Backbone “The Forge” is blended bourbon where at least 51% or more of the blend is Straight Bourbon. We spent several months coming up with the blend. Our starting point was simple – how could we use our older barrels of whiskey to create something that was outstanding and stood apart from other high-end American whiskeys. The bulk of the blend is some of our best Straight Bourbon barrels between 5 & 7 years old. We also included some older Straight Rye and some wonderful barrels of Light Whiskey that were barreled in 2006. The right combination of these mature whiskeys including a stout proof of 110 allowed us to create a rich and decadent blend.

“The Forge” is our second blended bourbon. The first was Backbone “Prime” launched in 2015 using younger and more vibrant whiskeys. “The Forge” is a premium product and definitely some of our best work. “The Forge” was an opportunity to show our blending skills and to provide an innovative product from a simply delicious combination of older whiskeys. Enjoy!

Mash-bill Or Blend: 3 different kinds of whiskey were used.
Straight Bourbon (5 to 7 year old) 75% Corn; 21% Rye & 4% Malted Barley
Straight Rye: (8 years old) 95% Rye & 5% Malted Barley
Light Whiskey: (14 years old) 99% Corn & 1% Malted Barley

Distillation State & City: Lawrenceburg, IN

Proof: 110

Current Batch: # B1 (Inaugural batch)

Cases Produced: 300

Tasting Notes: Sweet nose that reminds one of walking in sugar
cane field. There is also some slight oak on the nose. The entry
palate is cool and narrow but soon widens as it hits the mid-palate.
Here the whiskey drops and lifts but also expands to provide a very
full bodied, big flavor profile. More nuanced flavors emerge on the
back palate. Here there are notes of honey and caramel but also
some dark fruit undertones and just a hint of nutmeg. This whiskey
provides great balance between power and sweetness. Both keep
the other in check. The finish is very long and warm. Very satisfying…