Bib & Tucker Bourbon

In the antebellum United States, the term "bib & tucker" was used to describe the finest attire a man owned — the kind of suit or tuxedo that he would wear to a wedding or special event. "Along those lines, we're putting forth our bib & tucker," says Harv Gates, the brand ambassador of 35 Maple Street Spirits. "Bib & Tucker is a handcrafted bourbon made with a sense of dedication that can only come when you know you're making something truly special."

Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is crafted from a mash of 70% corn, 26% rye and 4% malted barley. The grains, which were harvested in late 2006 and early 2007, were distilled twice — first through a column still and then through an old fashioned copper pot still. Following distillation, the bourbon was matured in No. 1 charred American white oak barrels for a minimum of six years (the average age of the bourbon is actually 7.5 years, however).

As a result, Bib & Tucker has an aroma of vanilla, freshly mowed grass and leather-bound books. Notes of sweet fruit, vanilla beans, caramel and dried apricots dominate the palate, and are complemented by a subtle touch of ginger spice. The finish is complex and lingers, with hints of chestnuts and roasted corn.

The bourbon earned a score of 96 points from Tasting Panel Magazine.