Review #695 - The Reveries Raven (Batch 1)
Launched in 2024, The Reveries is a new non-distilling producer (NDP) based in Virginia. They source mostly bourbon and release both batched products and single barrels; here we have the inaugural batch of blended bourbon, which is named Raven. These are the different bourbons that make up the blend:
48% of the blend is 10 year old Kentucky bourbon with a mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley (likely Heaven Hill)
27% of the blend is 9 year old Indiana bourbon with a mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley (likely MGP/Ross and Squib)
14% of the blend is 9 year old Indiana bourbon with a mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley (likely MGP/Ross and Squib)
11% of the blend is 14 year old Kentucky bourbon with a mashbill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley (potentially Jim Beam or Wild Turkey)
From these components, we can derive an average age and overall mashbill: it's just over 10 years old on average, and the grains are roughly 76% corn, 15% rye, and 9% malted barley. This would probably be considered a low- to mid-rye bourbon recipe; we should get some rye spice, then, but it might not be overwhelming.
The Reveries Raven (Batch 1)
USA - Bourbon
Price: USD 140 (2024)
Age Statement: 9 Years
Strength: 64.4% ABV
Details: Batch 1; bottled 2024
Tasting Methodology: Reviewed 3 times (once blind) over 3 months from a sample. Tasted in a nosing glass each time, rested 15+ minutes
Nose: Sweet and rich with old, well-aged oak that only older bourbons can deliver. Layers of baking spice develop behind that: cinnamon, cardamom, a bit of bruleed sugar and vanilla. There's a hint of red fruit like unripe plum, as well as a savory side, almost like peppery barbecue; more time brings a coffee note.
Palate: It starts light with tart cherry and nutty banana bread, as well as an herbal side: cotton, some earthy rye influence. Time brings more oak notes like wood char, tannins, and leather; it's a bit dusty at times, too. Black pepper adds a spice kick, and at the end, we find a cherry-orange fruit mixture; it's a medium thickness mouthfeel.
Finish: Orange and cherry continue, mixed with leathery oak and some tannic wood char. There's a hint of chocolate, and the spirity warmth builds to add a kick. It's a medium-long finish.
Final Note: This is a very good bourbon from The Reveries, which displays a nice range of flavors. There was a pretty strong fruit element in general - banana notes appeared in all 3 of our tastings, while cherry notes showed up in 2 of them. While the nose teased older oak flavors, it was more mild in the palate and finish, though we still found leather and tannins all the way through; the higher strength ensures that the flavors are delivered with plenty of density.
Value for the original retail price is actually decent, despite this being an expensive release at $140. We would pick one of for that; that said, some of the secondary values on this bottle are a bit crazy due to the limited number of bottles, so be careful not to overpay.
Our Average Rating: 7.8 / 10
In the current whisky landscape of increasing prices and variable quality, we've added a value rating to our reviews that relates to the score and the available pricing of each whisky. This roughly equates to a 0-10 scale; no reviews so far have exceeded a score of 10, although it is technically possible for the formula to produce a value rating higher than 10 with a high enough score and low enough price.
Value Rating: 6.03
About Us: We're a husband and wife review team living in the Midwest United States. Generally, our reviews and tasting notes will be a compilation of both of our experiences with a whisky over several tasting sessions.
Check out our other reviews of The Reveries:
