A blend of five different bourbons, the Fistful of Bourbon is William Grant & Sons entry into the bourbon world. Using their Scotch blending sensibilities and sourcing whiskey from places like Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and New York they’re on a mission to combine the best America has to offer into something unique, a sum that’s higher in quality than its parts.
The youngest bourbon in the batch is 2-years-old and since they bought Hudson back in 2010 I have to think there’s a good bit of that in there and is likely where the 2-year-old whiskey comes from. The rest could be sourced from anywhere with the usual suspects being MGP in Indiana, Heaven Hill in Kentucky and George Dickle in Tennessee (though I don’t get any GD essence here).
I know they’re not likely to disclose the distilleries, but it would be nice if they at least revealed the states that went into the Fistful of Bourbon. Especially with products like this, a little transparency goes a long way. I’m not saying they need to be Compass Box Level, but some indication would be lovely. And now on to the review.
Fistful of Bourbon Review: Details and Tasting Notes
In William Grant & Sons’ Words: Fistful of Bourbon
IT AIN’T JUST A BOURBON. IT’S A DAMN FISTFUL. The idea was a big whisky that balances sweet and spice. To get there, each “finger” of our Fistful has a distinct flavor.
* Sweet, balanced and smooth.
* Green and leafy with floral notes.
* Warm spice and hints of nutmeg.
* Notes of buttery toffee.
* Hints of cinnamon and licorice.
Fistful of Bourbon price, ABV, age and other details
Region: USA
Distiller: Various
Blender: William Grant & Sons
Mash Bill: A blend of 5 bourbons (At least 51% Corn + Rye + Malted Barley… maybe wheat).
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 2 Years
ABV: 45%
Price: $25*
Fistful of Bourbon Tasting Notes
EYE
Light toffee
NOSE
Corn, vanilla, caramel, orchard fruit, nuts and copper.
PALATE
Corn rye, caramel, nuts, fruit, vanilla, copper and a touch of oak and spice.
FINISH
Medium – Corn, vanilla, oak, spice and a sweetness that makes me think of cream soda.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Good balance, medium body and a light dry feel.
Fistful of Bourbon Review: OVERALL
With a light and sweet aroma, a light and sweet palate and a light and sweet finish I can safely say Fistful of Bourbon is a light sweet bourbon. It comes across kind of like a combo of Jim Beam White, Maker’s Mark and Buffalo Trace. It’s not challenging, it’s not deep and it’s not complex, but it is flavorful which makes it the perfect “intro” bourbon.
I think experienced drinkers might find this to be a tad on the boring and unchallenging side with the soft sweet profile, but welcoming and useful for those starting out or who like a soft sweet style. Which I know there are plenty of out there so I have no doubt this is a bourbon that will find its niche. In the meantime I’m excited to see what the William Grant folks blend up next.
SCORE: 82/100 (B-)
*Disclosure: This Fistful of Bourbon was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
Fistful of Bourbon Review Summary
Fistful of Bourbon isn’t bad. It’s a bit light, but for a simple bourbon to share with friends or mix a cocktail with it works just fine.
Overall
- Nose - 82
- Palate - 82
- Finish - 83
- Balance, Body & Feel - 82
User Review
( votes)( review)
I laugh when i read a certain bourbon is good for a beginner and other brands are what experienced drinkers buy. I have been drinking bourbon for years and tasted brands that range from hundreds of dollars to those below twenty. Everyone’s taste buds are different. I’m always trying different types of bourbons to see what I like and can afford. I have tried this bourbon a few times and i liked it and it won’t empty your wallet !
I don’t think i’ve ever said something is for an experienced drinker, but definitely called out ones new to whiskey. You’re not going to pour someone a Booker’s as their first whiskey ever, that’s a clera way to blow their palate and all they’ll know is the burn. However, something low rye and low proof is approachable to someone just starting and introduces them to profiles and flavors without being overwhelming.
I’m a light weight novice consumer. Thank you for creating something outside of the box. Perfect for me!!! Smooth, hint of sweet, honey, cinnamon with just a bite at the finish.
I don’t know about the naysayers, but I like this better than Jim Beam white label.
Glad you do, cheers Dennis!
If you’re looking for an easy drinking straight from the bottle bourbon that works well by itself or mixed in a drink and its only twenty-five bucks this is a good product
I am a novice, but the flavor is delightful, and it is smooth. I really tasted the vanilla , and touch of cinnamon.. this is a good bourbon. I drank it straight. How are you suppose to drink bourbon.
Glad you liked it Robert, cheers!
I thought in order to take the name Bourbon, it had to be aged a minimum of 4 years in charred oak barrels. Maybe that’s only in Ky?
Hey Richard,
There is no minimum aging requirement for Bourbon. It could be aged for 1 second in a new charred oak barrel and be called bourbon. The 4 year requirement is that it if it’s aged for less than 4 years, then the age has to be disclosed on the label. https://thewhiskeyjug.com/whiskey/ttb-standards-of-identity-for-whiskey-in-plain-english/
Cheers!
Although I have been enjoying Bourbon for 40 years, I have never considered myself a connoisseur. However, I know what tastes good and what doesn’t. I bought Fist Full of Bourbon on the recommendation of a store manager. This bourbon does not taste good.. It has a strange flavor on the front end that is very unpleasant and hard to describe. I do not recommend.
Sounds like you know everything you really need to know (what tastes good and what doesn’t) and thanks for sharing your thoughts Will. Cheers!
I’m an experienced bourbon drinker. I like bold flavors, so this won’t be added to my regular lineup, but overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I actually think the flavor, while lacking some depth, is still enjoyable. At this price point, I think it’s quite good. I’m interested to try some future offerings.
Thanks for the added perspective Ryan, cheers!
As an experienced Bourbon fan i found this to be very disappointing. I gave it as a gift to our daughter’s boyfriend, wbo drinks BUD LIGHT for gods sake, and he said it has no taste!!!! Thank god we broke out some good stuff to salvage the day. Would never recommend it and if someone wants a good intro to Bourbon ill reccomend Jim Beam Black.
Can never go wrong with the JB Black for sure. Cheers Bretton!
Not good. I am a bourbon drinker and I could not drink this straight. Bourbon tastes very young. Only way to consume this is with a mixer and if I am going to mix a $25.00/750 ml bourbon, I am better off buying Jim Beam White Label.
You nailed it...
…when you said experienced drinkers might find it boring.
Cheers! ;)