Savoring the Unique Flavor Profile of OCD Bourbon
OCD Bourbon, produced by Glenns Creek Distilling, has gained attention for its unique approach to crafting Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. This small-batch bourbon utilizes a wild yeast strain captured from the Old Crow Distillery's fermenter tank #5, giving it a distinct flavor profile.
OCD #5 bourbon features a mashbill of 87% corn, 8% rye, and 5% malted barley, resulting in a complex and flavorful spirit. Each barrel offers a slightly different experience, as the bourbon is bottled at barrel proof without blending. This allows enthusiasts to explore the nuances of individual barrels and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle.
Bourbon lovers have praised OCD #5 for its deep woodiness and slight smoky finish. The combination of traditional Kentucky bourbon-making techniques with innovative yeast cultivation has resulted in a whiskey that stands out in a crowded market. As a small-batch offering, OCD Bourbon represents the growing trend of craft distilleries pushing the boundaries of traditional bourbon production.
The Origins of Bourbon
Bourbon's rich history is deeply intertwined with American culture and Kentucky's heritage. This distinctive whiskey emerged in the late 18th century and has since become a symbol of craftsmanship and tradition.
History of Bourbon
Bourbon's origins trace back to the 1780s in Kentucky. Scottish, Irish, and English settlers brought their distilling expertise to the region. They adapted their traditional whiskey-making methods to use corn, which grew abundantly in the area. The name "bourbon" likely comes from Bourbon County, Kentucky, an important whiskey-producing region in the early days.
Key factors in bourbon's development:
Corn-based mash bill (at least 51% corn)
New charred oak barrels for aging
Limestone-filtered water
The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 set quality standards for bourbon production, ensuring its authenticity and purity.
Kentucky's Bourbon Heritage
Kentucky quickly became the heart of bourbon production due to its ideal climate and natural resources. The state's limestone-filtered water, rich in minerals but low in iron, proved perfect for making bourbon. Kentucky's hot summers and cold winters created ideal aging conditions in barrels.
Notable Kentucky bourbon pioneers:
Elijah Craig
Jacob Beam
James C. Crow
Today, Kentucky produces 95% of the world's bourbon. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, established in 1999, attracts visitors to tour distilleries and learn about the spirit's history. Bourbon continues to play a vital role in Kentucky's economy and cultural identity.
OCD #5 Bourbon Overview
OCD #5 Bourbon represents a unique blend of history and innovation in Kentucky whiskey-making. This distinctive spirit captures the essence of traditional bourbon craftsmanship while introducing a modern twist.
OCD #5 Production Process
OCD #5 Bourbon is crafted at Glenns Creek Distillery using a mashbill of 87% corn, 8% rye, and 5% malted barley. The distillery employs custom pot stills for production, contributing to the bourbon's distinctive character.
A key element in OCD #5's creation is the use of yeast revived from an old fermentation tank. This yeast, believed to originate from Old Crow Distillery's Vat #5, adds a layer of historical significance to the bourbon.
The production process results in a bourbon with a thick, oily mouthfeel and a rich, bold flavor profile. Some tasters note that it bears similarities to Texas-style bourbons rather than typical Kentucky offerings.
The Rebirth of Glenns Creek Distillery
Glenns Creek Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, has embraced the region's bourbon heritage in its revival. The distillery's founders aimed to capture the spirit of Kentucky's whiskey-making traditions.
The creation of OCD #5 Bourbon came about through a blend of chance and determination. During the distillery's early days, one of their fermentation buckets unexpectedly picked up wild yeast, leading to the development of OCD #5's unique flavor profile.
Glenns Creek Distillery produces OCD #5 Bourbon entirely on-site. Each barrel offers a distinct experience, reflecting the distillery's commitment to crafting small-batch, artisanal spirits.
Crafting the Flavor
OCD bourbon's distinctive taste stems from its carefully selected ingredients and meticulous production process. The distillers pay close attention to every detail to create a unique flavor profile.
Mash Bill Composition
OCD #5 bourbon uses a traditional Kentucky-style mash bill. It consists of 87% corn, 8% rye, and 5% malted barley. This composition provides a solid foundation for the bourbon's flavor profile.
The high corn content gives the whiskey its characteristic sweetness. Rye adds a subtle spiciness and complexity. Malted barley contributes enzymes essential for fermentation and introduces nutty undertones.
This balanced combination of grains creates a smooth, full-bodied bourbon with layers of flavor.
Maturation in Charred Oak
OCD bourbon ages in charred oak barrels, a crucial step in developing its rich taste and color. The charring process caramelizes wood sugars and creates a layer of activated charcoal inside the barrel.
As the whiskey matures, it expands into the wood during warm weather and contracts during cooler periods. This cycle extracts flavors and color from the barrel.
The charred oak imparts vanilla, caramel, and toasted notes to the bourbon. It also contributes to the whiskey's amber hue.
Tasting Profile of OCD #5
OCD #5 bourbon offers a complex and bold flavor experience. On the nose, it presents aromas of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
The palate reveals a rich, oily texture with flavors of:
Caramel
Vanilla
Toasted oak
Baking spices
Dried fruits
A hint of rye spice balances the sweetness from the corn. The finish is long and warm, with lingering notes of oak and caramel.
This bourbon's thick mouthfeel and intense flavor profile make it stand out. Its taste is often described as more reminiscent of Texas bourbons than traditional Kentucky styles.
Product Details
OCD #5 Bourbon offers a unique drinking experience with its distinctive bottle design and carefully crafted proof. This flagship product from Glenns Creek Distillery showcases attention to detail in both presentation and flavor profile.
Bottle Design
The OCD #5 Bourbon bottle features a sleek, straightforward design that emphasizes the quality of the spirit inside. A clear glass bottle allows the rich amber color of the bourbon to shine through. The label prominently displays the "OCD #5" branding, paying homage to its origins from Old Crow Distillery fermenter tank #5. The bottle's shape is ergonomic, making it easy to handle and pour.
Proof and Serving Suggestions
OCD #5 Bourbon is bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), striking a balance between smoothness and intensity. This higher proof allows the bourbon's complex flavors to shine through even when mixed in cocktails. For optimal tasting, it's recommended to serve neat or with a few drops of water to open up the aromas. Ice can be added for a refreshing summer drink, but may slightly dilute the flavors.
Experience and Availability
Glenns Creek Distillery offers bourbon enthusiasts unique opportunities to experience OCD #5 firsthand. The distillery welcomes visitors for tours and tastings, while also making their bourbon available for purchase through select channels.
Visiting Glenns Creek Distillery
Glenns Creek Distillery provides an immersive bourbon experience for guests. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the production process of OCD #5 and other spirits. The distillery offers tastings that allow guests to sample their signature bourbons.
Tours typically last about an hour and showcase the distilling equipment and aging warehouses. Knowledgeable staff members guide visitors through each step of bourbon-making. Guests often have the chance to taste OCD #5 directly from the barrel.
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend visits. The distillery is located in Frankfort, Kentucky, making it accessible for bourbon trail travelers.
Where to Purchase OCD #5
OCD #5 bourbon has limited availability outside the distillery. The primary way to purchase bottles is directly from Glenns Creek Distillery's on-site gift shop. They do not ship alcohol, so visitors must buy in person.
Some local Kentucky liquor stores may occasionally stock OCD #5. However, distribution is minimal due to the small-batch nature of production. Bourbon enthusiasts often join waitlists or clubs to be notified when new batches are released.
Online sales are not available for OCD #5 due to shipping restrictions. Collectors sometimes find bottles at specialty auctions or through private sales. The scarcity of OCD #5 adds to its appeal among bourbon aficionados.
