Smooth Ambler Big Level Straight Wheated Bourbon 750ml

Big Level Bourbon is a 100 proof Non-Chilled Filtered (NCF) Wheated Bourbon that’s 100% mashed, distilled, aged, proofed, and bottled at the Smooth Ambler distillery in West Virginia. It’s made from a mash bill of 71% corn, 21% Wheat, and 8% Malted Barely. This whiskey has aged a minimum of 5 years in 53-gal. barrels with a no. 4 char.

The emphasis on Smooth Ambler Big Level is clearly on “big.” Heavy wood notes dominate the nose, an intense barrel char that sears the nostrils with notes of cayenne, licorice, and burnt sugar, almost molasses-like. The palate offers few surprises given this lead-up: Powerful notes of charred wood, cloves, more licorice, and notes of burnt toast. While this whiskey is nutty at times, there’s little sense of place here — it’s hard to pick out any notes that are particularly bourbon-like, much less anything that would indicate it is a wheated bourbon, which is typically gentler and sweeter. Big Level, on the other hand, is big and domineering, a monstrous whiskey that is happy to punch you in your face and wait interminably for you to ask for another.

Big Level Bourbon Is A Wheated Bourbon 100% Mashed, Distilled, Aged, Proofed, And Bottled At The Smooth Ambler Distillery In West Virginia. No Chill Filtration.

Color:

Copper

Nose:

The nose starts off with spices, heavy oaky notes, and a bit of creamy caramel. Notes cinnamon raisin bread and ethanol were present as well.

Palate:

Toasted oak is the first major note. Soon followed by toffee, butterscotch, vanilla, and cinnamon spice. The overall viscosity of the bourbon was thin on the palate.

Finish:

The medium finish is crisp and refreshing. A bit of spice grabs at the end but it is not overpowering and is quickly replaced with the refreshing of the citrus found in the palate.

Overall: 

I was glad to get this so soon after passing up an overpriced bottle of it over a week ago. Definitely happy with where the proof was on this expression as professed in my last review. I can’t help but wonder what it would have been like with just a few more points at 107. But, I”m always after just a little more ABV where I can get it. I wouldn’t necessarily compare this to any other wheated bourbons.