Traverse City Straight Bourbon XXX Whiskey 750ML

Traverse City Straight Bourbon XXX Whiskey 750ML is a four-year-old straight bourbon from Traverse City, Michigan, bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Its high-rye mashbill and aging in northern Michigan's dramatically shifting climate give it a character that stands apart from the typical Kentucky-distilled competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43% (86 Proof)  |  Origin: Traverse City, Michigan, USA  |  4 Years Old  |  Distillery: Traverse City Whiskey Co.

Production & Heritage

Traverse City Whiskey Co. operates out of Traverse City, Michigan, a region better known for its cherry orchards and vineyards than its distilling tradition. The bourbon uses a mashbill of 71% corn, 25% rye, and 4% malted barley — a rye percentage high enough to push noticeable spice into the profile. The liquid is a blend of whiskey distilled in-house and sourced from MGP of Indiana, then aged for four years in new charred American oak barrels. What makes the aging process distinctive is Michigan's climate: winters averaging around 20°F and summers reaching 80°F create aggressive expansion and contraction cycles in the barrel, pulling the whiskey deeper into the wood and extracting flavor more dynamically than more temperate climates. The distillery's proximity to the barrels also allows for more frequent monitoring and sampling during maturation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with sweet corn and vanilla before moving into aged honey and warm cedar. Citrus peel — orange and lemon — floats beneath a layer of gentle baking spice.

Taste: The entry is soft and approachable, led by caramel and brown sugar with a praline-like sweetness. At mid-palate, the 25% rye asserts itself with mild cherry, lemon brightness, and grassy undertones. A fruity undercurrent of blackberry emerges toward the peak, balancing the grain-forward sweetness.

Finish: Medium in length with a light texture, tapering into spicy cinnamon and the faintest echo of bananas foster. It closes clean without excessive heat, appropriate for the 86-proof strength.

How to Drink Traverse City Bourbon XXX

At 86 proof, this bourbon drinks comfortably neat or with a single ice cube, which opens the honey and caramel notes without drowning the rye spice. It also works well in cocktails where a lighter, fruit-forward bourbon is an asset.

• Old Fashioned: The caramel and cherry notes complement bitters and orange peel naturally, requiring minimal sweetener.
• Whiskey Sour: The lemon and fruity character in the bourbon pairs seamlessly with fresh citrus juice.
• Boulevardier: The rye spice holds its own against Campari's bitterness and sweet vermouth, keeping the drink balanced.

Best For

• Introducing a craft bourbon enthusiast to Michigan whiskey
• Everyday sipping for drinkers who prefer approachable, lower-proof bourbons
• Building a home bar rotation alongside Kentucky standards for regional contrast
• Mixing classic bourbon cocktails where subtle fruit notes add complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Traverse City Bourbon XXX taste like? It leads with caramel, vanilla, and brown sugar sweetness before rye spice introduces cherry and citrus at mid-palate. The finish is medium-length with cinnamon warmth and a clean, lightly fruity fade.

How does Traverse City Bourbon XXX compare to Bulleit Bourbon? Both carry higher-than-average rye content in their mashbills, giving them more spice than corn-heavy bourbons, but Traverse City skews sweeter and lighter at 86 proof compared to Bulleit's 90 proof. Bulleit also has a drier, more oak-dominant profile, while Traverse City leans into honey and fruit.

Is Traverse City Bourbon XXX good for sipping neat? Yes — the 86-proof bottling strength keeps the alcohol heat manageable, and the vanilla-caramel sweetness makes it approachable without water or ice. It suits drinkers who prefer a gentler bourbon experience.

Where is Traverse City Bourbon XXX made? It is produced by Traverse City Whiskey Co. in Traverse City, Michigan, located in the northwestern Lower Peninsula. The whiskey is a blend of in-house distillate and bourbon sourced from MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, aged in Michigan's extreme seasonal climate.

What foods pair well with Traverse City Bourbon XXX? Smoked pulled pork benefits from the bourbon's caramel sweetness cutting through the fat. Pecan pie mirrors its praline and brown sugar notes. Sharp cheddar provides a savory contrast to the honey character. Grilled stone fruit like peaches echoes the cherry and blackberry undertones. Dark chocolate with sea salt amplifies the vanilla and spice finish.

What sizes does Traverse City Bourbon XXX come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format from Traverse City Whiskey Co.

Is Traverse City Bourbon XXX worth the price? It positions in the mid-range craft bourbon tier, sitting above bottom-shelf standards but below allocated or limited-release bottles. For a four-year age-stated bourbon with a transparent mashbill and regional character, it represents reasonable value within the growing Michigan craft whiskey category.

Why Traverse City Bourbon XXX?

Michigan is not the first state most drinkers associate with bourbon, and that unfamiliarity is part of what makes this bottle interesting. The four-year age statement is a mark of transparency in a craft category where many producers avoid disclosing age, and the 71/25/4 mashbill delivers a rye-forward spice profile that gives the bourbon more complexity than its modest proof might suggest. The extreme seasonal temperature swings in northern Michigan accelerate barrel interaction in a way that produces a distinctive sweetness and depth for a relatively young whiskey. For anyone looking to explore American bourbon beyond the Kentucky and Indiana corridor, this is a credible regional entry point with enough character to justify repeated pours.