1845 Distilling Co. First Lady of Texas Bourbon Review
Proof: 88
Age: 4 Years
Price: $33.99
Mashbill: Blend of 1845 Distilling Co. mashbills
Distilled, aged, and bottled by 1845 Distilling Co. in Lowry Crossing, Texas
The Story
One of the things I appreciate about 1845 Distilling Co. is that they seem willing to ask a simple question:
"Who are we making this whiskey for?"
In the case of First Lady of Texas Bourbon, the answer wasn't necessarily the guy chasing barrel-proof monsters or hunting limited releases. It was for the people who want to enjoy bourbon without feeling like they're being challenged to a duel every time they take a sip.
The bottle itself tells the story of the women who helped build Texas. While history books often focus on the men, it was the women who kept families, farms, and communities moving forward through some incredibly difficult circumstances. The bourbon specifically honors "Mama" Belle, a woman who was widowed, raised eight children, and continued operating the family farm through sheer determination and grit.
When talking with June, 1845 Distilling Co., co-founder, she told me she wanted to create a bourbon that felt more approachable, particularly for women who visit the tasting room.
As she explained it, many women are interested in bourbon and want to be part of the whiskey community, but they don't necessarily enjoy the intense heat that often comes with higher-proof bottles. Rather than telling those customers to simply "you’ll get used to it," she decided to create something specifically with them in mind.
The result is a blend of the distillery's various mashbills, proofed down to 88 proof and bottled in a convenient 375ml format. It's an easy entry point into bourbon without requiring a major financial commitment or a palate conditioned by years of drinking cask-strength whiskey.
Keep an eye on the distillery's social channels for upcoming "Sip Like a Lady" events, and be sure to follow First Lady of Texas Bourbon on Facebook if you'd like to stay up to date with future releases and events.
"We get so many women women in our tasting room who want to be a part of the bourbon community, but the burn just isn't enjoyable for them."
June Petitt, Partner and Co-Founder 1845 Distilling Co.
The Nose
The nose is classic bourbon.
Vanilla, caramel, dusty oak, and a touch of baking spice immediately jump from the glass. What stands out most is how approachable it is. The ethanol has been tamed considerably, but the aroma doesn't feel watered down or muted.
Everything is clean, straightforward, and inviting.
No surprises. No weird finishing casks. No mystery flavors that require a tasting wheel and three friends to identify.
Just bourbon.
The Palate
The palate follows the nose closely.
Vanilla and caramel lead the charge, followed by dusty oak and a gentle spice note that reminds me a bit of cinnamon. The mouthfeel is actually a little richer than I expected for an 88-proof bourbon. It has enough viscosity to coat the palate nicely, and the finish hangs around longer than I anticipated.
The flavors are relatively simple, but that's not necessarily a criticism.
Not every bottle needs to be a sensory scavenger hunt.
Sometimes a bourbon's job is simply to be enjoyable and easy to drink, and this one accomplishes that quite well.
Final Thoughts
This is where context matters.
If you're the type of whiskey nerd who gets excited about hazmat proof releases, obscure grain varietals, or arguing about warehouse locations on the internet, this bottle probably isn't aimed at you.
And that's okay.
Not every bourbon needs to be.
First Lady of Texas Bourbon succeeds because it delivers exactly what it sets out to do. It's approachable without feeling flavorless. It's gentle without becoming boring. And it offers a welcoming entry point for people who are bourbon-curious but aren't ready to jump straight into the deep end.
Would I personally reach for this over some of the bigger, bolder bottles on my shelf?
Probably not.
Would I share it with a friend, spouse, or family member who wants to start exploring bourbon but finds higher-proof whiskeys intimidating?
Absolutely.
In fact, that's where I think this bottle shines the brightest.
It lowers the barrier to entry without sacrificing what makes bourbon enjoyable in the first place.
And honestly, we could probably use more bottles that do exactly that.
Disclaimer
This bottle was provided by the distillery with no expectation of a review or specific coverage.
As always, I do my best to remain objective. Also, keep in mind that I generally don't publish reviews of whiskeys I wouldn't recommend to a friend. If a bottle makes it onto the website, it's because I believe there's someone out there who would genuinely enjoy it.
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This women’s V-neck doesn’t just fit right — it hits right. It’s made for the woman who drinks her whiskey neat, speaks fluent sarcasm, and knows damn well Texas whiskey turns more heads than any sweet Kentucky pour.
Whether you’re strutting into a tasting room or just out to stir the pot, this shirt’s doing the talking for you.
Kentucky had a good run — but Texas brought the heat.
Details:
• Flattering V-cut for that “yes, I lift barrels” confidence
• Smooth on the skin. Rough on Kentucky’s ego.
• Loud where it counts. Chill where it doesn’t.
• Made for whiskey drinkers who don’t need to prove a thing (but still do)
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!