Freeland Bourbon 750ML

Freeland Bourbon 750ML is an MGP-distilled, Oregon-finished bourbon bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) in a 750ml format. Scored 94 points by Wine Enthusiast and awarded Gold medals at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge, this expression stands apart from the crowded MGP-sourced bourbon field thanks to a distinctive five-month finish in Elk Cove Pinot Noir barrels from Oregon's Willamette Valley.

Quick Facts: ABV: 46% (92 Proof)  |  Origin: Portland, Oregon  |  Pinot Noir Barrel-Finished  |  Distillery: Freeland Spirits (finished) / MGP (distilled)

Production & Heritage

Freeland Spirits, based in Portland, Oregon, sources its bourbon distillate from MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana — one of the most prolific contract distilleries in American whiskey. The mashbill is 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malted barley, a classic high-rye profile that delivers structure and spice. What transforms this bourbon into something distinctly Pacific Northwest is the finishing step: after initial maturation, the whiskey spends five months in used Pinot Noir barrels from Elk Cove Vineyards, a respected Willamette Valley winery. That secondary maturation layers fruit-driven complexity onto the bourbon's caramel-and-grain backbone, resulting in a profile that bridges Kentucky tradition and Oregon terroir.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Toffee and orange marmalade lead, followed by smoked pecan and a thread of warm clove. The Pinot Noir barrel influence emerges as a subtle berry sweetness beneath the classic bourbon aromatics.

Taste: The entry is rounded and smooth, opening with soft caramel and baked berries. Mid-palate, vanilla bean and cocoa emerge alongside dried fig and fruit leather. The rye component asserts itself toward the peak with a measured wave of baking spice and dark cherry.

Finish: Long and velvety, trailing off with clove, black pepper, and a lingering note of dark fruit. The texture stays plush without turning heavy, reflecting the moderate 92-proof bottling strength.

How to Drink Freeland Bourbon

At 46% ABV, Freeland Bourbon drinks comfortably neat or with a single ice cube that gradually opens the berry and cocoa notes. A few drops of water can coax out additional fruit sweetness from the Pinot Noir finish. For cocktails, the wine-barrel character adds unexpected dimension: try it in a Manhattan, where the dark cherry and fig notes harmonize naturally with sweet vermouth; in an Old Fashioned, where the toffee and spice core holds up against bitters and citrus; or in a Boulevardier, where the berry-laced finish complements Campari's bitter-orange edge.

Best For

• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who appreciates wine-barrel finishing
• Side-by-side tastings comparing MGP-sourced bourbons with different finishing treatments
• After-dinner sipping alongside a cheese or charcuterie board
• Introducing wine drinkers to bourbon through a familiar flavor bridge

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Freeland Bourbon taste like? Freeland Bourbon leads with soft caramel and baked berries, moving into vanilla bean, cocoa, and dried fig, and finishing long with clove and black pepper. The Elk Cove Pinot Noir barrel finish adds a velvety dark-fruit layer uncommon in standard bourbon.

How does Freeland Bourbon compare to Belle Meade Bourbon? Both are blended from MGP distillate with a similar high-rye mashbill, but Freeland distinguishes itself with a five-month Pinot Noir barrel finish that adds pronounced berry and fig notes. Belle Meade's flagship expression leans more toward classic caramel-and-oak bourbon character without wine-barrel influence.

Is Freeland Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes — the 46% ABV provides enough intensity to carry the layered fruit and spice notes without excessive heat, and its velvety texture makes it a rewarding neat pour.

Where is Freeland Bourbon made? The bourbon is distilled at MGP's facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then shipped to Freeland Spirits in Portland, Oregon, where it is finished in Elk Cove Pinot Noir barrels, blended, and bottled.

What foods pair well with Freeland Bourbon? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and berry notes; aged Gouda echoes the caramel sweetness; smoked duck or pork belly mirrors the pecan-smoke aromatics; fig and walnut crostini parallel the dried-fruit character; and berry-topped desserts like blackberry cobbler amplify the Pinot Noir finish.

What sizes does Freeland Bourbon come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle at 46% ABV (92 proof).

Is Freeland Bourbon worth the price? Freeland Bourbon positions as a premium expression within the MGP-sourced bourbon category, and its 94-point Wine Enthusiast rating and dual Gold medals validate the quality. The Pinot Noir barrel finish adds a layer of complexity that justifies the step up from entry-level bourbon pricing.

Why Freeland Bourbon?

The defining move here is the Elk Cove Pinot Noir barrel finish — a production choice that grafts genuine Willamette Valley character onto a proven MGP bourbon base. That finishing step earned this bottle a 94-point score from Wine Enthusiast and Gold medals at two major competitions, placing it among the most decorated MGP-sourced bourbons available. While dozens of brands bottle MGP distillate, few manipulate the final flavor profile with this much regional specificity. For drinkers interested in how terroir-driven wine barrels can reshape American whiskey, Freeland Bourbon is a compelling and well-executed case study.