Great Jones Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Intro
When you think of bourbon, your brain goes straight to Kentucky—horses, bluegrass, and barrels older than your uncle’s jokes. So when I saw Great Jones Straight Bourbon Whiskey proudly rocking a New York address, I was curious… and a little skeptical. But curiosity (and the fact my wife's Uncle scored the bottle for me—thanks, Big Rich) got the best of me. One sip later, I was convinced—turns out you can make a legit bourbon north of the Mason-Dixon line. This bottle feels like a love letter to Manhattan with a little country swagger—bourbon boots with a city soul. Maybe like the movie The Cowboy Way.
🏛️ History
Great Jones Distilling Co. is New York City’s first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition, opening its doors in 2021 right in the heart of NoHo. It’s the brainchild of the team behind the famous Prohibition Distillery in upstate Roscoe, NY—the folks who make Bootlegger spirits. Their mission? To bring whiskey production back to the city that never sleeps, using 100% New York–grown corn, barley, and rye. Everything from grain to bottle happens within state lines, which gives Great Jones a true “Empire State of mind” kind of authenticity. The name itself honors Great Jones Street, a nod to both New York history and the grit it takes to make bourbon in the middle of Manhattan. It’s aged for about 4 years in new American oak barrels and bottled right there in NYC. Fancy bar, historic building, bourbon dreams—what’s not to like?
🥃 The Pour
The bottle is a stunner—vintage Art Deco vibes, heavy glass, embossed lettering, the whole nine yards. Pouring it feels a little like stepping into an old jazz club. In the glass, it’s a deep honey amber with legs that crawl slowly and steadily. I swear it looked so good I almost ordered it a drink.
👃 Nose
Right off the bat, it’s bright and balanced—notes of caramel corn, apple peel, toasted oak, and a soft vanilla sweetness that reminds me of warm pie crust. There’s also this slight citrus lift that keeps it lively. If Penelope “Crème Brûlée” was dessert in a glass, Great Jones smells like autumn in Central Park—sweet but grounded, with just enough spice to keep you guessing.
😋 Palate
The first sip lands smoothly and pleasantly—medium-bodied with a sweet front. You get that caramel and vanilla again, followed by dry oak and a touch of baking spice. Mid-palate, a wave of orchard fruit shows up—think apple and pear with a whisper of cinnamon. There’s a light peppery bite toward the back, but nothing harsh. It’s easy drinking, approachable, and doesn’t overcomplicate things. Add a drop of water and you’ll unlock a bit more creaminess, like honey-drizzled cornbread meets brown butter. It’s a city bourbon with country manners. And to note, I had a pour of Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel just before this. Literally! Don’t judge me! Charlie Waldner (Founder of Bourbonado) and I were celebrating Bourbonado’s 1000k Member milestone.
🔥 Finish
Moderate in length but smooth as Sinatra. The sweetness fades into oak, toasted almond, and a subtle leather note that lingers just long enough to elicit a nod of appreciation. No rough edges—just a clean, warming finish that makes you want another pour.
💭 Final Thoughts
Great Jones Straight Bourbon Whiskey surprised me in the best way. It’s balanced, easygoing, and packed with just enough character to stand out from the crowd. You can taste the craftsmanship and the pride of being truly New York made. It’s not trying to be Kentucky—it’s doing its own thing, and doing it well. Perfect for newcomers, brunch bourbon drinkers, or anyone who wants a classy pour without needing to decode tasting notes like a sommelier.
Cheers to a dram good time! 🥃✨
The Details:
Proof: 86 • Distillery: Great Jones Distilling Co. • Mashbill: Undisclosed Corn • Rye • Barley • Aged: 4yrs •Price: $50
Brown Water Rating Scale:
Nose: 3 • Palate: 4 • Finish: 4 • Uniqueness: 3 • Value: 5 • Overall: 3.8
This is a 5-point scale based on my own preferences. This was also tested by my father-in-law, another whiskey lover. 