Allocation Alert: The Hottest New Thing in Wheated Bourbon
Smooth Ambler “Big Level” Wheated Straight Bourbon ($54.99)
“This release marks a new era in American whiskey.” – Andrew Whiteley
So you’ll have to excuse our enthusiasm, but today’s offer is a really big deal. At long last, the much-anticipated release of Smooth Ambler’s Big Level is here — a bourbon crafted at their very own distillery in West Virginia. Not only is the juice amazing (we’ll get more into that later), but it marks a new era in American distilling. For years, the American spirits market was dominated by a few big players with the little guys buying casks from them and crafting their own special blends. Many, Smooth Ambler included, were wildly successful with this approach. Still, there was no getting away from the fact that they were working with someone else’s juice. The release of “Big Level” changes all that. With this wheated bourbon, Smooth Ambler has followed the process from grain to flask with otherworldly results.
With a mash bill of 71% corn, 21% wheat, 8% malted barley and aged over five years, it is as irresistible as a slice of warm pecan pie. Fans of Pappy and Old Fitzgerald will want to take note, as this possesses much the same profile that earned that pair such acclaim (and hordes of adoring followers). Impeccably balanced with just the right level of heat, Big Level seduces with generous flavors of caramel, rich butter, candied nuts, cocoa, and citrus. If you have ever found yourself rhapsodizing about the good old days of bourbon, when you didn’t have to pay an arm and a leg for a classic bottling, then you owe it to yourself to pick up a bottle of Big Level. It is everything we’ve been looking for and more in the sub-$100 category for bourbon. We’ve always loved Smooth Ambler, but with Big Level, they have changed the game entirely. This is a not-to-miss opportunity and one that warrants a purchase of multiples. For more on this groundbreaking spirit, be sure to check out Andrew Whiteley’s post on K&L’s Spirits Journal.
Smooth Ambler “Big Level” Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($54.99)
Smooth Ambler’s Big Level Bourbon is a unique wheated bourbon, meaning after the requisite base of corn (in this case 71%) the next largest contribution to the mashbill is 21% wheat followed by 8% malted barley. It’s entirely mashed, distilled, aged, proofed, and bottled at the Smooth Ambler distillery in West Virginia and does not undergo chill filtration. That high portion of corn and wheat makes for – you guessed it – a rather smooth and elegant bourbon! Its relatively young age (5+ years) gives it a jovial, fresh edge. Gentle flavors of caramel, pound cake, toffee, brownie and candied nuts waft through and there is a lingering bright finish.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2018
This is what we’ve been waiting for. Smooth Ambler has finally released a bottling that is 100% their own juice. The Contradiction bottling, which contained some of their own distillate and some Indiana whiskey was a sneak peak at the greatness that is the Big Level. It’s hard to miss the nose here. When you pour yourself a glass you’ll smell it long before you raise it to your lips. It’s incredibly inviting – full of sugar, spice, and everything nice. Cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel dominate, while an easy fresh pepper hides in the background. The palate is full blown wheater: creamy, rich, and textural. The sweet corn that makes up the bulk of the mashbill really shines on the finish. Bottled at 100 proof, that finish lasts for a mighty long time. This release marks a new era in American whiskey. As the original “craft distilleries” finally come online with their own product at respectable ages, the world of brown water is about to get a lot more interesting. Get on the Big Level and find out for yourself.
Shaun Green | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2018
The heavy on corn and wheat bill gives us a rich and creamy caramel and maple laced bourbon that is remarkably smooth and gentle for a 100 proof whiskey. Less spice and more bright edges, with a long and seductive finish. This one was hard to put down even tasting at work!
Chantel Carroll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2018
I’m delighted with this bourbon!! The nose is so welcoming and comforting. Caramel, cinnamon, Tahitian vanilla, and baked apples and pears. As the nose opened up a bit, I smelled fresh baked biscuit, dripping with warm butter and topped with hot maple syrup. The palate was just as wonderful, smooth, rich and creamy. Cocoa powder, sandalwood and green apple lingered on the finish.
