Last Christmas, I received a gift from my sister Denise that keeps on giving.  The Grand Traverse Distillery in Traverse City, Michigan produces a great line of spirits, many of which I have had the opportunity to try before.  In particular, their Cherry Whiskey is a favorite of mine, sweet and smooth.  But for this week, it is the Grand Traverse Distillery Bourbon that tempts my palate.

The Grand Traverse Bourbon is a higher percentage of corn – 70% – than I usually like, but it is aged for 3 years and 3 months, and according to their website, “blended to 92 proof with Pure Michigan glacial water from the Great Lakes without cold filtering it.”If that sounds refreshing, it should, because this bourbon is, but it drinks like a tough old gal too.

My take: Grand Traverse does a fine job with this bourbon.  The nose has tang, with hints of cigar box, corn, oak char and cinnamon.  The taste is very similar, a smoky wide flavor with a smooth medium finish.  Notes of vanilla, oak and a good amount of corn are present, and the finish is crisp.

The downside is that, while it is smooth, it’s not as flavorful as our Kentucky friends. Still, a quality selection, and Michigan made.

Dan scale (1-10): 7.6