Rough Rider Double Casked Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

Welcome to New York

I know, I know. New York is nowhere near the South, but let’s just use this post to introduce the expansion of The Trot Line. Over the past few months, I’ve had a few amazing whiskeys from across the States. When my go to W.L. Weller is sold out (Weller crisis?), a bottle from somewhere other than Kentucky or Tennessee can quickly catch my eye and water my tastebuds.

This weekend, a bottle of Rough Rider Double Casked Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Batch 11), by Long Island Spirits, caught my attention. While visiting NYC and East Hampton last summer, I noticed that there were some interesting whiskeys and wines (grab a great Rosé for the summer here) being produced and this Rough Rider fits the bill.

The Rough Rider Straight Bourbon Whiskey is first distilled and aged in new charred American oak barrels. Pretty standard, right? Then the “double cask” is introduced with casks formally filled with Merlot and Chardonnay wines from local Long Island wineries. This is where things should get interesting. Here’s what I thought about this Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Baiting Hollow, NY.

Whiskey Appearance

I’ve read of other batches being light, but Batch #11 is a thick caramel and slightly gold color once poured into a glass. It’s even darker in the bottle.

What Do My Nostrils Say?

Judging the appearance, I was expecting a strong sweet smell. The nose was more similar to teriyaki beef jerky, which is actually pleasant.

Rough Rider Straight Bourbon Whiskey Taste

Caramel hits first, followed by an unexpected mariabelle plum. After learning more about their aging process, the mariabelle plum flavor made more sense, as they use aged Brandy to the wine casks before pouring in the Bourbon.

Final Verdict

At $30-$35 a bottle, I’d say it’s a keeper. Grab a bottle, enjoy a few pours, and keep it in your cabinet for when you’re looking for something just a little different.