FEW Bourbon is a small-batch straight bourbon from FEW Spirits in Evanston, Illinois, made from a three-grain mash of 70% corn, 20% rye and 10% malted barley and bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV).
FEW Spirits was founded in 2011 by Paul Hletko in Evanston, just north of Chicago, a town that was a home base of the temperance movement and stayed dry for more than 100 years. The name comes from the initials of Frances Elizabeth Willard, a leader of that movement. Its bourbon pairs Southern tradition with the spiciness of northern rye and a touch of malt for smoothness, and is handcrafted in small batches and aged in charred oak barrels.
Deep copper in the glass, it brings cherries, caramel and aged wood over brown sugar on the nose, followed by corn and spice over grain cereal, caramel and vanilla, with baking spices and a touch of dark chocolate.
The striking red-and-white label makes it a great gift.
Bourbon must be made in the United States from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak containers, and straight bourbon must be aged at least two years. Those rules give bourbon its characteristic sweetness, with caramel and vanilla drawn from the charred barrels.
Straight bourbon must age at least two years in new charred oak.
Rye adds spice while malted barley adds smoothness.
Serve it neat in a Glencairn glass.
A splash of water opens up the cherry and caramel.
It makes a spicy, rich Old Fashioned.
Try it in a Manhattan with sweet vermouth and bitters.
Pour it over a large ice cube for slow sipping.
It is a great gift for fans of craft bourbon.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Cherry, caramel, brown sugar.
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Palate: Corn, spice, vanilla.
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Finish: Baking spice, dark chocolate.
Specifications
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Distillery: FEW Spirits, Evanston, Illinois
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Style: Straight bourbon, small batch
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Mash Bill: 70% corn, 20% rye, 10% malted barley
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Proof / ABV: 93 proof (46.5% ABV)
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Region: Illinois, USA
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or with a splash of water, or stir an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. It pairs with Chicago-style barbecue, cherry pie or dark chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is it made?
In Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago.
What does FEW stand for?
The initials of Frances Elizabeth Willard.
What is the mash bill?
70% corn, 20% rye and 10% malted barley.
Explore more in our Bourbon collection.
