Two James Spirits Grass Widow Bourbon
Two James Spirits Grass Widow Bourbon is a 750mL bourbon whiskey at 45.5% ABV (91 proof). It is a sourced high-rye bourbon — 60% corn, 36% rye and 4% barley in the mash bill reported by Distiller and retailer producer copy — aged in new oak and then finished for six months in Madeira casks, which the producer positions as a wine drinker's bourbon. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 45.5% (91 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Mash bill: High-rye — 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% barley (Distiller / producer copy via retailers)
- Finish: 6 months in Madeira casks (official)
- Origin: Sourced bourbon, finished and bottled under Two James Spirits, Detroit, Michigan, USA
A Pre-Prohibition Detroit Name, a Madeira Finish
Grass Widow revives a pre-Prohibition Detroit whiskey brand name, and Two James developed the bottling with the help of distiller Dave Pickerell. The Madeira barriques do the distinguishing work: six months in fortified-wine casks over a high-rye base, for drinkers who come to bourbon from the wine side. Browse the house on the Two James Spirits vendor page or see more bourbon whiskey.
Tasting Notes
From the producer: red apple, dried orange and praline on the nose; apple, walnut, salted brown butter, caramel and peppermint on the palate; a finish of leather, pipe tobacco and orange peel.
How to Enjoy
Neat to taste the Madeira layer clearly, or in a Manhattan where the dried-fruit finish plays the vermouth's game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it finished in sherry casks? No — the verified finish is Madeira casks for six months, per the producer. No source supports a sherry finish.
Is it distilled in Detroit? No — Grass Widow is a sourced high-rye bourbon, finished and bottled under Two James; the source distillery and state are not disclosed.
How old is it? No age statement is verified for this bottling, so none is claimed here.
High-rye bourbon through a Madeira lens — get Grass Widow online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.