While having dinner with friends, I was offered the chance to review a bottle that I had yet to try. Being one to never turn down a new bourbon or whiskey experience, I spent a good forty-five minutes analyzing this pour. Today’s review comes from Proof & Wood Ventures and is The Representative a 4-Year-Old Barrel Proof 2023 Release Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Bottle Information

From the Proof and Wood website: Aged a minimum of 4 years (2 Congressional Terms), Small batch, approximately 20 barrels, Barrel entry 120 proof. Distilled at MPG in Indiana.

• Distiller: Bottled by Proof & Wood Ventures
• Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
• Proof: 116.5
• Age: 4
• Year: 2023
• MSRP: $57
• 2024 National Average: $69
• Official Website

Since trying this pour a few weeks ago, I have made a point to keep an eye out to see how available this bottle actually is. I have seen it and the others in the line-up throughout my bourbon journey, but I was only able to currently find one bottle of this in NoCo. Overall, this bourbon had an amazing nose that I did not want to put down but unfortunately diminished into a flat palate with a lack of flavors. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Cherry, Vanilla, Caramel, Orange Marmalade, and Toasted Oak Barrel
• Palate: A Bit Simplistic with Minimal Notes of Vanilla, Caramel, Spice, and Oak
• Finish: Medium with Drying Oak and a slight Orange
• My Rating: Mix It! (An amazing nose that unfortunately diminishes into a flat palate…)

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™