Review: Edmond’s Honor Vanilla Bourbon
Review: Edmond’s Honor Vanilla Bourbon
Per the producer of Edmond’s Honor: “Off the coast of Madagascar, on a small island of Bourbon (known today as Reunion) began the extraordinary tale of Edmond Albius, an untrained prodigy, who centuries ago, unlocked the secret to manually pollinating vanilla. At only twelve years old his natural curiosity transformed vanilla into a coveted world treasure and established a hand pollinating tradition that endures to this day.”
Albius’ method involved using a blade of grass to transfer pollen from the male part of the flower to the female, enabling successful cultivation outside its natural pollinator range. This innovation by Albius revolutionized vanilla production, allowing for the large-scale farming of vanilla which previously wasn’t possible. Shockingly, nearly all vanilla is still pollinated by hand.
Edmond’s Honor Vanilla Bourbon, a newly released bourbon named for Albius, is a straight bourbon finished in ex-Cognac casks that previously held pure Madagascar vanilla extract and then enhanced with pure vanilla essence. It is blended by beloved industry fixture and distiller Tracie Franklin.
The description and story behind this bourbon is intriguing, but now it’s time to taste.
Edmond’s Honor Vanilla Bourbon Review
The nose is rich and full of plenty of aromas to unpack. Initially, the nose delivers what you expect from a straight bourbon: sweetness, some brown sugar, and hints of biscuits. The more I nosed this bourbon, the more the vanilla is coming into the fold. It’s more of an earthy aroma than a floral aroma, which is unexpected. Sweet grapes and citrus linger in the background. I began nosing this bourbon in a wide mouth glass first and changed to a Glencairn, where more caramel and honey is coming forward, which is a happy addition.
On the first sip, a warm full mouthfeel with rich sweet flavors is present right away. The sweetness is in balance. This does not taste like a flavored bourbon, more like a finished bourbon, which is great. Like the nose, the flavors unfold gradually; some are initially subtle, becoming more pronounced in the finish. The vanilla is present throughout each sip, but just like the nose, it’s in concert with all the other flavors present in this expression. The flavors from the Cognac casks clearly add richness to the overall flavors by adding fruit and citrus notes. Candied nuts and creamy texture come in waves on the finish with hints of soft baking spices. The flavors leave a really pleasant taste in my mouth and I’m curious for the next sip. Juicy oranges come to the party after three or four sips, as well as warm honey and more earthy vanilla beans.
This is an overall easy to drink bourbon with plenty of complexity for aficionados. The well-blended cask finish and a hint of essence impart these flavors into the overall character of this expression. Even at just 86 proof, unless your palate is dead, this flavor-forward bourbon has a welcoming profile.
86 proof.
B+ / $55
Edmond's Honor Vanilla Bourbon
USD55
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