Last week, I had the pleasure of joining several of my favorite beverage journalists for the Dallas launch for William Grant and Son’s newest American Bourbon offering, Fistful of Bourbon at Trick Pony. In an educational and experiential evening of fun and whisky, we were treated to one on one time with Whiskey Blender Kelsey McKechnie from Scotland and fellow woman of Spirits, William Grant and Sons Director of Advocacy Charlotte Voisey.
I love a good story and chatting with Kelsey about the process is fascinating. When asked about the one behind Fistful of Bourbon, she notes that “There’s an art and science to blending — and Fistful is a balance of both. Our creative process combined the art of nosing along with our vision for the whiskey and the science of blending different bourbons to create a unique taste all its own. “ explained William Grant & Sons Whisk(e)y Blender, Kelsey McKechnie.
After sampling and nosing dozens of American whiskeys, they selected 5 and blended something unique and rather delicious. William Grant and Sons poured 100 years of whisky blending into crafting a spirit that celebrates the vibrancy, diversity and fun loving spirit of America. Launching first here in Texas, I was curious as to the flavor and it’s ability to become one that I would love to gift and share with my friends.
Fistful of Bourbon fits the bill will be perfect for easy gifting. It is a smooth, fragrant blend with notes of buttery toffee, warm spices that bring to mind holidays, gatherings and smoky fires, a hint of licorice and rounded out with a bit of herby freshness. It worked just as well as a blender as it did neat. I tried it in a rather refreshing Fistful (Grapefruit) Smash, a classic Old Fashioned and simply neat.
The neat happened to be my favorite as part of the pleasure for me is being able to smell all the layers and let my mind play with the possibilities like croissant bread puddings and bourbon-laced bbq sauce, but the Smash was a crowd favorite — fresh and bright, really perfect for the late Texas summer heat. Dressed in a casual bottle with modern calligraphy, Fistful of Bourbon is youthful, unpretentious and deliciously crafted. It will appeal to classic whisky drinkers, craft cocktail connoisseurs and those that dig the new, approachable American whiskeys.
Available on September 1 at major retailers. It is blended and bottled at 45% ABV with an easy suggested retail of $24.99 for 750ml and $2.99 for 50ml. Looking where to find it where you are, visit FistfulofBourbon.com
