to cast this bourbon back into the spotlight of potential.
What Proof Is Bradshaw Bourbon?
Bradshaw Bourbon seems to be overall lackluster in its ability to showcase both nose and palate, but another aspect that needs to be taken into consideration is the proof and quality of this whiskey overall. Although Bradshaw Bourbon is definitely a strong whiskey – how strong is it exactly?
It's worth mentioning that this whiskey is undoubtedly undermining in quality when considering the aging process. Two or three years are not enough – at least, if the opinion of the majority of whiskey-lovers and experts are anything to go by – to create a quality product.
Despite this, Bradshaw Bourbon does have a redeeming quality with its proof – being bottled at a proof of 103.8 that seems reasonable for the product. If you're looking for a whiskey of this type of proof, then Bradshaw Bourbon very well may serve a purpose in your collection.
Is Bradshaw Bourbon Overpriced?
Bradshaw Bourbon is definitely one which can hold its own on your shelf, but is this bourbon overpriced? Admittedly, the price for this is very reasonable, at under $40 or $50 per bottle. These prices seem to be reasonable and even on the lower end of celebrity alcohol, making it a very tempting price. With this being said, is this drink premium?
Many fail to consider the fact that although this is a celebrity bottle and whiskey, it very well may fall short when it comes to the price – compared to other whiskies that aren't of premium quality.
As much as it seems to offer – and this bourbon does offer a certain appeal – it doesn't seem to offer a premium quality worth anything, besides the namesake.
This whiskey, then, becomes instead of a reasonably priced whiskey, one which, in fact, seems to be slightly overpriced with all considerations being fair.
By no means is this to say that Bradshaw Bourbon presents itself as a failure of a brand – simply that at the current price range in comparison to the quality, it does not stand out as being an underpriced, well-priced, or reasonably-priced drink. Instead, this whiskey does seem to hold itself in higher esteem than may be acceptable – especially considering that Bradshaw Bourbon is only aged for a few years.
Many whiskies aged much longer than this are less expensive – whiskies with an even richer history and other superior qualities.
Bradshaw Bourbon, then, seems to hold a namesake which just can't be justified for the price. At least, not justified as a repeat whiskey to be enjoyed, when there are far superior options available for whiskey-lovers everywhere.
Bradshaw Bourbon: Super Bowl or Super Foul?
When it comes to Bradshaw Bourbon, what is the final verdict? Although Bradshaw Bourbon does seem to be a quality product overall, is it really worth it? In the end, the worth of this bourbon does seem to be determined by the quality of the namesake. WIth several redeeming qualities such as the namesake, the finish, the production, and the proof, this whiskey ultimately does have several factors which may make one consider it quality alcohol.
Ultimately, however, it does seem that the largest quality that Bradshaw Bourbon offers is its relationship to Terry Bradshaw – a clear benefit for those who are a fan of his career and legacy.
For those who are fans of Terry Bradshaw, this liquor definitely holds a sentimental value which may present itself in a manner that makes this alcohol a fan favorite.
Beyond this, though, can Bradshaw Bourbon be recommended to those who aren't familiar with Bradshaw? Imagine, for a second, an avid whiskey drinker who is unfamiliar with the career and legacy of Terry Bradshaw.
He was no ordinary player, that's for sure – but imagine that his namesake was removed from this brand. How, then, would Bradshaw Bourbon be reviewed if the sentimental value is removed?
Ultimately, it does seem that this whiskey – when the sentimental value is removed – is rather lackluster in quality.
Although undoubtedly it's worth trying – at least once – this whiskey doesn't offer anything particularly unique and of quality by itself.
The aging process and the rather subpar aspect of the palate contribute to making this whiskey a fine whiskey – but not a great one.
This whiskey may very well be a good way to introduce a beginner to whiskey, but for the avid enjoyer who will be able to recognize the subpar aspects of the drink, it may not hold to the qualities expected.
With that being said, however, the fact still remains that this is a whiskey by Terry Bradshaw. And we're not talking about some hypothetical, here – this whiskey does hold sentimental value that can make it much more valuable than a simple bourbon.
