Corn | Caramel | Cherry | Honey | Leather | Light dill | Youthful grain

Corn | Honey | Vanilla | Youthful grain | Straightforward

Leather | Malt | Mellow oak

Adding to the growing number of proud Texas bourbon distilleries is Samuel Maverick. Named after the famous Texas legislature/signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence/land baron/Texas Alamo survivor, Samuel Maverick Private Reserve Texas Straight Bourbon is the company's premium release consisting of just a seven barrel blend and comes in at 4 years old. The distillery is held up in the old Lockwood National Bank which just so happens to be located next to the Texas Alamo. As the term “maverick” originated from the same Samuel Maverick, does the bourbon that bears his name follows suit?

The nose is very corn forward with gentle accents of cherry, honey, and leather. The palate carries over much of this but substitutes cherry for vanilla. The finish is equally straightforward with a focus on just leather, malt, and mellow oak. I’m a bit surprised this has been in the barrel for 4 years - especially four hot Texas summers - as it lacks development throughout. I celebrate the decision to use more malt in their mashbill than other bourbon distillers typically do, as it can be tasted throughout and helps add some distinctiveness. Despite this, it's clear that this bourbon needs more time in the barrel to develop, and possibly an increase in proof to help drive home its overall impact.