{"title":"Straight Edge","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"straight-edge-bourbon-750ml","title":"Straight Edge Bourbon 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStraight Edge Bourbon 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Cabernet Sauvignon barrel-finished bourbon bottled at 42% ABV (84 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Created by Dave Phinney — the winemaker behind Orin Swift Cellars — this expression bridges the worlds of Napa Valley winemaking and American whiskey through a distinctive secondary maturation in Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 42% (84 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, Tennessee \u0026amp; California, USA  |  Blend of 5, 7 \u0026amp; 8-Year-Old Bourbons  |  Producer: Splinter Group Spirits\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStraight Edge is produced by Splinter Group Spirits, the spirits venture of Dave Phinney, who first made his name with the acclaimed Orin Swift wine label in Napa Valley. The bourbon itself is a blend of 5, 7, and 8-year-old whiskeys sourced from Kentucky and Tennessee, built on a mashbill of approximately 70% corn with a balance of rye and wheat. After initial aging, the blended bourbon is finished for four to five months in used Orin Swift Cellars Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon barrels — the same casks that held one of Phinney's most sought-after Napa reds. The water used in proofing is sourced from three aquifers high in the hills of Alexander Valley at over 2,000 feet elevation, adding another layer of provenance to an already unconventional production process.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brown sugar and maple lead the nose, followed by caramelized oak, exotic spices, and a thread of orange peel. A subtle campfire smokiness sits beneath, giving the aromatics unexpected depth for a bourbon at this proof.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is velvety and rich, immediately delivering intense caramel and honey. At mid-palate, brown baking spices expand alongside toasty vanilla and dried fruit — a clear signature of the Cabernet barrel finishing. The mouthfeel is notably silky, with the wine cask influence providing a tannic backbone that adds structure without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Persistent and focused, the finish carries dried fruit, smoky campfire embers, and lingering oak well beyond what the 84 proof might suggest. A subtle red-fruit sweetness from the wine barrels bookends the experience cleanly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Straight Edge\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeat or with a single ice cube is the most rewarding approach, as the wine-barrel complexity reveals itself gradually at room temperature. The lower proof makes it immediately approachable without water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBoulevardier:\u003c\/strong\u003e The dried-fruit and caramel notes stand up well against Campari's bitterness, creating a richer, more layered version of this classic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e The inherent sweetness and spice need minimal sugar, letting the Cabernet-barrel character shine through with just a dash of Angostura bitters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManhattan:\u003c\/strong\u003e The wine-finished profile adds complementary dried-fruit depth alongside sweet vermouth rather than competing with it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWine enthusiasts exploring bourbon for the first time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a whiskey drinker who values unusual barrel finishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside a cheese course or dark chocolate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide-by-side tastings comparing wine-finished American whiskeys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Straight Edge taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Straight Edge delivers intense caramel, honey, and brown baking spices with a distinctive dried-fruit and toasty vanilla character drawn from its Cabernet Sauvignon barrel finish. The mouthfeel is silky smooth with a persistent, smoky finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Straight Edge compare to Angel's Envy?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are wine-barrel-finished bourbons, but Angel's Envy uses port barrels while Straight Edge uses Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from Orin Swift Cellars, resulting in a drier, more tannic red-fruit influence rather than the sweeter, richer port-driven profile of Angel's Envy. Straight Edge also blends bourbons from both Kentucky and Tennessee, whereas Angel's Envy is a Kentucky-only product.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Straight Edge good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — at 84 proof it is immediately approachable neat, and the wine-barrel complexity rewards slow, attentive sipping without requiring dilution.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Straight Edge made?\u003c\/strong\u003e The base bourbons are distilled in Kentucky and Tennessee, then blended and finished in used Orin Swift Cellars Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon barrels by Splinter Group Spirits, Dave Phinney's California-based spirits operation. The water used for proofing comes from aquifers at over 2,000 feet elevation in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Straight Edge?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged cheddar or Gruyère complement the caramel and oak notes; dark chocolate mirrors the dried-fruit character from the Cabernet barrels; grilled stone fruits like peaches echo the bourbon's inherent sweetness; smoked brisket or barbecue ribs match the campfire undertones; and charcuterie boards with fig jam bridge the wine and whiskey elements together.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Straight Edge come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Straight Edge Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Straight Edge worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Straight Edge positions as a mid-premium bourbon, competing in the wine-barrel-finished category where its use of specific, high-pedigree Cabernet Sauvignon casks from a named winery offers clear provenance that many competitors at a similar tier do not provide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Straight Edge?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Straight Edge from the growing field of wine-finished bourbons is the specificity of its barrels — these are not generic wine casks but used Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from one of Napa Valley's most recognized small-production wine labels. Dave Phinney's dual expertise in winemaking and spirits blending means the barrel selection and finishing duration are guided by someone who understands both sides of the equation. The blend of three distinct age statements (5, 7, and 8 years) from two different states creates a base bourbon with enough complexity to absorb and integrate the wine influence rather than being overwhelmed by it. For drinkers who find standard bourbon profiles predictable, Straight Edge represents a genuinely different direction rooted in verifiable craft rather than marketing novelty.