Over the past few years I have become a fan of the the annual releases that come from the Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. Last year’s release of Scarlet Shade, was one of the best low-proof ryes I have had to date. With that still fresh in my mind, when the announcement came from the distillery that the first release in 2024 was going to be an 18-Year-Old Bourbon, I mean what more could Bourbon Bossman™ ask for? Today’s review is from Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. and is the Review of Orphan Barrel Indigo’s Hour 18-Year Bourbon.

Bottle Information

From the Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Co. website: As day fades to dusk, the sun spreads its wings across the sky, painting an indigo color across the horizon for all to soak in. Here at Orphan Barrel, we are greeted with our own version of Indigo’s Hour: our inaugural Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 18 Years. 

A true metamorphic spirit, the label pays homage to the endless fields and rich stories of Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, where our liquid was carefully distilled, aged, and bottled. Just as Indiana’s native Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly undergoes metamorphosis, our bourbon-making process is treated with the same patience, craft and care before emerging from its barrels.

• Distiller: Produced in Indiana and Kentucky. Blended and Bottled by Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co.
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed
• Proof: 90
• Age: 18
• Year: 2024
• MSRP: $189
• 2024 National Average: $250
• Official Website

Normally these Orphan Barrel releases are relatively available at MSRP across Northern Colorado. However, this has been the only bottle we have seen in any of the stores we regularly visit. Perhaps because of the age statement these bottles few of the shelves quicker than normal or maybe distribution was different for this release; unfortunately, I could not find any information. Overall, this was such an amazing nose with those classic bourbon notes of vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar leading into strong fruit and herbal teas. Unfortunately, the palate was such a letdown being almost flat, soft, and nondescript with just not much going on at all. This is still a good pour, but I personally do not believe it not worth the cost for the overall experience. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Vanilla, Caramel, Brown Sugar, Red Fruit (Strawberry/Apple), Oak, Leather, and Sweet Herbal Teas
• Palate: Fruitiness, Vanilla, Herbal, and Oak
• Finish: Short with Notes of Dry Oak and Soft Sweet Fruit
• My Rating: Mix It!/Drink It! (Such an amazing nose… but what a letdown on the palate. Almost flat, soft, and just not much going on. Still a good pour, but not worth the cost for the overall experience.)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™