Nearly six years ago to the day, we wrote an article about the importance and value of bottle labels in the wine industry. This, of course, holds true today and encompasses not only the wine but also spirits industry. We can't think of a brand in the whiskey world who understands this better than the team at Filmland Spirits. This Los Angeles-based company is comprised of film industry experts and whiskey enthusiasts who want to marry the two industries with enjoyable, eye-catching and palate pleasing brown water. And that's exactly what we have here for you today.
This is the Filmland Spirits Moonlight Mayhem! Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey that gives you a well-rounded package. You get the ultra cool art deco label on a memorable and incredibly information-packed bottle, a fair price and most of all - a very tasty and fun product! This is bottled in Kentucky and distilled in Indiana, meaning it is most likely a product of Midwest Grain Products. If you're a bourbon snob and just rolled your eyes, feel free to move on. Most folks don't realize that many dozens of brands start with and still use MGP to distill their spirits. Some of the most popular brands are MGP to this day. We never hate on that fact.
Coming in at 94 proof and with a 4+ year age statement, this has a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. Filmland Spirits lists this as a small batch bourbon, and like all small batch bourbons, that definition is clouded (or secretive to some) so we take that at face value. Let's get into this one...
Gingerbread color in the glass to the rim and more viscous than expected, pleasantly. On the nose are tons of citrus, chocolate covered cherries and toffee. A little air time brings out additional sweetness and this is reminiscant of a Werther's Original hard candy. Tasted neat, the same citrus fruit is at center stage with some island fruits showing up in the back end. Chocolate covered cherry, baking spice and cigar box join in nicely, always blending with the sweet toffee/candy notes. This isn't overly complex but it is very tasty and respectable. While this could be considered their entry-level whiskey, there's nothing juvenile about it. Filmland Spirits also produces a cask strength bourbon, a 9 year-aged Kentucky straight bourbon, a straight rye and a cask strength rye. Each one tells a story and features the amazing bottle artwork. If you see any of these in the store, definitely give them a try!
Check out our YouTube video review!
ABV: 47.0% (94 proof)
Distillery: MGP for Filmland Spirits
Suggested retail price: $54.99
Drink The Bottles score: 92/100
