We get lucky with Widow Jane Lucky Thirteen
We travel to America again with our whiskey focus, with a to me previously unknown bourbon in the glass. The expression we will taste today comes via Paris though, because it was selected by importer La Maison du Whisky. Widow Jane is a Brooklyn (Red Hook) based distillery and company, because as far as I can deduct, for now, they are also sourcing whiskey from Kentucky and Indiana to release under the Widow Jane brand. Meanwhile, the distillery is producing at full capacity but patiently waiting for their output to reach the wanted mature age. What is a personal touch done by Widow Jane, is that they proof their whiskey with “hard-yet-sweet pure limestone water from the Legendary Rosendale Mines of Upstate New York”. Interesting! Let us see what this does to the Straight Bourbon Whiskey we taste today.
Widow Jane 13 years old, Lucky Thirteen, bottled at 99 proof (= 49,5 % abv)
First things first: This is a Single Barrel named Lucky Thirteen. An American oak barrel with the number 20102 was bottled for La Maison du Whisky, Paris. Bottled in 2021.
Upon Sipping: A bourbon as good as they come, with lots of sweetened charcoal, vanilla and spicy caramel. The American oak put a nice stamp on it, but there is also an unusual softness. Is that the diluting to the friendly 99 proof, that makes it so pleasant to nose? Whiffs of some menthol comes through too. On the palate, there is obviously a lot of wood spice to be experienced, but it feels very balanced. Normally, I am not the biggest fan of long matured bourbon, because the wood can be oh so overpowering, but with this Widow Jane we indeed get lucky at 13 years of ageing! On the finish, this menthol note makes an appearance again, but lingers softly onwards. And then I feel I want to take a next sip, which is a very good sign. On repeated sipping, you do pick up some fruity flavours, like lemon zest and grapefruit. This is enhanced by a small drop of water. The bourbon gives off a silky impression with just a splash. I can imagine an ice cube working quite well here, too.
Word to the Wise: This Widow Jane Lucky Thirteen reminds me of single barrel Four Roses, one of my favourite go-to bourbons. But where that one can be very hot on the palate, this Widow Jane is a kind, old Grand Lady with New York flair, that brushes your cheek in passing. One of the better bourbon whiskeys I have tasted in a long while. Curious to discover more from Widow Jane!
Score: 87 points
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