A.H. Hirsch was an investment banker who invested in the “Schaefferstown Distillery” in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania in an effort to keep it operational, though it would ultimately shut down several decades later in 1989. The distillery is a historic landmark for American whiskey that was in operation for more than two centuries, and Hirsch’s contribution would ultimately result in what many consider to be the finest expression of bourbon ever made, the legendary A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16 Year Old.

Hirsch Small Batch Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey is distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. This release consists of a blend of bourbons ranging from seven to nine years old. Two mash bills are married together, one with 21% Northern Europe rye and the other with 35% Northern Europe rye, resulting in a relatively high rye content of approximately 26%. The corn is sourced from Indiana and Ohio.

The spirit is barreled at 120 proof, which is amongst the lowest in the industry. The oak is a #4 char around the base and a #2 char at the head of the barrel.

Hirsch Small Batch 8 Year Old High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey (92 proof)
Visual: Dark orange-gold.
Nose: Heavy rye nose with a knockout wallop of oak char. Incredibly evocative and powerful in olfactory presentation.
Taste: Lovely rye spice prickles the tongue whilst a soft orange fruit glaze tempers things down to a slow rumble. From first sip this seems all about the grain bill, yet the oak char adds a deeper level to the affair by encasing it all in a smokey envelope.
Finish: Long and smooth withe the rye never quite letting go of its hold on the palate. A whiskey that has a siren call on your taste buds.
Overall: This is a great high rye whiskey that should be on your backbar. Stellar as a sipper, it also will make a knockout bourbon cocktail.
GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Anchor Distilling