J. Henry & Sons Small Batch Bourbon 750ML

J. Henry & Sons Small Batch Bourbon 750ML is a Wisconsin-made four-grain bourbon bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV) in a 750ml bottle. Earning a 90/100 score from The Whiskey Wash, this expression stands apart through its use of heirloom red corn originally developed at the University of Wisconsin in 1939 — grains grown exclusively by the Henry family and unavailable to any other distiller in the world.

Quick Facts: ABV: 46% (92 proof)  |  Origin: Dane, Wisconsin, USA  |  Small Batch (16 barrels)  |  Distillery: Contract distilled at 45th Parallel Distillery; aged on Henry Family Farm

Production & Heritage

The Henry family farm in Dane, Wisconsin serves as both grain source and aging facility for this bourbon. The spirit is contract distilled at 45th Parallel Distillery in New Richmond, Wisconsin, using a proprietary four-grain mashbill of 64% heirloom Wisconsin red corn, 14% Spooner rye, 14% Glacier winter wheat, and 8% malted barley — all heirloom varieties. Barrels are then transported to the Henry farm and aged in a converted dairy barn where uncontrolled temperatures expose the bourbon to extreme Wisconsin seasonal swings, from sub-zero winters to humid summers, driving aggressive interaction between spirit and wood. Each batch is limited to just 16 barrels, making this a genuinely small-batch production.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with crème brûlée and vanilla before giving way to sweet cornmeal and a subtle grassiness. Deeper notes of oak, milk chocolate, and warm cherry muffin emerge as the glass opens up.

Taste: The entry is creamy and custard-like, with brioche and butterscotch meeting a soft spice backbone. The mid-palate develops toffee and peach cobbler qualities, while cracked black pepper and a vegetal freshness — reminiscent of jalapeño honey cornbread — build toward the peak. Lemon and orange citrus notes weave through the richer flavors.

Finish: Medium-long, with lingering toffee, dried fruit, and a gentle warmth from the rye and wheat. Oak and cinnamon fade slowly alongside a trace of honey sweetness.

How to Drink J. Henry Small Batch

Neat or with a few drops of water is the ideal starting point; the 92-proof strength holds up well with a single ice cube without losing complexity. An Old Fashioned is a natural fit, where the bourbon's butterscotch and citrus notes complement the cocktail's structure. A Bourbon Smash benefits from the heirloom corn's inherent sweetness and the expression's herbal undertones. For cooler months, a Hot Toddy draws out the honey and cinnamon qualities on the finish.

Best For

• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values unique grain-to-glass stories
• Side-by-side tastings comparing craft regional bourbons against Kentucky standards
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert courses
• Adding a conversation-starting bottle to a home bar collection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does J. Henry Small Batch taste like? It delivers a creamy, custard-forward profile with butterscotch, toffee, and peach cobbler, balanced by cracked black pepper and a gentle herbal spice from its rye and wheat components. The heirloom red corn gives it a distinctly sweet, almost cornbread-like character not found in typical bourbon.

How does J. Henry Small Batch compare to Wilderness Trail bourbon? Both are well-regarded craft bourbons that prioritize proper barrel aging over speed to market, but J. Henry distinguishes itself with a four-grain mashbill featuring exclusive heirloom grains, while Wilderness Trail uses a more traditional two-grain approach with sweet mash fermentation in Kentucky. The Wisconsin climate aging also produces a different flavor profile than Kentucky's milder temperature cycles.

Is J. Henry Small Batch good for sipping neat? At 92 proof, it strikes a strong balance between flavor intensity and approachability, making it well-suited for neat sipping. The creamy mouthfeel and layered sweetness reward slow, contemplative drinking.

Where is J. Henry Small Batch made? The bourbon is contract distilled at 45th Parallel Distillery in New Richmond, Wisconsin, then aged on the Henry family farm in Dane, Wisconsin, in a converted dairy barn exposed to the state's dramatic seasonal temperature swings.

What foods pair well with J. Henry Small Batch? Smoked pork belly or pulled pork complements the bourbon's caramel sweetness. Sharp aged cheddar highlights the oak and spice notes. Pecan pie echoes the toffee and nut character. Cornbread with honey butter mirrors the heirloom corn profile. Dark chocolate truffles pair well with the milk chocolate and vanilla on the nose.

What sizes does J. Henry Small Batch come in? The standard offering is the 750ml bottle at 92 proof.

Is J. Henry Small Batch worth the price? J. Henry positions as a premium craft bourbon, priced above mass-market labels but justified by its exclusive heirloom grain sourcing, 16-barrel batch sizes, and unique barn-aging process. For drinkers who value provenance and distinctive regional character over brand recognition, it represents strong value within the artisan bourbon tier.

Why J. Henry Small Batch?

The defining differentiator here is the heirloom red corn — a 1939 University of Wisconsin variety that no other distillery in the world has access to. That singular grain, combined with the four-grain mashbill and the wild temperature extremes of an unheated Wisconsin dairy barn, produces a bourbon that genuinely tastes unlike anything coming out of Kentucky or Indiana. The Whiskey Wash's 90-point score validates what the production story suggests: this is a craft bourbon built on agricultural substance rather than marketing. With batches limited to 16 barrels, each release carries a scarcity and intentionality that rewards those willing to explore beyond the bourbon mainstream.