Hooten & Young 12 Years Old American Whiskey
Hooten & Young 12-Year American Whiskey is an aged, sweet-leaning corn-whiskey that offers mellow complexity with over a decade in barrel. With 99% corn and just 1% barley in the mash bill, it delivers vanilla, ripe apple, and maple tones, balanced by gentle oak. At 92 proof, it’s approachable but still satisfying for sipping or enjoying in simple cocktails.
Key Specifications & Background
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand / Producer | Hooten & Young (Speakeasy Co.) — “Made to Remember” series. Veteran-owned. |
| Age | 12 years |
| Proof / ABV | 92 proof (46% ABV) |
| Mash Bill | 99% corn, 1% barley |
| Distillation / Barrel Details | Distilled to 189 proof, barreled at 140 proof, aged in second-fill barrels. |
| Source / Distillery | Distilled by MGP, Indiana (common source for many US whiskeys) |
Tasting Profile
| Sensory Attribute | Notes |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Rich honey / dark-honey color; some degree of wood influence visible from aging. |
| Aroma / Nose | Vanilla, maple syrup sweetness, ripe apple, sometimes stewed apple; hints of soft floral or candy-like notes. |
| Palate / Taste | Sweet corn foundation, with apple, honey, brown sugar; mild oak and spice; more fruit (apple/pear / some cherry) emerges in mid-palate. |
| Finish | Smooth and lingering, with vanilla-sugar, some baking spice, and gentle oak; not overly bitter. |
What Makes It Special
-
Rare high percentage corn mash bill (99/1) gives it a corn-sweet character that stands out versus higher rye or malt grain bills.
-
Long 12-year aging gives more time for barrel maturation: enhances oak, adds depth to fruit & sweet notes.
-
The combination of distilling at very high proof and barreling at a lower proof helps retain certain flavor compounds and develops complexity in aging.
-
It tends to win awards and recognition — it’s earned multiple Double Golds in its category.
-
Very approachable for a 12-year whiskey; good balance between richness and drinkability.
-
Sweet corn profile makes it pleasant to sip neat.
-
Strong for its price point given the aging and quality.
Notes from Reviews
-
Described by Breaking Bourbon as “medium-bodied, fruity, and featuring delicate layers of oak” with a “sweet fruit-focused profile.”
-
Whisky Advocate notes “honey crackers, cornbread, and floral notes” with a sweet oily texture, warming ginger note, and vanilla/marshmallow in the finish, with gentle wood influence.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Hooten & Young 12-Year American Whiskey is an aged, sweet-leaning corn-whiskey that offers mellow complexity with over a decade in barrel. With 99% corn and just 1% barley in the mash bill, it delivers vanilla, ripe apple, and maple tones, balanced by gentle oak. At 92 proof, it’s approachable but still satisfying for sipping or enjoying in simple cocktails.
Key Specifications & Background
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand / Producer | Hooten & Young (Speakeasy Co.) — “Made to Remember” series. Veteran-owned. |
| Age | 12 years |
| Proof / ABV | 92 proof (46% ABV) |
| Mash Bill | 99% corn, 1% barley |
| Distillation / Barrel Details | Distilled to 189 proof, barreled at 140 proof, aged in second-fill barrels. |
| Source / Distillery | Distilled by MGP, Indiana (common source for many US whiskeys) |
Tasting Profile
| Sensory Attribute | Notes |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Rich honey / dark-honey color; some degree of wood influence visible from aging. |
| Aroma / Nose | Vanilla, maple syrup sweetness, ripe apple, sometimes stewed apple; hints of soft floral or candy-like notes. |
| Palate / Taste | Sweet corn foundation, with apple, honey, brown sugar; mild oak and spice; more fruit (apple/pear / some cherry) emerges in mid-palate. |
| Finish | Smooth and lingering, with vanilla-sugar, some baking spice, and gentle oak; not overly bitter. |
What Makes It Special
-
Rare high percentage corn mash bill (99/1) gives it a corn-sweet character that stands out versus higher rye or malt grain bills.
-
Long 12-year aging gives more time for barrel maturation: enhances oak, adds depth to fruit & sweet notes.
-
The combination of distilling at very high proof and barreling at a lower proof helps retain certain flavor compounds and develops complexity in aging.
-
It tends to win awards and recognition — it’s earned multiple Double Golds in its category.
-
Very approachable for a 12-year whiskey; good balance between richness and drinkability.
-
Sweet corn profile makes it pleasant to sip neat.
-
Strong for its price point given the aging and quality.
Notes from Reviews
-
Described by Breaking Bourbon as “medium-bodied, fruity, and featuring delicate layers of oak” with a “sweet fruit-focused profile.”
-
Whisky Advocate notes “honey crackers, cornbread, and floral notes” with a sweet oily texture, warming ginger note, and vanilla/marshmallow in the finish, with gentle wood influence.
