Henry DuYore Bourbon 750ML is a small-batch Oregon bourbon bottled at 45.65% ABV (91.3 proof) and finished in French oak casks. It earned 93 points from Wine Enthusiast and was named one of the publication's Top 50 Spirits of 2013—a significant distinction for a Pacific Northwest distillery competing against established Kentucky producers. Quick Facts: ABV: 45.65% (91.3 proof) | Origin: Sheridan, Willamette Valley, Oregon | NAS | Distillery: Ransom Spirits Production & Heritage Henry DuYore is distilled at Ransom Spirits in Sheridan, Oregon, situated in the Willamette Valley—a region better known for Pinot Noir than whiskey. Each batch runs through a 300-gallon Pruehlo Cognac copper pot still, a deliberate choice that imparts a rounder, richer distillate compared to the column stills common in Kentucky production. The mashbill of approximately 56% corn, 31% rye, and 13% barley leans heavily into rye, giving the bourbon pronounced spice alongside its sweet corn backbone. After initial maturation in new, charred American oak barrels, the whiskey undergoes a secondary finishing period in French oak casks. French oak is more porous and loosely grained than American oak, allowing it to contribute additional tannin structure and nuanced flavor complexity to the finished spirit. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with pronounced caramel and vanilla, followed by a warm undercurrent of rye spice. Subtle layers of honey and dried fruit emerge as the bourbon breathes in the glass. Taste: Sweet yellow corn leads the entry, quickly giving way to a complex mid-palate of toffee, dried fruit, and bright citrus. The 31% rye in the mashbill asserts itself through the center of the palate, weaving spice through each successive sip. The French oak finishing adds a tannic depth that anchors the sweeter elements without overwhelming them. Finish: Medium-bodied with a long, lingering close marked by a spicy rye kick. The toffee and honey notes gradually taper, leaving a warm, satisfying fade. How to Drink Henry DuYore Neat or with a few drops of water is the most rewarding approach—the Cognac pot-still character and French oak influence reveal themselves most clearly without dilution. A single large ice cube also works, tempering the rye spice slightly while keeping the toffee and dried fruit intact. Old Fashioned: The pronounced caramel and rye spice stand up to bitters and sugar without disappearing. Manhattan: The high-rye mashbill pairs naturally with sweet vermouth, and the French oak tannins provide structural backbone. Boulevardier: The dried fruit and citrus notes complement Campari's bitterness, creating a layered, warming cocktail. Best For Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who wants something outside the Kentucky mainstream Exploring the growing category of Pacific Northwest craft bourbon Side-by-side tastings comparing pot-still versus column-still bourbon character After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or dark chocolate Frequently Asked Questions What does Henry DuYore taste like? Henry DuYore leads with sweet caramel and corn, transitions into toffee, dried fruit, and citrus at mid-palate, and finishes with a long, spicy rye kick. The French oak cask finishing adds tannic depth and subtle complexity beyond what typical bourbon aging provides. How does Henry DuYore compare to Bulleit Bourbon? Both are high-rye bourbons, though Henry DuYore's 31% rye sits slightly above Bulleit's 28%, and its Cognac pot-still distillation produces a rounder, fuller body than Bulleit's column-still profile. Henry DuYore's French oak finishing also adds a layer of tannic structure and dried-fruit complexity that Bulleit does not share. Is Henry DuYore good for sipping neat? Yes—its 91.3 proof is approachable enough for neat sipping while delivering enough intensity to reward slow, attentive drinking. The pot-still richness and French oak influence make it particularly suited to undiluted enjoyment. Where is Henry DuYore made? Henry DuYore is distilled and bottled at Ransom Spirits in Sheridan, Oregon, located in the heart of the Willamette Valley. It is one of a small number of bourbons produced in Oregon rather than the traditional Kentucky or Tennessee regions. What foods pair well with Henry DuYore? Smoked pork ribs bring out the bourbon's caramel sweetness; aged cheddar mirrors its toffee and tannic oak notes; dark chocolate complements the dried fruit and rye spice; pecan pie echoes the corn sweetness and vanilla; and charcuterie with fig jam highlights the bourbon's honeyed, fruity undertones. What sizes does Henry DuYore come in? Henry DuYore is available in the standard 750ml bottle size. Is Henry DuYore worth the price? Henry DuYore positions as a premium craft bourbon, and its 93-point Wine Enthusiast score and Top 50 Spirits recognition validate its standing in the category. For drinkers seeking small-batch, pot-still character with an unusual French oak finish, it represents strong value within the craft bourbon tier. Why Henry DuYore? What separates Henry DuYore from the broader bourbon field is the intersection of its Cognac pot-still distillation and French oak cask finishing—two techniques rarely combined in American whiskey. The result is a bourbon that earned 93 points from Wine Enthusiast competing head-to-head against the best in the country. Its high-rye mashbill delivers spice and complexity that reward neat sipping, while the pot-still body and French oak tannins give it enough structure to anchor serious cocktails. For bourbon drinkers looking beyond the familiar Kentucky landscape, Henry DuYore makes a compelling and well-documented case for Oregon.
