The scent of charred oak and autumn spice drifts from the glass as you pour Backbone Micro-Batch Series #1 "Soldiers & Sailors" American Whiskey, a bold 110-proof expression aged five years in the heartland of Indiana. This limited micro-batch represents the first in an adventurous series of just 100 bottles, each one a testament to the craft of taking whiskey on unexpected journeys through time and terroir.
From the innovative minds at Backbone Bourbon Company in Indianapolis, this micro-batch series showcases the art of small-lot whiskey making in America's crossroads. The "Soldiers & Sailors" designation honors those who've served, while the whiskey itself serves as a bridge between traditional Indiana distilling and modern craft innovation. Each bottle represents a commitment to exploring the untold stories that emerge when grain, wood, and time converge in perfect harmony.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Vanilla-soaked oak, brown butter, dark caramel, toasted grain, hint of leather and tobacco
- Palate: Rich honey, cinnamon bark, charred oak, roasted nuts, dried fruit, warming spice
- Finish: Long and warming with lingering oak tannins, sweet vanilla, and gentle peppery heat
Product Details
| Spirit Type | American Whiskey |
|---|---|
| ABV | 55.0% (110 Proof) |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Age Statement | 60 Months (5 Years) |
| Distillery | Backbone Bourbon Company |
| Region | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Batch Size | Limited to 100 Bottles |
| Series | Micro-Batch Series #1 |
Perfect For
- Neat Sipping: Best appreciated straight to experience the full complexity of this high-proof expression
- Special Occasions: Limited availability makes this perfect for marking significant moments
- Whiskey Collectors: First in series with only 100 bottles produced
- Evening Contemplation: The warming proof and rich flavors invite slow, thoughtful enjoyment
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Backbone Micro-Batch Series #1 taste like?
This American whiskey delivers rich vanilla and caramel sweetness balanced by warming spices and charred oak. The 110-proof strength provides a robust mouthfeel with honey, cinnamon, and toasted nuts, finishing long with oak tannins and gentle pepper heat. The five-year aging in Indiana creates a well-developed flavor profile that showcases both sweetness and spice.
How should I drink Backbone Micro-Batch Series #1?
This whiskey is best enjoyed neat or with just a few drops of water to open up the aromatics. The 110-proof strength can handle a single ice cube if you prefer slight dilution, but avoid mixing this limited expression in cocktails. Serve in a Glencairn glass to concentrate the aromas and allow the complex flavors to fully develop on your palate.
Is Backbone Micro-Batch Series #1 worth the investment?
With only 100 bottles produced, this represents exceptional value for collectors and whiskey enthusiasts seeking unique American expressions. The five-year aging, high proof, and limited availability from an innovative Indiana distillery make this a worthwhile addition to any serious whiskey collection. The "Soldiers & Sailors" tribute adds historical significance to the drinking experience.
What makes this different from other American whiskeys?
This micro-batch represents Backbone's experimental approach to whiskey making, exploring "different ways to take whiskey on a journey." Unlike mass-produced American whiskeys, this limited series focuses on small-lot craftsmanship and unique batch characteristics. The Indianapolis location puts it at the heart of Midwest grain country, offering terroir distinct from Kentucky or Tennessee expressions.
What is similar to Backbone Micro-Batch Series #1?
Whiskey lovers who enjoy high-proof American whiskeys like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof will appreciate this expression's intensity and complexity. The Indiana provenance shares characteristics with other Midwest distilleries like Hard Truth or New Riff, offering grain-forward flavors with rich oak influence from extended aging.
You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.