Let’s get into a bottle that had me intrigued before I even pulled the cork: Frank August Small Batch Straight Bourbon. I’ll admit it—I got pulled in by the look. This bottle’s been sitting on my desk for weeks staring me down with its clean, minimal branding. It just feels premium. And as someone who owns a marketing company, that speaks to me.
But good design doesn’t mean good bourbon. Let’s see if it delivers where it counts—in the glass.
The Brand
This one clocks in at 100 proof and runs about $75. It’s distilled and aged in Kentucky, though the exact source is undisclosed. Bottled by Frank August out of Bardstown, and while it might sound like someone’s name, far as I know Frank August isn’t a real person—just a brand identity that leans hard into modern luxury.
Something I love: the bottle is designed to be reused. Peel-off labels, sleek silhouette, removable tags—makes for a killer decanter once you’re done. Small detail, big impact.
The Pour
We’re working with a 4-year age statement here. Color is on the lighter side—golden amber with good clarity. Swirls well in the glass. Heavy topper, nice tactile feel. Just a well-done presentation all around.
The Nose
This one hits you right away in the best way.
Warm baking spices: cinnamon, nutmeg. Then comes the caramel and vanilla, with a little orange zest poking through. Sweet, rich, and balanced—not too sharp, not too soft. It’s the kind of nose that gets you excited to take a sip.
The Taste
Let’s cut to it: this is damn good.
The texture is thick and oily. It coats the palate and hangs out just long enough. Everything from the nose carries through—caramel, vanilla, cinnamon—and then builds into something deeper. Nutmeg stands out, and on the finish, you get this raisin and oak combo that just works.
It’s balanced, layered, and smooth without being boring. Second pour confirmed it. Third pour might’ve been unnecessary, but here we are.
The Finish
Medium to long with great balance. That raisin note shows up again on the back, along with a dusty oak and a little cinnamon warmth. Doesn’t burn, doesn’t vanish. It just hangs around comfortably. Exactly how you want a finish to behave on a 100 proof pour.
Nick’s Final Pour
This was my first Frank August bottle, and let me tell you—it’s one of the best first impressions I’ve had in a while. From packaging to palate, it hits all the right notes. Makes me want to try the higher-end offerings immediately… which is how this hobby gets expensive quick.
Score: 91/100.
Big score. Worth it. This one’s going on the “always recommend” list. If you see it on the shelf, buy it. Trust me.
Summary
- Proof: 100
- Age: 4 years
- Price: ~$75
- Nose: Baking spices, vanilla, caramel, orange peel
- Palate: Caramel, cinnamon, raisin, nutmeg, oak
- Finish: Medium to long, balanced and warming
- Score: 91/100
If you’re someone who appreciates packaging and performance, this is the bottle for you. It doesn’t just look good—it drinks even better. Frank August just earned a permanent spot on my radar.
