Sunday Evening Review by Todd Sarver

I have heard and seen a number of good things about Fortuna bourbon.  So, on a recent trip to the Bourbon Motherland, I was able to pick up a bottle and see what it is all about.  I was encouraged when I checked out and the clerk talked it up as well.

But the devil is in the details, so let’s see what it is all about.  Make sure you put in the comments any bottles that you would like me to review.

NAME – Fortuna Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, selected and bottled by Rare Character

PROOF – 102

AGE – None on the label, but it says “Straight” and there is nothing suggesting less than 4 years, so that should mean at least 4 years.

COLOR – Burnished (1.1 on the Whiskey Magazine Color Chart)

NOSE – Very sweet.  Green apple Jolly Rancher, toasted almond, caramel, dry oak.

TASTE – A viscous apple Jolly Rancher and an orange gum drop note up front that lingers as nutmeg and baking spices provide a noticeable pop mid-palate.

FINISH – This is a longer finish.  The baking spices continue to provide some heat along with a white pepper note. The dry oak and orange gum drop notes reappear.  There is a slight dried tobacco note that shows up as well.

REVIEW – If ever something deserved to be called “sweet & spicy” – this pour is it. There is certainly something at each end of the spectrum for bourbon drinkers.  This one is worth considering adding to your collection, but at the price point, you may want to try before you buy.

FINAL COMMENTS – Fortuna is a resurrected brand with a nice story about its origins – like virtually all newer bourbons.  The bottle label pays homage to the original which is a bit of a disservice because to me it’s not particularly flattering. The real concern with this bourbon, however, is its price point at ~$85.  There are other “sweet & spicy” bourbons at a fraction of the price – thinking in particular of Willett products (Bardstown, Johnny Drum) or Wild Turkey.