John Chester Ross and Sons (Port Finished)
Overall Score: 7.25/10
Overall Value: 3.5/5
Distillery: Sourced
Classification: Kansas City Whiskey (High-Wheat) Finished in Port Cask.
Company: House of Veritasi®
Release Date: 2023
Proof: 100
Age: NAS
Color: Orange Copper
MSRP: $75 (2025)
Mashbill: Undisclosed. High-Wheat
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose leads with a strong port wine character—rich, fruity, and grape-forward. That sweet, juicy note is balanced by orange zest, vanilla, and subtle hints of honey and graham cracker. There’s a faint note of tootsie roll and even a touch of white wine that keeps things interesting. It leans sweet and dark.
The palate is light and juicy, with the port influence front and center again. Think cherry topping on a grocery store cheesecake—sweet and simple. There’s also a flash of citrus, something like an orange-cherry Gusher candy. A hint of smoke sneaks in toward the back, giving a bit of contrast to the fruit-forward profile. Not overly complex, but very enjoyable.
The finish is on the short side, fading gently with notes of tart cherry and light oak. While it doesn’t linger long, it avoids bitterness and heat, making this pour incredibly easy to sip. There's a touch of dryness at the end, but nothing that detracts too much from the experience.
This port-finished whiskey from John Chester Ross and Sons doesn’t aim for massive complexity—it’s about balance, sweetness, and approachability. At its MSRP, it feels fairly priced, but if you catch it on sale, it becomes an easy recommendation. Whether you're into wine cask finishes or just want something smooth and fruit-forward, this bottle delivers a pleasant, flavorful experience without the burn. A fun pour to keep on the shelf—especially for those moments when you want a whiskey that doesn’t ask too much of you.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
I get orange, graham cracker, and vanilla. It does have a sweet but dark profile to it.
Occasionally the scent of tootsie roll made itself present.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is light and juicy.
I think the best way to describe the palette was like a cheap superstore cheesecake with cherry topping.
However, it also has a bit of smokiness to it.
THE FINISH:
This part gets a bit more oaky and there is tartness or bitterness.
The primary flavor is dark cherry.
BUY OR PASS?
I really enjoyed this pour for a 100-proof option. The finish wasn't phenomenal, but you can tell this bourbon has depth to it.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
The port wine finish jumps out right away. I get a strong grape note, almost like something you'd expect from a sweet white wine.
It's fruity, fresh, and really pleasant. I also get a small amount of honey and vanilla after it opens up.
THE TASTE:
It’s soft and sweet on the palate.
The port influence leads the way again, with those sweet, rich grape notes.
There’s also this fun, candy-like burst that reminded me of an orange-cherry Gusher.
Not overly complex, but very tasty.
THE FINISH:
The finish is short and simple.
A light sweetness sticks around for a bit, and there’s no bitterness or burn.
It fades gently, which makes for an easy sip.
BUY OR PASS?
This isn’t a pour that’s going to blow you away with layers of complexity, but it’s well-made and super enjoyable. Everything works together nicely, and there’s nothing out of place.
If you like port finishes or fruit-forward pours, this is definitely worth trying.
