Review #676; Bourbon #150: Hoffman Distilling Co. Mr. Harpist 8 yr (1974)

This distilled and bottled before I was born bourbon is from a series of decanters put out in the 1970’s by the Hoffamn distillery. By 1969, Hoffamn had been bought by Julian Van Winkle for the bottling line as the rest of the distillery fell into disarray. The actual source of the bourbon inside of these is a mystery as we are not sure if it is leftover Hoffamn bourbon or from another source entirely. So lets see how this is.

I tried this blind then was revealed the bottle, so keep that in mind while reading these notes.

ABV: 45%

Nose: Vanilla Cream, dark chocolate, black pepper, slight leather, oak spice.

Palate: Medium mouthfeel, vanilla cream, oak spice, black pepper, dark chocolate.

Finish: Shorter finish. Pop of dark chocolate, vanilla, black pepper.

Rating: 5/10

Overall, its just fine. Hits those classic bourbon flavors with some good oak structure in it due to age. Spices and vanilla combine with the barrel to bring some good classic flavors but not in a way that rises above just fine.

Guess: Bourbon, aged 10-12 Years, 45-48 ABV. Elijah Craig 12 Year?

Reveal: 1974 Hoffman Distilling Co. Mr. Harpist 100 Months Old

Well, in my limited experience with dusties this is about what I came to expect. Its good if a bit different but nothing too crazy to me. The coolest part is drinking something so old and from a different time in bourbon production. While it may not be liquid gold and the best bourbon ever bottled, it still presents pretty classic bourbon flavors.

Also of note, these decanters are some of the creepiest I have seen and Im glad I just had a sample and not one of these murderous bastards staring down at me from the shelf.