Military Bourbon Review: O.H. Ingram River Aged Bourbon
History – O.H. Ingram River Aged Bourbon is a unique whiskey brand developed by Brown Water Spirits, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. The company was founded by Hank Ingram, whose family has a long history of innovation along America’s rivers, dating back over 150 years. This lineage includes ventures like the Empire Lumber Company and subsequent barge shipping operations, which laid the groundwork for their distinctive whiskey-aging method.
The hallmark of O.H. Ingram’s process is its patented floating rickhouse, moored on the banks of the Mississippi River in Ballard County, Kentucky. The barrels age in an environment influenced by the river’s natural rhythms—temperature changes, humidity, and constant rocking from the water. This interaction enhances the whiskey’s maturation by increasing its contact with the wood barrels, creating a richer flavor profile. Despite this innovative setup, the facility is classified as a floating structure, not a vessel, due to legal nuances about storing spirits on waterways.
The River Aged series reflects a commitment to blending tradition with innovation, offering whiskey lovers a product deeply tied to the history and environment of the Mississippi River. Let’s dig in!
Value – On par to what this product is. Reminding me of the Jeffersons aged at sea which is actually far more pricier.
Appearance – The appearance is spot on with a beautiful bottle design and the barge number on the bottle top itself. It explains on the back of the label the way that the whiskey is aged and where it is aged at. Very cool as this is something that is very unique compared to the other bourbons out there.
Nose – Lots of Baked Apple, Walnut and Pecan Pie.
Palate – Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Charcoal and Honey.
Finish – Lingering finish which is delightful bringing in so many flavors. Primarily Black Pepper, Hickory Jerky and Gingerbread.
Summary – Developed by Brown Water Spirits and inspired by founder Hank Ingram’s family legacy of river innovation, the brand combines history and craftsmanship in a truly unique way. The centerpiece of their operation, a patented floating rickhouse on the Mississippi River, allows their bourbon to age in an environment shaped by the river’s natural rhythms. The constant rocking, temperature fluctuations, and humidity enhance the interaction between the spirit and the barrels, creating a whiskey that is both complex and deeply tied to its environment.
The attention to detail extends beyond the aging process to the packaging itself. The bottle design is both elegant and informative, featuring the barge number on the cap and a detailed explanation of the whiskey’s distinctive aging process on the label. This thoughtful presentation reinforces the uniqueness of O.H. Ingram’s approach and sets it apart from other bourbons. The experience begins with the nose, offering inviting aromas of baked apple, walnut, and pecan pie. The palate follows with a delightful medley of cinnamon toast, charcoal, and honey, creating a rich, balanced flavor profile.
The finish is where O.H. Ingram River Aged Bourbon truly shines, delivering a long and satisfying conclusion with notes of black pepper, hickory jerky, and gingerbread. These flavors linger, inviting you back for another sip and showcasing the depth achieved through its innovative maturation process.
“Comparable in creativity to Jefferson’s Ocean series but more accessible in price, this bourbon represents exceptional value for whiskey lovers seeking something new and distinctive.”
Uniqueness- 1-10 – 10
Appearance- 1-10 – 10
Nose- 1-20 – 15
Palate- 1-20 – 17
Finish- 1-20 – 16
Value- 1-20 – 20
8.3