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Writer's pictureBarrel Brothers

Review #205 Hooten & Young Barrel Proof


Photo Credits to Hooten & Young


Distillery: Sourced from MGP

Proof: 120

Age: 12 Years

Mashbill: 99% Corn, 1% Barley


BACKGROUND: Hooten Young was founded in 2018 by Tim Young & Norm Hooten. MSG Hooten was a Delta Force operator who was a member of the famed Task Force Ranger and fought in the Battle of Mogadishu which was made into the movie “Black Hawk Down”. The two partners, with the help of Master Sommelier George Miliotes, created Hooten Young American whiskey. The mash bill is made with a 99% corn and 1% barley that was distilled and blended with an undisclosed ingredient before being put into American Oak Barrels to age for 12 years. Hooten & Young sources their whiskey from MGP in Indiana. They launched their 12 year whiskey earlier this year and just launched this barrel proof version of Hooten & Young this month. It was distilled to 189 proof and bottled at 120 proof from second fill charred American oak barrels.


NOSE: You would never know this was 120 proof based on the nose. It is very smooth and approachable with scents of vanilla extract, maple, poached pear, cinnamon and mahogany. It is a relatively straightforward nose but well balanced and not overpowering. (22/25)


PALATE: As soon the whiskey touches your palate you are welcoming with a sweet and savory whiskey with notes of butterscotch, cinnamon, oak sugars, and a slight ethanol burn that adds a boldness to the whiskey. The proof is never overpowering making for a whiskey with a flavor profile that is smooth, bold, and sweet. (36/40)


FINISH: The finish is quite enduring with notes of oak, tobacco leaves, charred oak, and a hint of vanilla. It has a very full feeling from the proof but still not overpowering. (22/25)


VALUE: Hooten & Young 12 Year Barrel Proof has a $110 SRP which is a little high but is a delicious whiskey and worth it. (7/10)


Overall: 87/100


FINAL THOUGHTS: Hooten & Young Barrel Proof is a very tasty whiskey with lots of flavor and character. We highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys higher proof whiskey that is on the sweeter and smoother side.


Similar & Slightly Better Whiskey: Bardstown Discovery Series 4

Similar & Equal Whiskey: Redbreast Small Batch Cask Strength

Similar & Slightly Worse Whiskey: Oceanside Cask Strength Bourbon


Tell us what you think and give us some feedback!


Scoring Legend:

96-100: The perfect dram, juice of the gods

90-95: Near perfect, truly incredible whiskey

85-89: Amazing whiskey, will always try to keep a backup bottle of this

80-84: Very good, some minor flaws here or there

75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink, Will try and keep a bottle on the shelf

70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get this

60-69: Decent, would offer this up to non whiskey drinkers

50-59: Not my cup of tea

Below 50: Give away



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