Duck Club High Brass Bourbon

Every now and then, you come across a bourbon that reminds you proof isn't everything.

Sure, bourbon enthusiasts love to chase big numbers. Higher proof often means bigger flavor, bolder character, and more intensity. But occasionally, a bottle manages to deliver all that extra proof without beating up your palate along the way. That's exactly what I found with Duck Club High Brass Bourbon.

About Duck Club Bourbon

Duck Club Bourbon draws inspiration from America's long tradition of upland hunting, waterfowl conservation, outdoor gatherings, and the camaraderie that comes from spending time in the field with family and friends.

The High Brass name itself is a nod to premium shotgun shells, often distinguished by their taller brass casings. It's an appropriate name for a bourbon that aims to deliver a little extra punch while remaining refined and approachable.

Much like the sporting traditions that inspired the brand, Duck Club Bourbon emphasizes enjoying good company, great stories, and a quality pour at the end of the day.

The Tasting

High Brass is bottled at a healthy 110 proof. We are tasting Batch 4 which is blend of the following straight bourbons: 81.5% 5-year Kentucky Bourbon from Clermont, Kentucky with a mix of 67% corn, 23% rye, and 10% malted barley, and 18.5% 8-year Kentucky Bourbon from Bardstown, Kentucky with a mix of 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley. Labeling is a lovely, square-shouldered bottle with a duck hunter, shotgun, and his retriever.

Eye: Amber with medium-spaced legs in my Glencairn glass. The color suggests a healthy amount of barrel influence, while the legs hint at a whiskey with some viscosity and richness waiting beneath the surface.

Nose: The aroma opens with a classic bourbon profile that immediately feels comforting and familiar. Sweet vanilla leads the way, followed by caramel syrup and a distinct note of buttered corn that adds a pleasant grain-forward character. It's inviting, dessert-like, and wonderfully approachable for a higher-proof bourbon. There's enough sweetness here to draw you in while the underlying grain notes give it some personality.

Palate: The sip arrives remarkably smooth. Brown sugar and vanilla form the foundation before giving way to notes of cornbread, sweet dough, and one of the more enjoyable flavor notes I encountered: a cinnamon-sprinkled funnel cake fresh from the county fair. There's a richness throughout the palate that keeps things interesting without becoming overly sweet. The flavors layer nicely without becoming complicated.

Finish: The finish begins gently with soft oak and spice before gradually building in intensity. Rather than arriving all at once, the spice slowly climbs as the sweeter notes fade into the background. It's a pleasant progression that leaves a lasting impression without becoming overpowering. Balanced, flavorful, and nicely paced.

Overall: Duck Club High Brass Bourbon is quite good. What stands out most is the way it handles its proof. Many higher-proof bourbons announce their presence immediately. This one takes a different approach. It's smooth, approachable, and almost deceptively easy-drinking. In fact, the proof sneaks up on you.

Despite carrying a higher proof, the bourbon never felt hot or aggressive. The flavor profile leans heavily into classic bourbon territory, with vanilla, brown sugar, sweet grain notes, and just enough oak and spice to maintain balance. The cornbread, sweet dough, and funnel cake characteristics provide an enjoyable twist that keeps things from feeling generic.

I also appreciated the transparency in the blend and mashbills. For the primary high-rye mashbill, if it sounds familiar, it’s spot-on to the mashbill of Basil Hayden and Old Grand-Dad. As for the 8-year high-corn mash bill, that likely belongs to the Barton 1792 Distillery.

It’s interesting how two different distillery product, when blended together, formed a great pour. This was flavorful, well-balanced, and drank far easier than the proof suggests. Rich sweetness, dessert-inspired notes, and impressive smoothness make this one worth revisiting, especially for those who enjoy higher-proof pours without excessive heat.