Picture this: a bourbon that's never touched dry land, rocking gently on the mighty Mississippi, soaking up every twist and turn of the river's rhythm. That's the story behind Uncharted Kentucky Wheated Bourbon, the newest release from the Ingram Distillery. It's not just another bottle on the shelf—it's a nod to those spur-of-the-moment trips and bold choices that make life worth savoring, especially when you've got a glass in hand after a long day.
Down in Columbus, Kentucky, where the Mississippi rolls wide and steady, Hank Ingram kicked off something revolutionary back in 2015. He wasn't content with the usual way of doing things in the whiskey world. Instead, he built the first permanent floating rickhouses—think massive, two-story setups inside old grain barges, anchored right on the riverbank. These aren't your typical warehouses on solid ground. They're out there on the water, day in and day out, letting the whiskey mature in a way that's as old-school as it gets, harking back to how bourbon used to travel downriver in the early days.
What makes this setup special? It's all about the river's influence. The constant motion from the current keeps the liquid sloshing around inside the barrels, pushing it deeper into the oak. Add in the high humidity that hangs thick over the water and the natural swings in temperature from day to night, and you've got whiskey that's always evolving. No stagnant aging here—the barrels are in constant contact with that unique microclimate, creating layers of flavor you won't find in a standard distillery. Ingram calls it "Mellowed on the Mississippi," and it's the secret sauce behind everything they produce.
The distillery first made waves with its O.H. Ingram River Aged series, racking up awards left and right for that one-of-a-kind taste. Then there's the limited Flagship bourbon and a single barrel program for those who like to hunt down something exclusive. But Uncharted? This one's a fresh take, standing on its own as a wheated bourbon that's smooth and approachable, perfect for kicking back with friends or winding down solo.
Bottled at a solid 92 proof, Uncharted comes in two sizes: a standard 750ml for about $40 and a liter for around $45. What sets it apart even more is the packaging—100% recycled glass. It's a smart move that shows Ingram isn't just talking about innovation; they're walking the walk. Hank Ingram himself put it best: this bourbon celebrates those everyday adventures that catch you off guard. It's crafted to be versatile, something you can sip neat, on the rocks, or in a simple cocktail without overthinking it. And by using recycled materials, they're challenging the status quo, proving you can make top-shelf whiskey while keeping an eye on the planet.
Taste-wise, Uncharted delivers a journey in every pour. On the nose, you'll catch hints of dried fruit mingling with vanilla, toasted nuts, and a subtle coffee undertone—like walking into a cozy cabin after a day on the water. Take a sip, and the palate opens up with graham cracker sweetness, a drizzle of honey, and just enough light spice to keep things interesting, rounded out by touches of maple and oak that linger without overwhelming. The finish? It's long and satisfying, easing into caramel and cinnamon with notes of fresh apples, a bit of leather, and a whisper of cocoa. It's the kind of profile that builds as you go, rewarding patience and making you reach for another glass.
This isn't hype—Uncharted proved its mettle at the International Wine and Spirits Competition this year. In a blind tasting, it scored a gold medal and 95 points, standing out as one of the top wheated bourbons among heavy hitters. Judges raved about its balance and depth, crediting that river-aged magic for giving it an edge over the competition.
Right now, you can find Uncharted on shelves in states like Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. If you're not in those spots, no worries—it's available online through Seelbach's, making it easy to grab a bottle without leaving the house. The distillery's been expanding lately, recently hitting Texas markets, which opens it up to even more folks looking for something different in their liquor cabinet.
Looking ahead, the Ingram team isn't resting on their laurels. They're revamping the grounds in Columbus, gearing up to roll out new hospitality options. Imagine touring those floating barrelhouses—it's invitation-only for now, adding that exclusive feel. You can sign up for updates on their website, IngramWhiskey.com, or follow along on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop. It's all about diving deeper into the experience, whether that's learning more about the process or planning a visit to see the operation up close.
In a world full of mass-produced spirits, the Ingram Distillery stands out by embracing the unknown. Hank Ingram's vision—to challenge what's expected and explore uncharted paths—comes through in every detail, from the river's role in maturation to the eco-friendly bottles. Uncharted isn't just whiskey; it's a reminder that the best things often come from taking the road less traveled, or in this case, the river less sailed. For anyone who's ever appreciated a well-made pour that tells a story, this one's worth seeking out. It captures that American spirit of innovation and adventure, bottled up and ready to share.
