Review by: Raygun

Today, a dusty bottle of Ancient Age from Japan, “The bourbon with age in its flavor.” Whatever that means. Dated 1977-1982 from the tax strip. So long before I could drink. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 10 minutes.

---

Distillery: Buffalo Trace

Brand: Ancient Age

Region/style: Kentucky straight bourbon

ABV: 40%. 

Age: NAS. At least two years.  

Cask type: New charred oak  

Color:  1.3 russet. Natural color. 

---

Nose: Kettle corn, peanuts, some clove, and pancake syrup. Not an extraordinary nose, but the aromas are distinct and there’s no acetone or anything off-putting. For 40% and NAS, that’s a win.  

Palate: The low ABV is impossible to miss, but there’s still flavor. Corn, cotton candy, peanuts, and butterscotch. Some bread pudding with sweet spice. The oak flavor is fairly mild. I’d believe this is young. Drinkable, but not much pizzazz.    

Finish: Pancake syrup and some sweet tea. Still has some of the nuts and kettle corn, but weaker. Low-proof stuff usually doesn’t hold up well on the finish, and that’s true here as well. 

Conclusion: Nothing especially exciting here. It’s not bad, that’s about all I can say. A fairly typical bourbon. It’s not that interesting neat, and too low proof to hold up well in a cocktail. Doesn’t have a niche for me.  

Buy a bottle? Doubt I’ll find an ancient one like this, and it’s certainly not inspired me to seek out the modern version. 

Final score: 66

---

Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Stagg Jr batch 12)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (new))
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Pikesville Rye)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Wild Turkey 101)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Maker’s Mark)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Grandad 114)
• 0-49: Blech. (High West Yippee-ki-yay)