Earlier this year Old Hickory Bourbon (Old Hickory) announced their Hermitage Reserve 12-year-old Rye and 15-year-old Barrel Proof Whiskey release. These age-stated bottles, crafted and rooted in over 150 years of tradition, demonstrated the brand’s ability to continue thriving in the face of industry uncertainties. We were lucky enough to get our hands on these two flagship bottles and we must say, they did not disappoint.
The Old Hickory name has been around for a long time in American whiskey and bourbons. It dates back to 1868 and takes its inspiration from President Andrew Jackson, whose nickname was “Old Hickory.” It has nothing to do with hickory wood or trees, which would’ve been my first guess. Like many whiskey brands from that era, it went through the ups and downs of prohibition, changin ownership, and long stretches where the label wasn’t particularly active.
Luckily for bourbon lovers, the brand has had a bit of a revival with the Hermitage Reserve line. These releases lean into what modern bourbon drinkers tend to appreciate most—high-quality, complex flavors, age, barrel proof strength, and artisanal, small-batch products over mainstream brands. The result is a pair of bottles that feel both traditional and can compete with some very popular modern labels, and in cases outshine them.
These two (along with a 6 and 10 year I happened to have laying oround) are well worth the try if you can find them. So next time you are out for a pour with friends, or at your local retail store, throw out a curve ball and try an Old Hickory. Now here is the catch, Old Hickory Bourbon is only available in the following states: Tennessee, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Michigan.
The 15-year Hermitage Reserve is a pour that you will not hesitate to reach for. Pouring the 15-year into the glass you will notice the light color but not light in the experience. The 15-year is technically an American Light Whiskey.
The nose is puts out some heat and leans rich and sweet with hints of butterscotch and toasted marshmallow, but you have to work for it. The soft sweetness is mixed with deeper oak that reminds you this whiskey has spent some time in the barrel.
On the palate, the whiskey opens up with brown sugar and caramel before moving into vanilla, toasted oak, along with a touch of spice. Despite being barrel proof, it drinks surprisingly balanced. The richness is there, but it never feels overly heavy or dominated by oak. The 15 year was tasted by a group of 5 and was a fan favorite.
The finish hangs around for a while, bringing back the sweetness along with a warm spice and a little toasted vanilla. It’s the kind of pour that encourages you to slow down and enjoy For fans of older bourbons that still manage to keep their balance, this one delivers a really enjoyable experience. The 15-Year Reserve was a fan favorite.
Reserve 15-Year Notes
Proof: Barrel Proof (Our bottle was 110 proof)
Age: 15 Years
Nose: Butterscotch, caramel, toasted marshmallow, toasted vanilla, mature oak
Palate: Brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, light spice
Finish: Long and warming with lingering sweetness, spice, and toasted wood
Retail Price: $90 to $100.
The 12-year Hermitage Reserve Rye takes things in a slightly different direction. Right away, the nose shows classic rye character—spice, mint, and cinnamon—with hints of carmel sitting underneath it.
Once you take a sip, the rye spice really starts to shine. Cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg make an appearance, followed by a wave of caramel sweetness that keeps everything from leaning too sharp. The complexity of this rye is deep and the flavor keeps evolving as it sits on the palate.
The finish is long and warming, with lingering spice and a touch of oak. Compared to the 15-year whiskey, the rye feels a bit livelier (think spicy salsa compared to regular salsa), which makes it a great contrast between the two bottles.
Reserve 12-Year Notes
Proof: Bottled in Bond (100 proof, typically)
Age: 12 Years
Nose: Cinnamon, mint, rye spice, caramel, vanilla
Palate: Cinnamon, cracked pepper, nutmeg, caramel sweetness, light herbal notes
Finish: Long with lingering spices, hints of oak, and a bit of sweetness
Price: $110 to $120
Final Thoughts
Enjoyed together, these two Hermitage Reserve releases show different sides of what Old Hickory is capable of. The 15-year leans richer and more dessert-like, with deeper sweetness and mature oak, while the 12-year rye brings brighter spice and a little more punch. Both are solid barrel proof pours that highlight well-aged whiskey without going crazy.
The great thing about bourbons and whiskeys, is there is one for everyone. While both were amazing bottles I would buy again, For anyone who enjoys exploring older whiskey or just appreciates a good barrel proof bottle, the Hermitage Reserve lineup is definitely worth checking out. It would be really fun to but both of these bottles in a blind taste against some of the more mainstream brands in the same price point.
For more information about Old Hickory Bourbon, contact us at oldhickorybourbon.com. You can also follow them on Instagram.