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Straight Edge","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837327667369,"sku":"27373","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/straight_edge_bourbon__21304.jpg?v=1730479607"},{"product_id":"straight-edge-private-barrel-blend-bourbon-750ml","title":"Straight Edge Private Barrel Blend Bourbon 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStraight Edge Private Barrel Blend Bourbon 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 42% ABV blend of Kentucky and Tennessee bourbons finished in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. What distinguishes this expression is its secondary maturation in Mercury Head barrels — the same oak used for Splinter Group's premium Cabernet Sauvignon — which layers dark fruit and wine-barrel complexity onto a traditional bourbon foundation. The Whiskey Wash scored it 86\/100, and Whisky Connosr reviewer @Victor rated it 89\/100.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 42% (84 Proof)  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California (sourced from Kentucky \u0026amp; Tennessee)  |  Blend of 5, 7, and 8-Year-Old Bourbons  |  Producer: Splinter Group Spirits\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSplinter Group Spirits operates as a non-distilling producer based in Napa Valley. The bourbon itself is sourced from Kentucky and Tennessee distilleries and built from a mashbill of 70% corn, 17% rye, and 13% malted barley. The component whiskeys — aged five, seven, and eight years — are blended and then finished at the Splinter Group facility in Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, adding a wine-cask dimension rarely found in American whiskey. Originally aged at 124 proof, the spirit is proofed down to 84 using water drawn from aquifers at over 2,000 feet elevation in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brown sugar and maple lead, followed by caramelized oak, orange peel, and exotic baking spices. A faint campfire smokiness sits underneath, adding depth without dominating.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is big and mouth-filling, with rich caramel and dark fruit — blackberry and currant — arriving immediately. Mid-palate brings warm rye spice and honey, while the Cabernet barrel influence weaves in a juicy, tannic undercurrent that sets it apart from standard bourbon profiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long and smooth, closing with toasted oak, residual wine-barrel sweetness, and a honeyed warmth. The Cabernet cask echoes clearly at the end, leaving dried dark fruit and subtle vanilla.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Straight Edge Bourbon\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 84 proof, Straight Edge drinks well neat or over a single large ice cube, which opens up the wine-barrel fruit notes without diluting the caramel core. It also works in cocktails that benefit from its fruit-forward profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManhattan:\u003c\/strong\u003e The dark fruit and oak from the Cabernet finish complement sweet vermouth naturally, reducing the need for heavy bitters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBoulevardier:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blackberry and currant notes stand up to Campari's bitterness and add a wine-like richness to the drink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e The inherent sweetness and soft proof allow a lighter hand with simple syrup, letting the barrel character lead.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWine enthusiasts exploring bourbon through a familiar flavor lens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to someone who appreciates Napa Valley wine culture and craft spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or cheese\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a home bar focused on wine-finished American whiskeys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Straight Edge Bourbon taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers a rich, fruit-forward bourbon profile anchored by caramel, honey, and brown spice, with distinctive dark fruit notes — blackberry and currant — contributed by the Cabernet Sauvignon barrel finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Straight Edge Bourbon compare to Big Bottom Bourbon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are sourced bourbons finished in wine barrels, but Straight Edge uses specifically Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon casks and blends three age statements (5, 7, and 8 years), while Big Bottom has offered finishes in a wider variety of wine barrel types including Zinfandel and port. Straight Edge tends toward a darker fruit profile with more tannic structure from the Cabernet oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Straight Edge Bourbon good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the lower 84 proof and velvety texture make it approachable neat, and drinking it without ice allows the full spectrum of wine-barrel fruit and caramel to come through.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Straight Edge Bourbon made?\u003c\/strong\u003e The bourbon is distilled and initially aged in Kentucky and Tennessee, then shipped to Splinter Group Spirits' facility in Napa Valley, California, where it is finished in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels and proofed with Alexander Valley spring water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Straight Edge Bourbon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles match the berry and caramel sweetness. Aged Gouda or sharp cheddar contrast the wine-barrel fruit. Grilled lamb chops echo the oak and spice. Dried fig and walnut crostini complement the currant notes. Berry-based desserts like blackberry cobbler mirror the Cabernet finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Straight Edge Bourbon come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is the 750ml bottle at 84 proof.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Straight Edge Bourbon worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a mid-range bourbon that delivers a distinctive wine-barrel finish using premium Cabernet Sauvignon casks, a multi-age blend, and careful proofing — offering notable complexity relative to its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Straight Edge Bourbon?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining feature here is the Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon barrel finish, which introduces a dark fruit and tannic complexity that most bourbon drinkers simply will not find in a standard Kentucky or Tennessee expression. Blending three distinct age statements — five, seven, and eight years — adds layered depth that a single-barrel sourced product rarely achieves. The decision to proof down from 124 to 84 using high-altitude Alexander Valley spring water shows an intentional approach to texture and drinkability. For anyone drawn to the intersection of American whiskey and Napa Valley winemaking, Straight Edge occupies a narrow and genuinely interesting lane.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Straight Edge","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837817974953,"sku":"32650","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Straight-Edge-Private-Barrel-Blend-Bourbon__85437_lb_logo.webp?v=1731864429"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/straight-edge.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}