Watershed Bourbon is aged for six years. This aging process is crucial in developing the unique flavors and characteristics of the spirit. The distillers at Watershed take great care in selecting hand-picked mature bourbons to create the perfect blend for their bourbon. By marrying these bourbons together and then finishing them in charred American Oak Apple Brandy barrels, they create a truly exceptional whiskey.
Aging bourbon is an art form in itself. The process takes time, patience, and a keen understanding of how the flavors evolve over the years. Each year that the bourbon spends in the barrel, it absorbs the flavors and aromas of the wood, as well as the previous spirits that were aged in the barrel. This interaction between the whiskey and the barrel is what gives bourbon its rich, complex character.
I had the pleasure of visiting the Watershed distillery and witnessing firsthand the dedication and expertise that goes into the aging process. The barrels are carefully stored in a controlled environment, allowing the whiskey to mature at its own pace. The distillers regularly monitor the progress of the bourbon, tasting samples to ensure that it is developing as desired.
Six years of aging is considered a relatively long time for bourbon. This extended period allows the flavors to deepen and intensify, resulting in a bold and robust whiskey. The charred American Oak Apple Brandy barrels used for finishing add an additional layer of complexity, as the bourbon absorbs the flavors of the apple brandy that once filled the barrels.
The decision to age Watershed Bourbon for six years is a testament to the distillery's commitment to producing a high-quality spirit. It takes time for the flavors to fully develop and for the bourbon to reach its peak maturity. The result is a bourbon that pays homage to Ohio and showcases the craftsmanship and skill of the distillers at Watershed.
Watershed Bourbon is aged for six years, allowing the flavors to mature and develop into a truly exceptional whiskey. This aging process, combined with the use of charred American Oak Apple Brandy barrels for finishing, creates a bourbon that is rich, complex, and a true tribute to Ohio.