Sip Wiselee

Ep. 023 - Old Monroe Tasting


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Grab a glass and join us on the patio at Old Monroe Distilling! In this mid-month tasting episode, we sit down with founder and master distiller Adam to dive deep into the glass. We’re tasting through their impressive lineup—starting with their signature 90-proof everyday Small Batch Bourbon, moving into three distinct high-proof Single Barrels (including a wild 132.5-proof monster and a shockingly dark 3-year heirloom corn bourbon), and finishing with their 115-proof pre-prohibition style Malted Rye.

Beyond the tasting, Adam breaks down the fascinating science of craft distilling—from how temperature fluctuations in their Columbia, Illinois rickhouse shape proof and flavor, to how barrel-char layers actually act as natural filtration. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon collector or just starting your whiskey journey, this episode is packed with flavor notes, distilling secrets, and great conversation.

  • Old Monroe Small Batch Bourbon: Why Adam sacrifices "smoothness" for big, bold flavor profiles, and how blending 4.5 to 7-year barrels creates their signature everyday drinker.

  • The Science of Aging: How oak barrel char layers work, how seasonal temperature swings in Illinois affect oxidation, and why 8 years is considered the "sweet spot" for bourbon complexity.

  • Single Barrel Breakdown:

    • Sample #1: An 8-year, 8-month pour at 109.2 proof featuring rich oak and leather notes.

    • Sample #2: A powerhouse 9-year, 2-month pour sitting at a staggering 132.5 proof.

    • Sample #3: A rare 3-year "throwback" bourbon made with Bloody Butcher heirloom corn that punches way above its age.

  • Pre-Prohibition Style Rye: The unique 1911 handwritten manuscript recipe behind their 72% rye / 25% malted rye blend, and why malted rye creates an unforgettable, velvety texture.

  • Follow the Podcast: Don't forget to hit the +Follow or Subscribe button in your podcast app so you never miss an episode!

  • Watch on YouTube: Want to see the rich colors of these pours for yourself? Check out the full video episode on our YouTube Channel.

  • Join the Conversation: Follow us on Social Media to share your favorite tasting notes and let us know which bottle you're hunting down next!

Remember: Sip Wiselee and never drink and drive!

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Sip WiseleeBy Jonathon Lee