Wildcatter Bourbon Review

This Wildcatter Bourbon is a bottle we picked up a few years back, and for some reason I am just getting around to opening it now. It was around $30 back then; pretty reasonable for an 8 year old bourbon. A quick search on Google shows that it goes for around $35 now at our local Total Wine, and it looks like the label has been revised. I did just find a bottle on sale for $25, so there are some deals out there.

Wildcatter
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
90 proof
8 years old
Bottled by Elite Brands of Fairfield, CA

This Wildcatter Bourbon is a bottle we picked up a few years back, and for some reason I am just getting around to opening it now. It was around $30 back then; pretty reasonable for an 8 year old bourbon. A quick search on Google shows that it goes for around $35 now at our local Total Wine, and it looks like the label has been revised. I did just find a bottle on sale for $25, so there are some deals out there.

There is not much information around about this bourbon except that it is an 8 year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and that it was bottled by Elite Brands in Fairfield, CA. We have no idea who in Kentucky distilled it. Honestly I can’t really match it up with a distillery, but if I had to guess, I would go with Buffalo Trace. It does have some of the flavors I associate with that distillery, and particularly with whiskeys like Ancient Age.

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Brand Background

There’s a little blurb on the label about how Wildcatter Bourbon was introduced in the early 1950’s by a William “Billy” Banks, who was a “Texas oil tycoon” “nicknamed ‘King of the Wildcatters'”. This bourbon is apparently a revival of that brand. It is not clear if this is a one shot venture or if it will be an enduring product. Since it is not listed on Elite Brands‘ website, and there actually doesn’t seem to be any Elite Brands in Fairfield, CA, I am guessing that when it’s gone, it’s gone.

Let’s taste it:

Wildcatter Bourbon is actually quite enjoyable. I was looking for something on the lighter side to sip outside on yesterday’s beautiful September afternoon. This bourbon packs plenty of caramel, honey, sweet, light green apples, honeydew and smokiness. Some of the reviews out there mention apricot, and I wouldn’t have said that myself, but I agree that it is in there. It’s an easy sipper that was exactly what I was looking for and a very pleasant surprise.

Stay safe you all. Cheers!🥃

Want to read about another interesting bourbon? Check out this post about Elijah Craig Beer Barrel Finish Bourbon.

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About the Editor: Ed Escott is truly "Bourbon Obsessed". He is the founder of Bourbon Obsessed, LLC, and an Executive Bourbon Steward of the Stave and Thief Society. In addition, he has authored and edited over 600 bourbon and other whiskey reviews, over 50 in-depth distillery write-ups, and many other related articles. He is on the board of the Kentucky Bourbon Influencers and a member of the Lexington Bourbon Society and the Bourbon Capital Guild. Last, but not least, Ed has attended many bourbon-related educational sessions, visited countless distilleries, and is on a never-ending quest to try every bourbon.

Prior to focusing solely on Bourbon Obsessed, Ed practiced in academic medicine for three decades. He most recently was a Professor at the University of Kentucky and served as Chief of the Division of Neuroradiology and Vice Chair For Faculty Mentoring, Development & Wellness of the Department of Radiology. He has extensive editorial experience in academic medical publication, and brings that same academic mindset to Bourbon Obsessed, which is a unique approach for a spirit-focused media company.

Ed can be found on social media on Instagram at @bourbon_obsessed and on Facebook at @BourbonObsessed

About the author: Ed Escott is truly "Bourbon Obsessed". He is the founder of Bourbon Obsessed, LLC, and an Executive Bourbon Steward of the Stave and Thief Society. In addition, he has authored and edited over 600 bourbon and other whiskey reviews, over 50 in-depth distillery write-ups, and many other related articles. He is on the board of the Kentucky Bourbon Influencers and a member of the Lexington Bourbon Society and the Bourbon Capital Guild. Last, but not least, Ed has attended many bourbon-related educational sessions, visited countless distilleries, and is on a never-ending quest to try every bourbon.

Prior to focusing solely on Bourbon Obsessed, Ed practiced in academic medicine for three decades. He most recently was a Professor at the University of Kentucky and served as Chief of the Division of Neuroradiology and Vice Chair For Faculty Mentoring, Development & Wellness of the Department of Radiology. He has extensive editorial experience in academic medical publication, and brings that same academic mindset to Bourbon Obsessed, which is a unique approach for a spirit-focused media company.

Ed can be found on social media on Instagram at @bourbon_obsessed and on Facebook at @BourbonObsessed

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