New Liberty is a the premier production line of New Liberty Distilling, located in Philadelphia, PA. Along with other Pennsylvania distilleries, part of New Liberty’s mission statement is to return Pennsylvania to whiskey prominence as it once enjoyed. In addition to New Liberty, the distillery produces another line called Kinsey. The difference appears to be in-house production for New Liberty and distillate sourcing for Kinsey. Whiskey Rising also reviewed New Liberty Dutch Malt and Kinsey Rye. Today we look at their bourbon with the New Liberty Bloody Butcher Bourbon review.

Named after an heirloom corn variety, Bloody Butcher contains a mash bill of Bloody Butcher corn, malted rye, and barley. While the distillery doesn’t provide a detailed breakdown of the percentages, they do report sourcing the corn 25 miles from the distillery itself. This bourbon punches in at 95 proof (47.5% ABV). Finally, it carries an age statement of 9 months in new charred American oak barrels. Now, on to test the chops of this butcher!

Bottle and Appearance

In the bottle, the whiskey exudes a robust albeit hazy maple syrup coloring. It shifts to an amber in the glass with orange characteristics. Giving it a swirl produces a heavy coating which very slowly forms small beads. Once formed, these beads move fast leaving behind dribbly broken legs. The bottle itself contains solid artwork with an art nouveau nod, though the earthen tones don’t exactly stick out on the shelf. Lastly, it contains plenty of information regarding the juice inside which is always welcome.

Nose

The bourbon opens up with a drying effect, which quickly gives way to a hearty sweetness. Upfront, a banana nut bread aroma wafts out effortlessly and eventually transitions to a tart raspberry. Within this interplay lurks a clover that doesn’t star but nonetheless offers some intrigue. As this fades away, a dried fig note emerges to round out the nose and close the curtain. Very nice nose with pleasant, salient features that play well together.

Palate

Moving to the palate, Bloody Butcher produces a mouth warming effect. The sweetness from the nose carries over, but it gains a directness here as simple syrup pops out first. Corn easily and prominently stands out while hints of molasses figure into the background. Despite a minor delay, cinammon eventually bursts onto the scene in a profound way providing a spiked crescendo to the experience. Despite this show of power, the palate ends with a savory and salty effect that approximates tamari sauce.

Finish

As the bourbon moves into the finish, an oak wood profile initially advances itself. Additionally, rye shows up with some spice in the form of a cayenne pepper. The overall combination results in a smoky quality that neither overstays its welcome nor quickly exits. The finish brings a sense of calm to the whiskey, opposing the earlier excitement.

Drinkability

Splashing water in this whiskey brings the cinnamon to the forefront and gives it a longer fuse that allows it to seep throughout. Additionally, water unlocks a pumpkin pie effect providing a truly autumnal effect. Drink this whiskey at a fall equinox watch party, or perhaps to wind down after a long day of carving pumpkins. It’s somehow easy to imagine this whiskey being served at the very first Thanksgiving dinner.

Food Pairing

Bloody Butcher contains a dessert like quality due to its easy sweetness. Don’t interrupt the flow, and drink it with a pecan pie to complement the sweet and salty combination.

Facial Hair Rating

To Bloody Butcher bourbon goes the Balbo Facial Hair Rating. The Balbo style works well for people carefully living on the edge, such as trapeze artists or professional motorcycle stuntmen. It portrays a sort of meticulous devil may care attitude without the irony.

Overall

To conclude the New Liberty Bloody Butcher Bourbon review, it walks a tightrope and manages to pull it off. At times, it seems to play with fire but does so without burning its hands. Everything about it generally works, designed or not. From the welcoming nose to the daredevil palate to the calming finish Bloody Butcher provides a full, well rounded story arc. Furthermore, the flavors maintain a coherent theme centered on Fall spices. Despite the proof and aging period, no harshness really arises. Though it would be interesting to try this after a longer aging to see if it blends together a little more, Bloody Butcher works really well as it stands.

Final Grade: A

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