Widow Jane 10 Years Bourbon Whiskey 750ML

Widow Jane 10 Years Bourbon Whiskey 750ML is a 91-proof (45.5% ABV) straight bourbon aged a full decade and bottled in 750ml format. It earned a Gold Outstanding medal at the 2019 Whiskies of the World Awards in the Bourbon Over 6 Years category, and GQ Magazine has named it the number one bourbon — recognition that reflects a genuinely singular approach to blending and proofing American whiskey.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45.5% (91 Proof)  |  Origin: Brooklyn, New York  |  Age: 10 Years  |  Distillery: Widow Jane Distillery

Production & Heritage

Widow Jane Distillery operates out of Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York — an unlikely home for bourbon, but one central to what makes this whiskey distinctive. The 10 Year expression is hand-assembled from sourced straight bourbons originating in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana, blended in ultra-small five-barrel batches that allow for precise flavor selection. Each batch is non-chill filtered and proofed using mineral-rich limestone water drawn from the legendary Rosendale Mines in upstate New York, where rainfall filters deep into underground aquifers through natural limestone deposits. The mashbill combines corn, rye, and malted barley, though exact percentages remain undisclosed.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet cream and butter open first, followed by vanilla, orange peel, and honey. A second wave introduces cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted oak, with a faint floral quality underneath.

Taste: The entry is rich with cherry wood and maple, developing quickly into orange, almond, and deep caramel across the mid-palate. Well-aged oak anchors the profile without overwhelming it, while nutmeg and a touch of dark fruit add complexity at its peak. Whisky Advocate noted flavors of pound cake, chocolate frosting, pepper, and lemon iced tea in its review, describing the palate as smooth and balanced.

Finish: Long, warm, and silky, with charred oak and lingering baking spice that slowly give way to dark fruit and burnt orange. A light tannic texture remains as the whiskey fades, leaving a clean and satisfying close.

How to Drink Widow Jane 10 Year

Neat or with a few drops of water is the primary serve here — the non-chill filtered texture and decade of aging reward slow sipping, and a splash of water opens up the floral and citrus aromatics. On the rocks works well for warmer months without burying the oak and spice.

• Old Fashioned: The maple and cherry-forward profile stands up beautifully against bitters and a sugar cube, with the long finish carrying through the dilution.
• Manhattan: The baking spice and dark fruit notes integrate naturally with sweet vermouth, creating a layered and balanced cocktail.
• Boulevardier: The rich caramel and oak backbone provides enough weight to hold its own alongside Campari and vermouth.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who appreciates age-stated, small-batch releases
• Side-by-side tastings comparing sourced bourbon blending styles
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cigar
• Building a home whiskey collection with distinctive American expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Widow Jane 10 Year taste like? It delivers a rich, layered profile led by maple, cherry, almond, and caramel, with well-aged oak and baking spice running through a long, warm finish. The non-chill filtered bottling gives it a noticeably silky, full-bodied texture.

How does Widow Jane 10 Year compare to Henry McKenna 10 Year? Both carry a 10-year age statement, but Widow Jane is a multi-barrel blend assembled in five-barrel batches, while Henry McKenna is a single barrel bottled-in-bond bourbon at 100 proof from Heaven Hill. Widow Jane tends toward a creamier, more fruit-forward character, whereas McKenna often leans heavier into caramel and barrel char.

Is Widow Jane 10 Year good for sipping neat? Yes — the 45.5% ABV and non-chill filtered body make it exceptionally well-suited to neat sipping, with enough complexity and finish length to reward patient drinking.

Where is Widow Jane 10 Year made? The bourbon is sourced from distilleries in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana, then blended, proofed, and bottled at Widow Jane Distillery in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York. It is proofed with limestone water from the Rosendale Mines in upstate New York.

What foods pair well with Widow Jane 10 Year? Pecan pie complements the maple and nutmeg character. Smoked brisket plays off the charred oak finish. Dark chocolate truffles echo the caramel and cherry notes. Aged cheddar matches the tannic backbone, and bread pudding with vanilla sauce mirrors the creamy, spice-driven profile.

What sizes does Widow Jane 10 Year come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Widow Jane 10 Year worth the price? It positions as a premium bourbon within the 10-year age-stated category, and the ultra-small five-barrel batching, non-chill filtration, and Rosendale limestone proofing justify its placement above entry-level aged bourbons. For drinkers who value distinctive blending craft and textural quality, the value proposition is strong.

Why Widow Jane 10 Year?

Very few American whiskeys are assembled in batches this small — five barrels per blend means each release reflects a deliberate flavor decision rather than a large-scale consistency formula. The use of Rosendale limestone water for proofing is genuinely unique in the bourbon world; the unusually high mineral content of that water contributes a subtle textural richness that standard proofing water cannot replicate. A Gold Outstanding medal at the Whiskies of the World Awards and recognition from GQ as the top bourbon confirm that this approach translates into the glass. Among 10-year-old bourbons, Widow Jane stands apart not for tradition, but for a blending philosophy that treats sourcing and finishing as an art form rather than a shortcut.