Frank August Small Batch Bourbon (2023) US Import 75cl
Frank August Small Batch is a bourbon produced by Frank August and is the flagship brand in the company’s lineup. It is sourced from an undisclosed distillery and bottled by Bardstown Bourbon Company. According to the company, it would be a bottled-in-bond whiskey if their contracts allowed them to disclose where the barrels were sourced from.
Introduced in July 2022, this was the first release from Frank August. It is a true small batch bourbon, with each batch comprised of a blend of no more than 10-15 barrels.
The whiskey is packaged in a custom-designed, minimalist bottle, even going so far as to use a removable back label that leaves no adhesive residue when removed.
TASTING NOTES
Nose: Frank August’s Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon opens with hints of caramel and vanilla that are balanced with warm oak and mild baking spices which warm the senses.
Palate: Echoes those initial sweet caramel and vanilla notes on the front of your tongue, with cinnamon and rye bread spices coming forward, as it gradually transitions to the back of your tongue. At 100 proof, it is a perfect balance of heat and smoothness that warms your mouth, while hints of brown and malt sugars begin to present themselves.
Finish: As flavours of vanilla, oak and baking spices transition through all senses, it leaves a medium – long finish, wanting you to pour another glass.
Notes of caramel and vanilla are found throughout the bourbon acting as a steady constant and bringing a classic style to the bourbon. From there though, the whiskey looks to expand its horizons. The nose is noticeably light and surprisingly fruity with green apple, citrus, and sherry combining to a pleasant effect. The palate introduces pear and sweet apple for its part, before transitioning to a more baking spices and oaky affair for its finish.
The brand claims for all intent of purposes, that this is a bottled in bond bourbon, but due to contractual obligations couldn’t disclose its DSP number preventing it from featuring it on their label. Comprised of just 10-15 barrels, it's definitely a small batch bourbon that showcases both the rounding off some edges while also allowing it to keep some character more akin to single barrels or very small batches. I can see a lot of people enjoying a sip of Frank August Small Batch Bourbon. It’s very drinkable, inoffensive, and maintains a good balance of classic and semi-unique flavours in its blend. Much like its bottle design, it's delicate and sophisticated. It's a tight package overall that knows what it is, knows what it set out to do, and accomplishes it with precision.
About Frank August
Frank August is spearheaded by CEO and Co-Founder, Johnathan Crocker, the former denim and fashion executive for AG Jeans and BLDWN. Frank August’s concept isn’t an elaborate backstory but for the bourbon (and bottle) to speak for itself. The minimalist and contemporary designed bottle is your first clue that there’s a high concept in play here. The front of the bottle only features the brand’s name in small print, where the back of the bottle features a removable back label so the bottle can have a second life as a decanter. The cap is equally well designed with a milled thin but wide metal stopper that rests just above the opening of the bottle and makes removing it a strangely satisfying experience. While many consumers take note of bottle design, there are plenty of others that will be suspect of it.
Frank. The state of being open, honest and sincere. A philosophy we have built our brand upon. Bourbon is America’s native spirit, but as intrinsically steeped in the American experience as bourbon is, it has predominantly had one story; one of origin. Respectfully, we believe there is a more expansive story to tell, one that belongs to all of us because it will be told by all of us. Frank August exists to evolve the identity of bourbon by uniting authenticity with modernity. Taking the best of where we’ve been and projecting those ideals into where we have yet to go. So let the story of bourbon continue; as the story of Frank August begins.
50% ABV
75cl
