Faultline Straight Bourbon Whiskey

If you know, you know. Faultline Straight Bourbon isn't just a house brand; it is a challenge to the entire industry. Sourced by the buyers at K&L Wine Merchants, this bottle exists to prove a single, defiance-fueled point: you don't need a multi-million dollar marketing budget to drink world-class whiskey. You just need access to the right rickhouses.

Typically sourced from the legendary MGP distillery in Indiana (though the source can shift with the seasons), this liquid is selected for character rather than consistency. While big brands blend thousands of barrels to achieve a flat, predictable profile, Faultline embraces the unique flavor spikes found in smaller batches. It is whiskey in its most honest form—unfiltered, robust, and priced for drinking, not hoarding.

Bottled at a sturdy 100 proof, it stands up to ice, mixers, and skepticism with equal ease. This is the bottle you buy when you want to impress a bourbon snob without breaking the bank. It represents the "cracked sidewalk" ethos of K&L: rough around the edges, perhaps, but undeniably authentic.

Nose: A nostalgic waft of cherry lollipops and vanilla frosting hits first, quickly grounded by savory notes of fresh dill, rye spice, and polished oak.

Palate: The texture is surprising and oily, coating the tongue with a complex mix of cinnamon red hots, orange zest, and a deep, caramelized brown sugar sweetness.

Finish: Punchy and bright, the spice lingers on the breath alongside hints of clove, menthol, and a final, comforting note of toasted brioche.

The high-rye content and solid proof make this a natural companion for heavy, fatty dishes. Serve it alongside Kansas City-style ribs; the spicy-sweet sauce will lock into the bourbon's brown sugar profile. For a cheese board, an aged Gouda with those crunchy salt crystals is mandatory to cut through the spirit's viscosity. If you are looking for a dessert match, a slice of warm peach cobbler mirrors the stone fruit notes hidden in the mid-palate.