Military Bourbon Review: Buzzards Roost Straight Bourbon (Char #1)

Official Product Website

History – Since Bourbon’s Bistro first opened its doors in 2005, Jason Brauner has been deeply involved in Kentucky’s bourbon scene. His active single barrel program at the bistro provided him with invaluable opportunities to collaborate closely with the state’s leading master distillers. Over the years, this hands-on experience not only enriched his knowledge but also earned him the respect of industry veterans like Jim Rutledge, who lauded Brauner’s passion and palate, even tipping him as a potential understudy for future ventures.

Fuelled by his burgeoning expertise and unwavering enthusiasm, Brauner’s journey in the whiskey world evolved from merely selling whiskey to the lofty ambition of crafting his own. This aspiration found a perfect match in Judith Hollis Jones, whose extensive background in the food industry, coupled with a deep-seated appreciation for Kentucky’s whiskey heritage, made her an ideal partner for the venture. Jones, with her global business acumen and culinary finesse, assumed the role of CEO at Buzzard’s Roost, the Louisville-based company spearheading Brauner’s whiskey-making dreams.

Their collaboration represents a fusion of expertise and passion, with Brauner’s mastery of bourbon craftsmanship complemented by Jones’ culinary approach to whiskey. Born and bred in Kentucky, Jones’s upbringing instilled in her a profound reverence for the state’s proud whiskey tradition, while her culinary prowess, spanning cooking, baking, grilling, and entertaining, adds a unique flavor to Buzzard’s Roost. Moreover, her position on the board of Les Dames d’Escoffier International serves as a testament to her standing within the culinary world, further enriching the brand’s cultural tapestry.

Together, Brauner and Jones are not only building Buzzard’s Roost into a thriving business but also fostering a community around their shared love for whiskey and gastronomy. From supply chain management to distribution networks, from investor relations to culinary innovation, their collaboration embodies the spirit of partnership and innovation, propelling Buzzard’s Roost towards a promising future as a cornerstone of Kentucky’s whiskey legacy. Let’s dig in!

Value – The value of this I think is very fair. I have drank many whiskeys that don’t have this in depth taste to it that cost way more.

Appearance – Red Tinted Copper. Wine bottle and these delicate well thought out labels with the buzzard protruding from the label itself. Very very nice presentation.

Nose – Lots of Cinnamon, Toasted Oak, Sweet Toasted Marshmallow, Baked Custard.

Palate – Lots of Cinnamon, Fresh Baked Bread, Thick on the mouthfeel, Black Pepper.

Finish – Pecan, Mocha, Lingering Burn for 5-7 Seconds Only with a Big Pop of Red Hots Candy.

Summary – With an evolving passion for crafting whiskey, Brauner found a like-minded partner in Judith Hollis Jones, whose culinary expertise and appreciation for Kentucky’s whiskey heritage made her the ideal CEO for Buzzard’s Roost, the Louisville-based venture embodying Brauner’s whiskey-making dreams. Together, their collaboration blends Brauner’s mastery of bourbon craftsmanship with Jones’ culinary finesse, resulting in a whiskey that presents a rich tapestry of flavors – from cinnamon and toasted oak to pecan and mocha. While not for beginners, Buzzard’s Roost promises a nuanced sipping experience, best enjoyed neat, and poised to become a cornerstone of Kentucky’s whiskey legacy, all encapsulated in its elegant presentation and robust flavor profile.

“This is not a beginners whiskey but a whiskey that is best enjoyed neat. It’s loaded with Cinnamon so if that is your thing along with the strong traditional bourbon flavors then this is your baby.“

– Andrew Workman

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 2

Appearance- 1-10 – 10

Nose- 1-20 – 15

Palate- 1-20 – 16

Finish- 1-20 – 18

Value- 1-20 – 20