Savage And Cooke Guero 17 Year Bourbon

Savage And Cooke Guero 17 Year Bourbon is a 750ml, 108-proof (54% ABV) barrel-strength whiskey aged seventeen years and bottled unfiltered and uncut. Limited to just 900 cases, this ultra-rare release comes from a distillery named Bourbon Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 54% (108 Proof)  |  Origin: Mare Island, California / Tennessee  |  17 Year Age Statement  |  Distillery: Savage & Cooke

Production & Heritage

Savage & Cooke operates from historic Mare Island, California, situated between Napa Valley and San Francisco. The liquid in Guero 17 Year was distilled at Tennessee's Cascade Hollow Distillery and built on a mashbill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. The whiskey underwent a distinctive dual-aging journey—maturing first in Tennessee before being transported to Savage & Cooke's California facility for further aging, where the warmer climate and maritime air contribute additional character. Bottled unfiltered and at barrel strength, only 900 cases were produced, making this one of the more scarce aged American whiskeys on the market.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with an enticing bouquet of caramel, toffee, and vanilla before layering into dried fruit and rich, seasoned oak. Baking spices—cinnamon and nutmeg in particular—add warmth and complexity beneath that deep barrel-aged sweetness.

Taste: The entry is voluptuous and full-bodied, delivering waves of dark chocolate, honey, and ripe stone fruit including cherries and plums. At mid-palate, exotic baking spices build alongside the caramel backbone, and the 108-proof strength carries each flavor with a velvety, coating mouthfeel rather than aggressive heat.

Finish: Long and deeply satisfying, with sweetness and spice in near-perfect equilibrium that lingers well after each sip. Oak tannins and traces of dark chocolate hold the final note, fading gradually into warm vanilla.

How to Drink Guero 17 Year

At barrel strength and 17 years of age, this whiskey rewards patient sipping—neat in a Glencairn glass is the definitive way to experience its full complexity. A few drops of water open the nose further and soften the proof without diminishing depth. In cocktails, the concentrated flavor profile stands up remarkably well: an Old Fashioned highlights the caramel and baking spice core; a Boulevardier pairs the dark chocolate and cherry notes with sweet vermouth and Campari's bitterness; and a Whiskey Sour allows the honey and vanilla richness to balance against fresh citrus.

Best For

• Gifting a serious whiskey collector who values age statements and limited releases
• Celebrating a milestone occasion where rarity matches the moment
• Side-by-side tastings comparing Tennessee-origin and Kentucky bourbon aging profiles
• Adding a conversation-starting bottle to a curated home bar

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Guero 17 Year taste like? It leads with rich caramel, dark chocolate, and honey, supported by baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and a distinct ripe cherry and plum fruitiness. The mouthfeel is velvety and full-bodied at barrel strength, finishing long with balanced sweetness and oak.

How does Guero 17 Year compare to Eagle Rare 17 Year Old? Both are 17-year-aged whiskeys with extremely limited availability and strong collector demand. Eagle Rare 17 is part of Buffalo Trace's annual Antique Collection released once per year, while Guero 17 Year is limited to 900 cases and features a unique dual-aging process between Tennessee and California.

Is Guero 17 Year good for sipping neat? Absolutely—its barrel-strength bottling and 17 years of aging produce a layered, complex whiskey that reveals new details with every sip. A few drops of water can help open it up for those who prefer a slightly lower proof.

Where is Guero 17 Year made? The whiskey was distilled at Cascade Hollow Distillery in Tennessee and then further aged at Savage & Cooke's facility on Mare Island, California, a former naval shipyard situated between Napa Valley and San Francisco.

What foods pair well with Guero 17 Year? Slow-smoked brisket complements the deep oak and spice; dark chocolate truffles mirror the cocoa notes on the palate; aged Gouda or Comté cheeses match the caramel sweetness; pecan pie echoes the vanilla and nutmeg warmth; and dried fruit and nut boards align with the whiskey's stone-fruit character.

What sizes does Guero 17 Year come in? Savage & Cooke Guero 17 Year is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Guero 17 Year worth the price? Guero 17 Year positions as an ultra-premium, limited-production expression—only 900 cases exist—placing it among the most exclusive aged American whiskeys available. Its 17-year age statement, barrel-strength proof, and unfiltered bottling provide genuine substance behind the price tier.

Why Guero 17 Year?

What sets this release apart starts with its dual-aging journey: distilled at Tennessee's Cascade Hollow and finished on California's Mare Island, creating a flavor profile shaped by two distinct climates. At 17 years old, unfiltered, and bottled at a full 108 proof, nothing has been stripped or diluted from the liquid. With production capped at 900 cases and Savage & Cooke holding the title of Bourbon Distillery of the Year from the New York International Spirits Competition, this bottle carries both verifiable pedigree and genuine scarcity—qualities that make it a standout in the aged American whiskey category.