Veteran Bourbon Review: 10th Mountain Bourbon

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History – This distillery is located in Vail, CO. As many skiers and snowboarders whether bringing family or coming on their own they have a quinte little distillery right under their noses. This distillery pays tribute to the 10th Mountain Army Division. “Camp Hale, the legendary home of the 10th Mountain Division, was constructed in 1942, located 22 miles west of Vail between Leadville and Minturn in the Pando Valley. The initial population of Camp Hale included 15,000 soldiers, 3,000 administrative, medical, and other non-skiing staff, 5,000 mules, and 200 dogs.

In January of 1945, the 10th deployed to Italy’s Apennines Mountains, where they would battle the German army for the next two and a half months. On May 2, 1945, Germany surrendered to the Allies in Florence, Italy, ending the 10th’s Italian Campaign.

After World War 2, many of the 10th Mountain Division warriors came home to the USA and continued skiing. The 10th Mountain Division veterans started many of the US ski areas we now love. At least 62 ski resorts have been founded and managed by former 10th Mountain Division veterans.

The tradition of excellence established by the original 10th Mountain Division continues with today’s 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry (LI). Now based at Ft. Drum in Watertown, New York, the 10th Mountain Division LI has the distinction of being the most deployed military unit when a humanitarian, natural disaster, or conflict arises in the world.” – 10thwhisky.com

Being a Veteran Owned Bourbon Review company we were very excited not to only learn so much about this company but to taste their bourbon. Let’s dig in!

Value – This bourbon is slightly steeper in price than what I would expect a bourbon like this to be. The only thing here is that it fits into a niche category that drives home the rocky mountains and the spirit of Vail as well which is known to be an expensive getaway. The price may work in Vail but from a national standpoint it is a little high.

Appearance – Amber color and has an oily look to it at a swirl showing off its full bodiedness.

Nose – Honeycrisp apple, pear, raisin and definitive honey that really rounds out the whole experience. I have to say just one thing on this and that is “WOW” what a nose. This is so surprising coming from a bourbon that is only 1 years old. I would have thought that there would be a very light smell to this heavy on the Corn but it is not the experience that I am having today.

Palate – Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and old wood really push through this palate. It coats your mouth like a great bourbon should and leaves a thick coating in the mouth. The most prominent flavor that you will pull from this is the nutmeg. It is chalked full of all of these wonderful flavors that pull together that rocky mountain spirit. 

Finish – Heavy cinnamon, maple syrup and red wine all at once with a little heat to let you know that you are drinking a great bourbon. It sits on your tongue loaded with spice inviting you back for another sip.

Summary – I cannot begin to tell you how surprised I am by this bourbon. 10th Mountain really pulled through with this. For a 1 year age statement I was very skeptical at first and then when I was able to really dig in then it left me with that warm satisfied feeling that you can only get from a nice sip of great bourbon. With their dedication to philanthropy, military service so much that they named their company after a piece of Army history. I really enjoyed this review and I hope that you did too. If you get a chance to go to Vail, CO stop by this distillery and I am sure you will not be disappointed by what they are offering. Perhaps it’s the dedication and that they put into this and maybe just a little bit of that Rocky Mountain water. Cheers and drink to glory!

Uniqueness – 1-10 – 10

Appearance- 1-10 – 5

Nose- 1-20 – 16

Palate- 1-20 – 18

Finish- 1-20 – 15

Value- 1-20 – 15