Proof: 92
Price: $55 / 750 mL
Age: 3 years
Bottled by: Desert Ghost Distilling Co., Marathon, Texas
Barrel: 1001
Bottle: 656
The Story
Marathon, Texas, isn’t somewhere I accidentally end up. From home, it’s about six or seven hours of driving, which gives me plenty of time to question how far I’m willing to travel for whiskey. The answer continues to be “a little farther.”
I’d been following Desert Ghost on social media for a couple of years before my wife and I finally worked a visit into a West Texas trip. Marathon was followed by Marfa, a night in Alpine, and eventually the long drive home.
Desert Ghost had the kind of small-town atmosphere that makes it easy to stay longer than planned. People knew each other, and if they didn’t recognize you, they introduced themselves. Isaac was behind the bar making a proper Old Fashioned. That helps a person settle in.
This three-year bourbon came home with us. Desert Ghost describes it as triple filtered through local mesquite and oak charcoal, an interesting detail given how prominently that charred wood character shows up on the nose.
You can find more about their whiskey at Desert Ghost Distilling.
Nose
Charred mesquite leads, with a woody, charcoal-like aroma over light vanilla and brown sugar. Ethanol becomes more noticeable after the first sip, but a few minutes of air bring out hints of cherry and possibly plum, adding a little fruit beneath the char.
Taste
The entry is light, with a little ethanol and soft vanilla. Brown sugar and sweet oak develop through the mid-palate, though the mouthfeel stays on the thin side.
With some time in the glass, the flavors mellow and feel more rounded. It still tastes young, but giving it a few minutes makes this a more enjoyable pour.
The finish brings mild spice that shifts toward spearmint, with an almost effervescent sensation. It’s slightly drying and fairly short.
Conclusion
A little patience helped this bourbon. What started out light and somewhat disjointed settled into a pleasant pour, with more fruit on the nose and better balance on the palate after a few minutes of air.
I’d still reach for it in a cocktail before pouring it neat, but there’s enjoyment here if you give it time to open up. At $55, I’m less convinced by the value. For my palate, it feels more comfortable around $40, and I probably wouldn’t buy this particular bottle again at its current price.
I would, however, happily return to Desert Ghost for the friendly atmosphere and another of Isaac’s Old Fashioned’s. If you’re heading toward Big Bend, it’s a worthwhile stop.
Disclosure: I purchased this bottle. My wife and I paid for our drinks during the visit.
Planning a Visit to Desert Ghost?
There’s more to Desert Ghost than what comes home in a bottle. For the tasting room atmosphere, cocktails, and practical details for your West Texas trip, check out my Desert Ghost Distillery Guide.
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Curious about what else Texas distilleries are producing? Check out my Texas Distillery Guide to discover more distilleries across the Lone Star State.
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