Fort & Key has been cranking out all method of spirits for years, but it surely’s solely in the previous few that its bourbon program has actually ramped up. Not too long ago the corporate despatched us two samples of its Small Batch providing, which has been evolving since its launch in 2022.
What we’re tasting as we speak is the primary batch of Fort & Key Bourbon Small Batch Bourbon, 2022 Batch 1, bottled at 4 years outdated, and a more moderen launch from someplace in 2025, bottled at 6 years outdated. (Fort & Key not consists of batch numbers on the 6 yr outdated expression of Small Batch.) Each are created from 73% white corn, 10% rye, and 17% malted barley, although the proofs differ barely.
Digging into this evolution, Fort & Secret is cautious to notice that “the 6-year-old expression represents extra than simply extra growing old — it embodies time, endurance, and craftsmanship, leading to a richer, extra advanced spirit.”
Let’s see how the final 4 years have helped this product evolve.
Fort & Key Bourbon Small Batch Bourbon 2022 Batch 1 4 Years Outdated Assessment
Rob reviewed this whiskey upon its preliminary 2022 launch, so think about these notes additive to his astute commentary. To me the nostril evokes honey-roasted peanuts greater than honey itself, with a country character that feels decidedly youthful. Toasty oak massages in notes of caramel and a few char, with the later levels of the whiskey operating to toasted coconut and, ultimately, a few of the peppery rye that Rob mentions — although it’s undoubtedly on the delicate aspect. On the entire it’s a really innocuous expertise, one which I might evaluate with a mass-produced worth decide like Jim Beam White Label (a whiskey with which this shares quite a lot of DNA). 98 proof. B / $NA [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Fort & Key Bourbon Small Batch Bourbon (2025) 6 Years Outdated Assessment
Two additional years have actually modified the sport for C&Okay Small Batch, with these corn-heavy aromas taking a again seat in opposition to a rush of brighter fruit, spicier rye, and bolder pepper notes. Peanuts and popcorn are nonetheless within the combine, however now they discover some stability — or relatively, they’re boosted by the remainder of the expertise. Shiny crimson apples and clementine oranges give the whiskey a recent vibrancy, chased by inexperienced banana, lacy caramel, and soothing vanilla. The whiskey by no means hits the tongue wherever near its 50.5% abv, the end an exploration of milk chocolate, gingerbread, and buttery almond cookies. The fade-out is nice and layered with loads of pleasant vanilla-scented sugar, lush and soothing. I completed off one of many samples of those two whiskeys; you’ll be able to guess which. 101 proof. A- / $40 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Fort & Key Bourbon Small Batch Bourbon 6 Years Outdated
USD40
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