Unreined Four Grain Full Proof Review | More Than Just Higher Proof
Back in April, I reviewed Unreined's original Four Grain Bourbon.
I came away impressed. It was balanced, approachable, and exactly the kind of bourbon I'd recommend to someone looking for an easy everyday pour. My biggest takeaway wasn't a complaint so much as a curiosity.
What would these flavors taste like if they weren't dialed back to 95 proof?
Well... I finally got my answer.
The Details
Distillery: Unreined Whiskey
Proof: 118
Age: 6 Years
Price: Around $60
Unreined's Four Grain Full Proof is a blend of straight bourbons distilled in Kentucky and Texas before being aged in the humid subtropical climate of College Station, Texas.
Rather than sticking to a single mashbill, Unreined builds this bourbon from several different recipes. A low-rye bourbon forms the backbone, two wheated bourbons round out the spice while adding fruit and dessert notes, and a high-corn bourbon ties everything together with extra sweetness. Instead of blending to match a recipe, they blend to match a flavor profile. You can find the full mashbill details on their website here.
It's a philosophy that has become the brand's calling card.
If the name sounds familiar, you've probably seen it around Texas A&M athletics. Unreined is the official whiskey partner of the Aggies, and the company is preparing to open its new distillery and tasting room at Wildhorse Ranch later this summer. It'll be exciting to see the next chapter of the brand unfold.
The Nose
The nose immediately leans into rich oak, but it doesn't stop there.
Banana bread, toasted walnuts, vanilla, and a touch of dried baking spices all come together in a way that reminds me of fresh granola—the kind with those chewy dried banana chips mixed throughout. It's warm, inviting, and surprisingly comforting.
Honestly, I could spend a while just nosing this one.
The Palate
The extra proof makes itself known right away.
This bourbon arrives dense, sweet, and spicy. Rich caramel syrup leads into apple cinnamon before shifting toward light maple syrup and cocoa.
Interestingly, the banana bread I found on the nose never really made the jump onto the palate. Instead, those darker caramelized flavors take center stage.
The finish lingers with warm baking spices and just enough heat to remind you this is 118 proof. It never drinks hot for the sake of being hot. Instead, the proof amplifies everything that's already there.
If you're used to sipping 80-proof bourbon, this is one you'll want to take your time with.
Final Thoughts
This is exactly what I hoped the Full Proof version would be.
Not a completely different whiskey.
Just more of everything I enjoyed the first time around. The sweetness is richer. The spice has more personality. The finish hangs around longer. Most importantly, the balance that made the 95-proof release so enjoyable is still here.
At around $60, I think this is one of the better values in the full-proof bourbon category.
It's the kind of bottle I could happily pour neat after work, throw over a big rock on a hot Texas evening, or even mix into an Old Fashioned when I want the whiskey to stand front and center.
I called the original Four Grain an easy everyday bourbon. This one feels like its bigger, more confident sibling. It does exactly what I want a bourbon to do.
It's sweet. It's feisty. And it's going to disappear from my shelf a whole lot faster than I'd like.
Looking for the original?
I also reviewed Unreined's 95-proof Four Grain Bourbon earlier this year. If you're deciding between the two, that review is worth checking out first.
Disclosure:
Unreined Whiskey provided this bottle for review with no expectation of a positive review. As always, the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Enjoying the Reviews?
If you enjoy independent Texas whiskey reviews like this one and want to help support Texas Whiskey Geek, check out the merch store. Every shirt, hat, sticker, and glass helps keep the reviews flowing, the miles rolling across Texas, and the website free for everyone.
👉 Browse the Texas Whiskey Geek Merch Store
• 65% polyester, 35% cotton pique
• Relaxed fit that runs large
• Flat knit collar and cuffs
• Metal buttons with dyed-to-match plastic rims
• Side vents for breathability
• Product sourced from Ethiopia
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!