Review of Liberty Pole Spirits Peated Bourbon Whiskey

by Colonel Steve Akley

A Look at Peated Bourbon Whiskey

Liberty Pole Spirits was established in 2016 by the Hough family (Jim, Ellen, Rob and Kevin). This Washington, Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh suburb) currently has a corn whiskey, a rye, a bourbon and the one I am trying today: Liberty Pole Spirited Peated Bourbon Whiskey.

We’re starting to see a few peated bourbons popping up which is helping in breaking down the barriers between Team Bourbon and Team Scotch. Can someone find that perfect spot where you find the sweetness of a bourbon and pair it with the peated flavor and smokiness of a Scotch? That’s the sweet spot!

So… how did Liberty Pole do?

Well, let’s take a look.

The product looks great. The bottle is awesome and it’s got a nice dark amber color. All of this is important, but can quickly be disregarded if the taste isn’t the star of the show.

Nosing it you pick up on peat, leather and smoke. As soon as it hits your lips, it’s sweet corn, then the peat. The distinct taste of toast also comes through, along with oak and leather. The finish is all pepper and smoke, which kind of evolves from light and wispy to charred smoke as it finishes. At 92 proof, it’s also enough to warm you up a bit.

This may, very well, be the bridge that unites Team Bourbon with Team Scotch.

I have to say I am a fan of what Liberty Pole has going on. Jim Hough keeps in contact and we are preparing to feature them in the November 15 issue of Bourbon Zeppelin in a cover story by Devin Shellhammer. Be sure to check it out as Devin tells the full story of everything going on at Liberty Pole Spirits.

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