Temperance Trader Bourbon 750ML

Temperance Trader Bourbon 750ML is a high-rye bourbon whiskey bottled at 42% ABV (84 proof) in a 750ml format, blended in Oregon by Bull Run Distilling Company. This expression earned a Double Gold Medal at the ADI International Spirits Competition, and its distinctive production involves proofing with water drawn from Portland's protected Bull Run Watershed — a detail that separates it from other sourced Indiana bourbons on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 42% (84 Proof)  |  Origin: Oregon / Indiana, USA  |  Aged 4-6 Years  |  Distillery: Bull Run Distilling Company

Production & Heritage

Bull Run Distilling Company operates out of Portland, Oregon, and sources its bourbon distillate from Indiana — widely understood in the industry to mean MGP of Lawrenceburg, one of the most prolific contract distillers in America. The mashbill runs 65% corn, 25% rye, and 10% malted barley, placing Temperance Trader firmly in the high-rye bourbon category. After aging four to six years in Indiana, the whiskey is transported to Oregon and brought down to bottling proof using water from the Bull Run Watershed, a federally protected reservoir system that supplies Portland's famously clean drinking water. That final proofing step is central to the brand's identity, imparting a soft mineral character that Bull Run credits for the bourbon's notably smooth texture.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with roasted cereal grains and dark caramel before moving into cinnamon, allspice, and clove. Deeper inhales reveal leather, a hint of cherry, and a touch of rye bread spice that signals the high-rye mashbill.

Taste: The entry is softer than the proof might suggest, with honey and caramel leading the way. Mid-palate, rye spice and black pepper assert themselves alongside clove and a faint cherry cola sweetness. Oak builds steadily toward the back, giving the bourbon structure without overwhelming the sweeter notes.

Finish: The finish lands on the shorter side, closing with balanced oak, rye spice, and a lingering peppery warmth. The texture remains velvety throughout, with no harsh grain or tannic bitterness.

How to Drink Temperance Trader

Neat or with a single ice cube lets the honey-and-spice interplay come through cleanly; the lower 84 proof makes it approachable without water. For cocktails, the high-rye backbone gives Temperance Trader real utility:

• Old Fashioned — The cinnamon and caramel notes amplify beautifully with a sugar cube and aromatic bitters.
• Boulevardier — Rye spice cuts through Campari's bitterness and sweet vermouth, holding its own where lighter bourbons get buried.
• Whiskey Sour — The cherry and clove character adds complexity behind fresh citrus and simple syrup.

Best For

• Introducing a craft-curious drinker to sourced-and-blended bourbon
• Building an approachable home bourbon collection without breaking the budget
• Mixing in rye-forward cocktails where you want spice and sweetness in balance
• Gifting a Pacific Northwest whiskey enthusiast something with regional character

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Temperance Trader taste like? Temperance Trader leads with honey and dark caramel, then transitions into assertive rye spice, cinnamon, clove, and a subtle cherry cola sweetness. The finish is moderately short with balanced oak and lingering pepper.

How does Temperance Trader compare to Bulleit Bourbon? Both are high-rye bourbons with Indiana distillate, but Temperance Trader is bottled at a lower 84 proof versus Bulleit's 90 proof and undergoes final proofing with Oregon's Bull Run Watershed water. Temperance Trader tends toward a softer, more caramel-forward profile, while Bulleit leans drier and more overtly spicy on the palate.

Is Temperance Trader good for sipping neat? Yes — the 84 proof and velvety mouthfeel make it one of the more approachable high-rye bourbons for neat drinking, particularly for those who find higher-proof expressions too aggressive.

Where is Temperance Trader made? The bourbon is distilled in Indiana and aged there for four to six years, then shipped to Bull Run Distilling Company in Portland, Oregon, where it is proofed down with Bull Run Watershed water and bottled.

What foods pair well with Temperance Trader? Smoked brisket matches the bourbon's oak and spice; sharp cheddar complements its caramel sweetness; pecan pie echoes the toasted grain and honey notes; dark chocolate amplifies the clove and leather undertones; and grilled stone fruit bridges the subtle cherry character.

What sizes does Temperance Trader come in? Temperance Trader Bourbon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Temperance Trader worth the price? Temperance Trader positions as a value-tier bourbon that punches above its price point, backed by a Double Gold Medal from the ADI International Spirits Competition and an 88-point score from The Whiskey Wash — strong credentials for a bourbon in this range.

Why Temperance Trader?

The combination of a proven Indiana high-rye mashbill with Oregon's Bull Run Watershed water creates a bourbon with an identity that goes beyond typical sourced whiskey. The ADI Double Gold Medal and an 88-point rating from The Whiskey Wash validate what the liquid delivers: a well-balanced, spice-driven bourbon with enough complexity to sip neat and enough backbone to anchor serious cocktails. At four to six years of age and 84 proof, it sits in a sweet spot — mature enough to show real oak integration, yet soft enough to remain broadly approachable. For drinkers who value transparency about sourcing and appreciate a regional finishing touch, Temperance Trader makes a compelling case in a crowded bourbon field.