Categories: Bourbon whiskey

Slate Blended Bourbon Whiskey


To kick of Bourbon Heritage month, I try a Slate blended bourbon whiskey. This one is a budget bourbon again. And after my last two budget bourbon experiments, I attempt this one with some level of trepidation.

I tried both the Heaven Hill Old Style and the Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon and needless to say, they will be part of our collection for a long time to come. Finishing the bottles will be difficult unless I start making bourbon-based cocktails in bulk.

I found the Slate bourbon in one of the smaller bottle stores that I visit. The amount of information on this brand, distillery, age and origin is so limited that I needed to scroll to the 4th page on Google before finding anything worthwhile; let’s just say, I have a few antacid ready next to my tasting glass, just for in case.

But before I get to the tasting, here is a bit of the info that I found on Slate blended bourbon. According to the marketing spiel:

“… Slate is known as one of the smoothest bourbons on the market. Silky, smoky and sweet it is great neat over ice or if you would rather, mixed with cola.”

My research indicated that Slate blended bourbon is a Diageo new style product launched in Australia (and South Africa) to test the market before launching globally.

Slate Blended bourbon is blended in Chicago from various bourbons to create a smoother mouthfeel. There is also a Slate ’20 version, which is a ‘ready to drink’ alcopop blend of Slate bourbon, lime and ginger. (Only available in the UK as far as I can see)

Slate ‘20 takes its name from the blended bourbon used in the recipe, which is sourced from the Four Roses distillery in the US. The ’20 refers to 1920 when bourbon was first distilled in Chicago.

In SA, the Slate blended bourbon retails for around R200 ($14). After all of that, let’s try this blended bourbon and see.

Also Read: Bourbon Coffee

Slate Blended Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: A dark golden colour.

NOSE: Subtle with cereal and caramel, oak and vanilla notes.

PALATE: Smooth, spicy vanilla, honey sweetness and oak. Medium body bourbon that is not very complex. Easy drinking. Adding water enhances the sweetness and it becomes almost too sweet.

FINISH: Medium length finish which ends in sweet caramel notes.

RATING: VERY GOOD

It does not give me heartburn, and it is undoubtedly better than the Heaven Hill Old Style and the Evan Williams bourbon. Having said that, it will not win any major prizes.

It is supposed to taste like “real old Chicago bourbon”… I am not sure if there is anyone who still knows what “Real Old Chicago bourbon” tasted like, so I take their word for it.

Has anyone tried this bourbon before?

Also ReadKoval Bourbon Single Barrel


Jeannette Wentzel

View Comments

Recent Posts

Remy Martin XO Cognac

Let's change things up. This past weekend, we celebrated a special memory by opening some…

2 weeks ago

Loch Lomond Steam and Fire Whisky

Continuing with my notes from the Loch Lomond distillery visit, I'm diving into the Loch…

3 weeks ago

Chivas Regal 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky

Chivas Regal 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old whisky: a battle of two iconic drams.…

1 month ago

Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla Edition whisky

My husband John is a frequent traveller. Recently, he brought home the Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla…

1 month ago

White Horse Blended Scotch Whisky

Over the years, I have explored a variety of affordable whiskies, including releases from India…

2 months ago

Dewar’s White Label vs Famous Grouse Whisky

Looking around my whisky room, I was in the mood for an uncomplicated side-by-side comparison.…

2 months ago