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National Bourbon Day, June 14, is a reminder of how much bourbon has evolved and how some bottles still manage to surprise you. One of those is Pendleton 1910 Bourbon, a 10-year-old straight bourbon that combines rich tradition with real quality. It’s bold, smooth, and more complex in flavor and depth than most 90-proof pours I’ve tried.
Pendleton 1910 honors the inaugural year of the Pendleton Round-Up, a century-old rodeo held every September in Pendleton, Oregon. This bourbon was created to reflect the strength, character, and authenticity of the American West. While the Pendleton brand originally gained traction with its Canadian-style whiskies, this bottle shows they’re taking American bourbon seriously and doing it well.
First Impressions & Background
Pendleton 1910 comes in a 750ml bottle with some of the best packaging I’ve seen at this price point. The glass is embossed with a saddle leather pattern, and the iconic “Let ’er Buck” slogan and bucking horse logo tie it back to its rodeo roots. It’s clearly designed for fans of the Western lifestyle, but the bourbon inside isn’t just for show.
This bottle is 45% ABV (90 proof) and a blend of high- and low-rye bourbons. It’s aged 10 years in American white oak barrels with a #3 char, which is a rarity these days especially at this price.
What sets this bottle apart, though, is the water. After aging, the whiskey is cut to proof with glacier-fed spring water from Oregon’s Mount Hood, giving it a distinct regional character. That detail gives Pendleton 1910 a unique sense of place, even though it’s sourced.
Nose: Rich and Warm
Right out of the glass, this bourbon makes a strong first impression. I get maple syrup, toasted oak, and a hint of caramelized apple. There’s a warm, spicy character that rises with each swirl of the glass.
It smells a bit older and richer than most 90 proof bourbons I’ve tried recently. The 10 years in the barrel really bring out those deeper oak and baking spice notes, which I love.
Palate: Spicy, Sweet, and Satisfying
The first sip hits with a wave of caramel and vanilla, followed by a bold rye spice that adds complexity without overwhelming the palate. It also carries a light sweetness, think honey or sweet tea, that softens the spice and balances everything nicely.
This bourbon isn’t hot or harsh, but it does bring enough body and warmth to feel substantial. It’s not thin or flat the way some lower-proof bourbons can be. Instead, the layers of flavor unfold steadily: toasted oak, rye, vanilla, caramel, and just a touch of fruit, maybe green apple or dried cherry.
Finish: Lingering Spice and Oak
The finish is medium-long, with that warming rye spice sticking around. It leaves a soft tingle on the tongue that reminds me this is a high-rye bourbon at heart.
What I really like here is that Pendleton 1910 gives you a solid flavor experience from start to finish, even at just 90 proof. It doesn’t drop off suddenly or turn bitter. It stays smooth, slightly sweet, and delivers consistent depth through the finish.
Who It’s For
Pendleton 1910 is incredibly approachable but still has enough depth to interest more experienced bourbon drinkers. I’d recommend it to:
- New bourbon fans looking to level up from Canadian or Tennessee whiskey
- Fans of high-proof bourbons looking for something more approachable without sacrificing flavor
- Western lifestyle fans who appreciate the story and branding
- Gift givers looking for a great Father’s Day, graduation, or National Bourbon Day bottle under $50
Honestly, it works just as well neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. That rye spice gives it backbone in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, while the smooth sweetness keeps it enjoyable on its own.
Final Thoughts & Value
I’ve tried a lot of bourbons in this price range, and Pendleton 1910 really stands out. The fact that it’s age-stated at 10 years and still widely available for about $40–$45 makes it a serious value in today’s market.
This is a bottle that tells a story of rodeos, rugged terrain, and hard work and backs it up with flavor. I think it’s a great example of how a lifestyle-driven brand can still deliver a quality product. You’re not just paying for the label; you’re getting a well-aged, well-balanced bourbon that performs well beyond its proof. So if you’re shopping for Father’s Day, graduation gifts, or celebrating National Bourbon Day, do yourself a favor and try Pendleton 1910. For more info, visit pendletonwhisky.com.