Hooten Young Jack Carr Warrior Proof 16-Year American Whiskey
Bottled-in-Bond | 125 Proof | 99% Corn, 1% Barley
Founded by American veterans, Hooten Young carries its mission right into the bottle and the Jack Carr Warrior Proof is a statement pour if there ever was one.
Sixteen years in the barrel, a stout 125-proof, and a mash bill that leans almost entirely on corn. On paper, it sounds like it could come out swinging hard. In the glass, it tells a different story.
On the nose, you’re greeted by something almost disarming marshmallow sweetness up front, soft and cozy, trailing into light oak and a warm ribbon of vanilla.
A touch of brown sugar keeps things dessert forward without crossing into cloying territory. It’s a welcoming nose that pulls you in rather than challenges you.
On the palate, the high corn character shines through.
Cinnamon kissed apples arrive first, warm and autumnal, followed by a familiar return of brown sugar that mirrors the nose with nice consistency.
The Clove and baked apple weave in some gentle spice enough to give it dimension without hijacking the sweetness.
For a 125-proof bourbon, it drinks far smoother than you’d expect.
The 16 years have done good work taming the heat. The finish is warm and medium-length, with the apple and spice fading slowly and cleanly.
No harsh ethanol bite, no rough edges.
The verdict: At $160.99, you’re paying for the age, the mission, and the packaging and the whiskey is genuinely good. It’s approachable, well-integrated, and a solid first impression.
Shop around a bit and you might land it a few dollars cheaper which makes the value feel a little easier to swallow.
If you see it on a shelf or a menu, it’s worth the pour.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars — A solid, sweet sipper. Not a life-changer, but a good bottle with a good story behind it.
Disclosure Note:
The bottle featured in this review was provided at no cost for evaluation. No payment or incentive was offered, and there was no obligation to provide a positive review. All tasting notes and opinions are honest and independent.