Widow Jane 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon – A Sophisticated Sip at 45.5% ABV
If you’re searching for a refined whiskey with rich depth, impeccable aging, and a distinct American character, look no further than Widow Jane 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon. Bottled at 45.5% ABV (91 proof), this bourbon is more than just a drink—it’s an experience in a glass.
Crafted with care in Brooklyn, New York, and sourced from rare barrels, Widow Jane is loved for its bold profile, smooth finish, and premium quality. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey collector or just starting your journey, this 10-year-old bourbon bridges the gap between complexity and approachability.
Let’s dive into everything that makes Widow Jane 10 Year a standout in the world of American whiskey.
📜 A Quick Introduction to Widow Jane
Widow Jane is an American craft whiskey brand with a reputation for artisanal production and high-quality ingredients. Named after the Widow Jane Mine in Rosendale, New York—a source of pure limestone water used in production—this whiskey combines rare Tennessee and Kentucky bourbons with New York terroir, making it truly one-of-a-kind.
The 10 Year Single Barrel expression is a flagship bottle in the Widow Jane lineup and exemplifies what the brand stands for: small-batch production, hand-selected barrels, and authenticity.
🔍 Alcohol Percentage: 45.5% ABV (91 Proof)
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 45.5%
Proof: 91
Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Type: Single Barrel (non-blended)
At 91 proof, this bourbon strikes a beautiful balance—it’s strong enough to deliver bold flavor, yet smooth enough to sip without dilution. The proof allows the nuances of the oak aging to shine without overwhelming the palate.
🧪 Distillation & Aging
🏭 Where It’s Made:
Widow Jane 10 Year is bottled in Brooklyn, but the bourbon is sourced from undisclosed distilleries in Kentucky, Indiana, or Tennessee, depending on the barrel.
🧂 What Makes It Unique:
Aged for 10 full years in American oak barrels.
Cut to proof with limestone-rich water from the Widow Jane Mine in Rosendale, NY.
Single Barrel bottling: each bottle comes from one specific barrel, not blended with others—offering a truly unique taste per batch.
👃 Tasting Notes
Every sip of Widow Jane 10 Year reveals layers of character, complexity, and charm. Here’s what to expect:
👃 Nose:
The aroma opens with warm vanilla, maple syrup, and honeycomb, followed by toasted oak, leather, and a hint of cherry cola. There’s a subtle floral note, too—like dried rose or orange blossom.
👅 Palate:
The palate is rich and full-bodied, with classic bourbon notes turned up a notch. Expect burnt sugar, baking spice, almond toffee, and a wave of cinnamon. There’s also a touch of mineral earthiness, thanks to the limestone water.
🔥 Finish:
Smooth and lingering. The spice gently fades into a dry finish with oak tannins, clove, and a warm whisper of vanilla bean.
🥃 How to Enjoy Widow Jane 10 Year
This whiskey is incredibly versatile, appealing to both casual drinkers and serious bourbon fans. You can enjoy it:
Neat: For full flavor, pour it in a Glencairn glass and sip slowly.
On the Rocks: A large ice cube softens the spice and reveals more sweetness.
With a Splash of Water: Opens up subtle citrus and floral notes.
In a Premium Cocktail:
Old Fashioned: Brings out its bold caramel and orange notes.
Manhattan: Pairs beautifully with sweet vermouth and bitters.
Gold Rush: Combines perfectly with honey syrup and lemon.
🍽️ Best Pairings
Looking to elevate your sipping session? Widow Jane 10 Year pairs wonderfully with:
Dark chocolate truffles
Grilled steak or BBQ ribs
Aged gouda or sharp cheddar
Cigar pairings with earthy or sweet tones
Its richness complements savory and sweet treats alike.
💵 Price & Availability
Typical Retail Price: $65–$85 USD (750ml bottle)
Availability: Widely available in the U.S., limited overseas
Considering it’s a single barrel, 10-year-old bourbon, the price is quite competitive in the premium bourbon space. Collectors often seek multiple batches due to flavor variance.
🏅 Awards & Accolades
Widow Jane 10 Year has earned praise from critics, bartenders, and whiskey lovers. Some highlights:
🏆 Gold Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition
🌟 90+ Point Ratings from Whisky Advocate & Wine Enthusiast
🔥 Frequently listed in “Top 10 Craft Bourbons” and “Best American Whiskeys” lists
The accolades speak to the bottle’s reputation as a premium sipping whiskey with wide appeal.
🌍 Eco & Ethical Highlights
Widow Jane also takes pride in sustainable practices:
Bottled with non-GMO, heritage grains
Limestone water sourced from a natural, protected mine
Focused on small-batch quality over mass production
This attention to detail shows in both taste and brand ethos.
🧑🤝🧑 Who Is Widow Jane 10 Year For?
✅ Ideal For:
Intermediate to Advanced Bourbon Drinkers
Cocktail Enthusiasts Looking for High-Quality Base Spirits
Collectors Who Love Single Barrel Expressions
Gifts for Whiskey Lovers (elegant packaging, premium reputation)
🚫 Maybe Not For:
Fans of peated or extremely smoky whiskeys (this leans more sweet/spice/oak)
Drinkers looking for ultra-high-proof (above 55% ABV)
📦 Packaging & Design
The bottle itself is minimalist yet elegant—thick glass with a wax seal and a large, typewriter-style label detailing:
Barrel number
Bottling date
ABV
Origin details
Each bottle feels like it came from a craft cellar, not a corporate distillery.
📊 Widow Jane 10 Year vs. Similar Bourbons
Whiskey | ABV | Age | Price | Profile |
---|---|---|---|---|
Widow Jane 10 Year | 45.5% | 10 yrs | $70 avg | Rich, bold, cherry, spice |
Eagle Rare 10 Year | 45% | 10 yrs | $40–$50 | Oak, honey, herbal |
Blanton’s Single Barrel | 46.5% | 6–8 yrs | $80–$120 | Caramel, spice, citrus |
Woodford Reserve | 45.2% | ~7 yrs | $35–$45 | Balanced, vanilla, oak |
Russell’s Reserve 10 | 45% | 10 yrs | $45–$60 | Nutty, caramel, cinnamon |
Widow Jane stands out for its New York minerality, single-barrel expression, and aged richness.
✅ Final Verdict: Is Widow Jane 10 Year Worth It?
Absolutely—Widow Jane 10 Year Single Barrel is a premium bourbon with soul. It brings together:
✔️ Rich, complex flavor
✔️ Smooth sipping experience
✔️ Unique New York limestone water
✔️ Beautiful packaging and heritage
✔️ Craft quality with mainstream appeal
Whether you’re celebrating, gifting, or simply treating yourself, Widow Jane offers a bourbon that’s elegant, expressive, and unforgettable.
📌 TL;DR – Widow Jane 10 Year Summary
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Whiskey | Widow Jane 10 Year Single Barrel |
ABV | 45.5% |
Type | Straight Bourbon, Single Barrel |
Distillery | Widow Jane / Sourced & Bottled NYC |
Tasting Notes | Cherry, spice, oak, vanilla, citrus |
Best Served | Neat, on rocks, in premium cocktails |
Price Range | $65–$85 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |