Mary Dowling Whiskey

When I first discovered this whiskey range, I was struck by the incredible story of Mary Dowling—a formidable figure in the whiskey industry. After she and her adult children were charged with violating the Dry Laws, she boldly moved her production to Mexico, becoming the only distiller to do so during Prohibition to keep her whiskey alive. I had the opportunity to sample two of their expressions: the Winter Wheat Bourbon and the Tequila Barrel Finished Bourbon. Let’s dive into the review.

Winter Wheat Bourbon (45.5% ABV) features a mash bill of 65% corn, 25% wheat, and 10% malted barley. The nose opens with fruit, nuts, and oak, followed by a palate of pronounced nuttiness accented by cinnamon, caramel, and vanilla. The finish brings baking spices, oak, and a gentle peppery spice. Priced around $55.

Tequila Barrel Finished Bourbon (46.5% ABV) is made from a mash bill of 70% corn, 25% malted rye, and 5% malted barley. The nose open with oak, citrus, and spice lead the way. The palate highlights orange and lemon citrus, complemented by light earthy and herbal notes, before finishing with lingering spice and black pepper. Priced around $75.


Wow, both were fantastic. I truly loved them, especially since I went in thinking they might not be for me. The Winter Wheat is incredibly approachable, with loads of baking spices, subtle sweetness, and just a mild bite. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a softer whiskey on the palate. Don’t mistake that softness for a lack of depth—this is a high‑quality, flavorful, and easy‑drinking whiskey.

The Tequila Barrel Finished Bourbon is just as good. The tequila barrel influence shows up as a gentle nuance in the whiskey—not overpowering, but clearly present. Like the Winter Wheat, this one is easy to drink, offering a slightly earthy profile that’s well balanced with citrus, spice, and pepper notes.

Both are outstanding, and they’ve sparked my interest in tasting more from this brand. The quality shines through in both the craftsmanship and the flavor profiles. If you’re searching for something approachable, distinctive, and well made, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend people to try it and make up their own minds.

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