Based in Bozeman, MT, Wildrye Distilling aims to incorporate the unique elements of Montana’s flora into their flavor and aroma. The distillery pulls its name from one of these plants, the Great Basin Wildrye to be specific. Wildrye attempts to utilize locally grown grains when possible in attempt to capture the essence of Montana while also minimizing their carbon footprint. Despite the confusing name of the distillery, today we look at their bourbon with the Wildrye Five Drops Bourbon review.

Wildrye does not provide a definitive mash bill for Five Drops. However, this bourbon does include sweet corn grown on their family farm in addition to pure mountain water. Five Drops ages in small charred American oak barrels for one year in a non-temperature controlled setting. Given that production takes place in Montana, this allows for big temperature swings from summer to winter. Wildrye alleges that this naturally speeds the aging process up yet produces a high quality outcome. Finally, Five Drops clocks in at 90 proof (45% ABV). Drip drop, on to the whiskey!

Bottle and Appearance

In the bottle, Five Drops exudes a dark yet ruddy applewood color. This lightens in the glass to a reddish bronze. Giving it a swirl demonstrates a moderate thickness with slow forming small beads and severed legs. The bottle in totality presents well, and the information on it suitable for a small and less well known distillery. This next comment is not intended as a criticism, but the appearance of both rye and bourbon on the label did cause an initial head scratching.

Nose

Five Drops creeps into the nose with a slight drying effect. A bittersweet red pear initially appears upfront, which folds into a somewhat prominent rum soaked maraschino cherry effect. Within this and ready to unfurl sits a sweet toffee, itself subtly infused with warm hazelnut. Even deeper inside and toward the bottom emerges the fortified sweetness of prunes and dates. An otherwise mild pungency upfront blooms to a smooth and sensual profile. The rolling flavor with some depth and complexity allows for a degree of captivation gently tugging the drinker forward.

Palate

Bringing Five Drops to the mouth creates an astringent, sharp entrance. Though a bit wobbly and unsure of itself, hints of vanilla strawberry initially come forward. The sweet corn of the mash bill makes itself known here, accompanied by a mild pinch of oregano. Within this bourbon there is something difficult to place at first that eventually reveals itself as a distinctive cherry bubblegum. The palate like the nose demonstrates depth, but is more coy and playfully deceptive. The body itself is highly, nearly perfectly balanced. Overall, enjoyable and somewhat trance inducing.

Finish

On the finish, black peppercorn initially shows up. The spice it rears continues but eventually transitions to oregano that again appears here. The sweet corn also circles back though somewhat muted compared to the palate. At the end the bourbon leaves behind a note of rum in feeling as much as taste. Five Drops ends mildly yet effectively as it fades gently away. It rides into that distant sunset…we barely knew ye.

Drinkability

Five Drops bourbon does not disappoint in most settings and works well equally on the rocks or neat. A splash of water crystallizes the murky yet omnipresent sweetness within to bring out a maple syrup quality. Drink Five Drops bourbon while listening to classical symphonies and eating sugared plums to capture the decadent yet refined nature of this whiskey.

Food Pairing

To accompany this whiskey serve (or rather get served) a roasted goose with orange marmalade glaze. For a side dish, include fingerling potatoes and broccoli rabe drizzled with a creamy horseradish sauce. In other words, the simple pleasures of life.

Facial Hair Rating

Five Drops bourbon receives the Extended Goatee Facial Hair Rating. The Extended Goatee look combines a bit of mystery with a mixture of sophistication and grit. As a whole it portrays a sort of lower nobility visage with a quiet confidence. A contented resignation that nevertheless shows signs of dynamism.

Overall

To conclude the Wildrye Five Drops Bourbon review – lifted. While sipping on Five Drops, I often found myself wandering off to another plane of existence. The expertly balanced body combines with an elegant yet playful and sometimes deceptive profile that both freezes time and lulls the drinker forward to the next discovery. The combination of flavors may be somewhat incoherent. Nevertheless, they flow well together and in so doing form a well-rounded, complex and easy drinking bourbon with enough mystery to keep it interesting.

Final Grade: A