I recently grabbed a bottle of douglas and todd bourbon to see if it actually lives up to the hype coming out of the Midwest. Most people automatically look toward Kentucky whenever the word "bourbon" comes up, but there's been a massive shift lately. Distillers in other states are starting to prove that you don't need a Bluegrass zip code to make a world-class spirit. This particular bottle hails from Minnesota, and honestly, the cold-weather aging process gives it a personality that you just don't find in the Southern staples.
If you aren't familiar with the name, it's produced by Phillips Distilling Company. They've been around forever, but this brand is their way of leaning into the craft movement. Named after two counties in Minnesota—Douglas and Todd, obviously—the whiskey is a tribute to the land it comes from. It's a "Small Batch" bourbon, which usually means they're being a bit more selective about which barrels make the cut, and after spending an evening with it, I can tell they aren't just using that term as a marketing gimmick.
What Makes This Bourbon Different?
One of the first things you notice about douglas and todd bourbon is that it doesn't try to imitate the heavy, corn-sweet profiles of the big heritage brands. Instead, it leans into its environment. Minnesota has some pretty wild temperature swings. You get those freezing winters and humid summers, which forces the whiskey to move in and out of the wood quite aggressively. This "breathing" process is what gives the liquid its character in a shorter amount of time.
It's aged for four years, which might sound young to some snobs, but in that climate, four years does a lot of heavy lifting. They use a mash bill that features red corn and rye, both locally sourced. The use of red corn is a bit of a curveball. Most distillers stick to the standard yellow stuff, but red corn tends to offer a deeper, slightly nuttier sweetness that sets a unique foundation for the drink.
Another cool aspect is the water. Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, but it's the glacial aquifers that really matter for distilling. The water used here is clean and crisp, which helps keep the final product from feeling too heavy or oily on the tongue.
Breaking Down the Flavor Profile
When you pour a glass of douglas and todd bourbon, the first thing that hits you is the color. It's a nice, warm amber—not too light, but not quite as dark as a long-aged sherry cask Scotch. It looks inviting in the glass, especially if you've got a big clear ice cube sitting in there.
The Initial Sip
On the nose, it's surprisingly approachable. You get those classic bourbon hits—vanilla, caramel, and a bit of toasted oak—but there's a distinct spiciness that comes through right at the end. That's the rye talking. It isn't an overwhelming "burn your nostrils" kind of spice, but more like a hint of cinnamon or clove that makes you want to actually take a sip.
Once you take that first drink, the sweetness of the red corn takes center stage. It's a bit like burnt sugar or maybe a piece of buttery toffee. It feels smooth, but it has enough "chew" to it that it doesn't just disappear. About halfway through, the rye kicks in. It provides a nice balance so the drink doesn't become cloying or sugary. It's a well-rounded experience that feels very intentional.
The Finish
The finish is where a lot of mid-priced bourbons fail. They either disappear instantly or leave a harsh, metallic aftertaste. Thankfully, this one hangs around for a bit. It's a medium finish that leaves a lingering warmth of charred wood and a little bit of dark fruit—think dried cherries or maybe a bit of plum. It's a "hug" in a glass, which makes sense considering it was born in a place where people know a thing or two about staying warm.
Why the Price Point Actually Matters
Let's be real for a second: the bourbon market has gone a little bit crazy. It's getting harder and harder to find a decent bottle that doesn't require you to take out a second mortgage or wait in line outside a liquor store at 6:00 AM. That's where douglas and todd bourbon really wins points in my book.
It usually sits in that $30 to $40 range, depending on where you're shopping. In today's market, that's a sweet spot. It's affordable enough to be your "Tuesday night pour" after a long day at work, but it's high-quality enough that you wouldn't feel embarrassed serving it to a friend who knows their stuff. It occupies that middle ground where you're getting genuine craft quality without the "hype tax" that follows the big-name Buffalo Trace or Heaven Hill releases.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
I'm a firm believer that you should drink your whiskey however you like it. If you want to mix it with Diet Coke, go for it—it's your money. But if you want to get the most out of douglas and todd bourbon, I'd suggest starting neat. Give it five minutes to breathe in the glass. It really opens up and lets those spicy rye notes settle down.
If neat is a bit too intense for you, a single large ice cube is the way to go. As the ice melts, it dilutes the alcohol just enough to bring the caramel and vanilla notes to the forefront. It becomes incredibly easy to sip on a porch or while sitting by a fire.
Mixing into Cocktails
This bourbon also holds its own in a cocktail. Because it has that higher rye content and a solid 93 proof (46.5% ABV), it doesn't get lost when you start adding bitters and sugar.
- The Old Fashioned: This is the gold standard test. The wood char and spice in the bourbon play perfectly with a dash of Angostura bitters and an orange peel.
- The Manhattan: The rye influence makes it a great substitute for a straight rye whiskey in a Manhattan. It provides a slightly sweeter, fuller-bodied version of the classic drink.
- The Paper Plane: If you're feeling fancy, the citrus and herbal notes in a Paper Plane cocktail contrast beautifully with the toasted oak flavors here.
Is It Worth a Spot on Your Shelf?
At the end of the day, there are thousands of whiskeys out there. It can be overwhelming to stand in the aisle and try to pick something new. But if you're looking for something that breaks away from the standard Kentucky profile and offers a bit of Northern grit, douglas and todd bourbon is a fantastic choice.
It's a "no-nonsense" kind of drink. It isn't trying to be the rarest thing on earth, and it isn't trying to trick you with fancy packaging. It's just a solid, well-made bourbon that honors the grains and the climate of Minnesota. Whether you're a seasoned collector or someone just starting to explore the world of spirits, this bottle offers a lot of value.
It's one of those rare finds that feels like a secret you want to share with people before everyone else catches on and the price starts creeping up. If you see it on the shelf, give it a shot. It might just become your new go-to for those cold winter nights—or any night, really. After all, you don't need a reason to enjoy a good pour of bourbon, you just need a glass and a few minutes to appreciate the craft that went into the bottle.