A few weeks ago we ran a press release from Vermont’s Lost Lantern. We weren’t shy and asked for a sample of Brooklyn Bakery being it hails from a distillery in Kings County, aka Brooklyn. My hometown where I spent the first 40 years of my life.
The press release stated, “Kings County Distillery, the oldest distillery in New York City, creates some of the country’s most acclaimed and sought-after whiskies using New York-grown grains. Lost Lantern Brooklyn Bakery is a marriage of eight different barrels of 5- and 6-year-old Kings County bourbons that were blended to create a powerful, sweet, and spicy straight bourbon. It has rich dark chocolate notes, with hints of pecan pie, graham cracker, blackberry cobbler, and cherry tart – reminiscent of a Brooklyn bakery on a cold winter day.”
Living in New Hampshire the bakery’s and restaurants don’t hit the way they did back at home. Sure, a drive to Boston has some of the best cannoli’s at Modern Pastry or Mike’s Pastry but it’s not a New York seven layer cake. And the Italian food of the North End is good, but it doesn’t match Patricia’s of Morris Park at 1082 Morris Park Ave in the Bronx.
Will this bourbon scratch the itch of my missing my hometown, let us find out!
Bourbon Review: Brooklyn Bakery Kings County Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 66.5% (133 Proof)
Age: Married of 5 & 6 Year Old Bourbons
Mash Bill: 80% New York Corn, 20% Malted Barley
Distillery: Kings County Distillery
Location: Brooklyn, NY (USA)
The Nose: The lack of any rye in the mash bill is noticeable on the aroma from the glass with an aromas of cherry and a touch of creme brûlée. There is the expected oak, but the nose is very sweet despite the high proof. While I wouldn’t label it as too sweet I find myself hesitant to take my first sip.
The Taste: The mouthfeel of the Brooklyn Bakery is extremely drying with a medicinal finish that is very long. After letting my pour sit for about 20 minutes in the glass there are notes of chocolate and blueberries that are fleeting at best. The finish is leathery and remains somewhat medicinal. The third sips remains the same with some spice added to the finish.
Conclusion: I was so hopeful for this bourbon and I was left incredibly disappointed. To be frank, it wasn’t good at all. There was no complexity or harmony. The non filtering could be a factor as it had a “dirty” profile and the finish was extremely off putting. I wish I could find something positive to say, but this might be the least enjoyable bourbon I’ve encountered since I began my journey. I find it hard to believe it’s a blend of bourbons that have been aged 5 and 6 years. Brooklyn needs to stick to bagels and pizza.
Score: 70
Price: $100 (Before any local or state taxes)
A sample was provided by the marketing company of Lost Lantern, and obviously that did not affect the final score.
