Watershed Bourbon is aged for 2.5 years, making it a particularly young bourbon. It’s age doesn’t show in it’s brown-orange color, but it definitely shows in the shyness of the nose. It took a few whiffs and a little time to let the bourbon open up to assess the aroma. Usually not a good sign, as I like bourbons with a lot of character from nose to finish.

Regardless, the nose is a nice citrus, caramel candy, and black pepper. None of the nose-burning ethyl that some bourbons give off. New bourbon drinkers will appreciate the subtle introduction, but experienced bourbonites might be left groping.

Watershed bourbon uses a four grain mash bill of corn, rye, wheat, and spelt (an ancient form of wheat with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor). This makes for an interesting play of flavors and textures, as you will experience the rye tingle, the wheat smoothness, and the taste of sweet corn. You can also taste the copper from the still in the middle of the taste.

The finish leaves you with vanilla and orange, but is light and short lived.