Blaum Bros. Distilling Co Straight Bourbon 750ML

Blaum Bros. Distilling Co Straight Bourbon 750ML is a 100-proof (50% ABV), small-batch straight bourbon whiskey distilled and aged in Galena, Illinois. Earned a B+ from Drinkhacker, this expression stands out among American craft bourbons for its non-chill-filtered bottling drawn from just eight barrels per batch.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 proof)  |  Origin: Galena, Illinois, USA  |  Minimum 4-Year Age Statement  |  Distillery: Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.

Production & Heritage

Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. operates out of Galena, Illinois, producing grain-to-glass spirits with a focus on local sourcing. The straight bourbon uses a mashbill of 72% corn, 23% rye, and 5% malted barley — all non-GMO grain sourced from a single Illinois farm. The distillate enters new 53-gallon charred oak barrels (air-dried 18 to 24 months before coopering) at 117.5 proof and ages a minimum of four years — a notable milestone for a craft-scale operation. Each small-batch release draws from only eight barrels, and the bourbon is bottled at 100 proof without chill filtration, preserving the full range of flavor compounds and body.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warm honey and roasted peach lead the nose, followed by apple, leather, and a layered backdrop of hickory smoke and vanilla extract. A subtle thread of wet oak and dried hay grounds the aromatics.

Taste: The entry is rich and immediately caramel-forward, transitioning into roasted peanut and dried orange at mid-palate. The 23% rye asserts itself with prominent clove, ginger, and cinnamon, while chocolate and vanilla weave through the heavier spice notes. At 100 proof, the mouthfeel carries real weight without overwhelming heat.

Finish: Medium-long, driven by wood spice, a touch of nutmeg, and a distinctive rye-bread dryness. The non-chill filtration contributes a lingering oily texture that holds flavor well past the swallow.

How to Drink Blaum Bros. Straight Bourbon

At 100 proof and non-chill filtered, this bourbon rewards neat sipping in a Glencairn or rocks glass — a few drops of water open up the peach and honey aromatics without diluting the spice. It also has enough backbone to anchor cocktails confidently. An Old Fashioned plays well with the caramel and cinnamon core. A Boulevardier leverages the rye-heavy spice against sweet vermouth and Campari. A Gold Rush (bourbon, honey syrup, lemon) amplifies the natural honey character already present on the nose.

Best For

• Craft bourbon enthusiasts exploring distilleries outside Kentucky
• Gifting to someone who values grain-to-glass production and local sourcing
• Building an Old Fashioned with a spice-driven, high-proof base
• Adding a distinctive Illinois bourbon to a home whiskey collection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Blaum Bros. Straight Bourbon taste like? It leads with rich caramel and roasted peanut, then pivots to pronounced rye spice — clove, ginger, cinnamon — with dried orange and chocolate undertones. The finish is warm, woody, and accented by nutmeg and rye bread.

How does Blaum Bros. Straight Bourbon compare to Knob Creek Small Batch? Both are bottled at 100 proof and use high-rye mashbills, but Blaum Bros. is a craft-distilled, non-chill-filtered small batch of only eight barrels using single-farm Illinois grain, while Knob Creek is a large-scale Kentucky production from Beam Suntory aged nine years. The Blaum Bros. expression tends toward more pronounced grain-forward and earthy spice character compared to Knob Creek's deeper oak and caramel profile.

Is Blaum Bros. Straight Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes — the 100-proof bottling and non-chill filtration deliver a full-bodied, oily texture that works well neat, and a small addition of water brings out the softer honey and fruit notes.

Where is Blaum Bros. Straight Bourbon made? It is distilled, aged, and bottled at Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. in Galena, Illinois. The non-GMO corn and rye are sourced from a single farm within the state.

What foods pair well with Blaum Bros. Straight Bourbon? Smoked pork ribs complement the hickory and spice notes. Dark chocolate mirrors the chocolate and cinnamon on the palate. Aged cheddar or Gruyère balances the bourbon's caramel sweetness. Pecan pie echoes the roasted-nut character. Cornbread with honey butter ties back into the grain-forward profile and honey aromatics.

What sizes does Blaum Bros. Straight Bourbon come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Blaum Bros. Straight Bourbon worth the price? It positions as a premium craft bourbon, priced above mainstream 100-proof options but justified by its grain-to-glass production, single-farm sourcing, non-chill filtration, and limited eight-barrel batches — factors that appeal to drinkers who prioritize provenance and small-scale production.

Why Blaum Bros. Straight Bourbon?

This is a genuine grain-to-glass bourbon at a proof point that commands attention — every step from sourcing non-GMO Illinois grain to aging in air-dried oak barrels for at least four years happens under one roof in Galena. The decision to skip chill filtration and bottle at barrel-entry strength preserves a textural richness that many larger producers filter out. Eight-barrel batches keep each release tight and traceable. For drinkers seeking a well-made American bourbon with a clear identity beyond Kentucky's borders, the Blaum Bros. Straight Bourbon delivers a spice-forward, full-bodied pour that earns its place on merit.