Puncher’s Chance Bourbon Review: The Underdog Whiskey with a Knockout Finish

Nov 25

Puncher’s Chance Bourbon: The Underdog Whiskey with a Big Uppercut

feat. B, Heather, Katie & Special Guest Aaron

There’s something irresistible about an underdog bourbon—especially one bold enough to name itself Puncher’s Chance. When our friend, bottle-bringer, and habitual bad influence Aaron walked into the studio swinging this bourbon like a title belt, we knew we were in for a fight night of the best kind.

This episode of Tortured Bourbon dives deep into one of Wolf Spirit Distillery’s most talked-about releases. A bourbon rooted in grit, swagger, and Kentucky tradition. Let’s get into it.

🥊 The Backstory: A Bourbon Built on Grit

Puncher’s Chance comes from Wolf Spirit Distillery in Eugene, Oregon—an outfit created by founder Umberto Luchini, who left a comfortable corporate life to build a distillery fueled by attitude and storytelling.

Despite being headquartered out West, the bourbon itself is distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky, making this a true Kentucky straight bourbon with a West Coast backbone.

The name Puncher’s Chance refers to that classic boxing phrase: even if you’re outmatched, you still have a shot at the knockout.

And honestly? That fits this bottle perfectly.

🥃 The Specs: What’s Actually in the Bottle?

For this tasting, we used the flagship straight bourbon:

Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
Age: Blend of 5- and 6-year Kentucky straight bourbons
Mash Bill:
- 75% corn
- 13% rye
- 12% malted barley
Distilled & aged: Kentucky
Bottled: Wolf Spirit, Eugene, OR
Price: Usually $30–$40

This checks nearly every box for a solid everyday sipper: age statement, Kentucky roots, accessible proof, and a price that doesn’t require a second mortgage.

🌾 Katie’s Corner: The Aromas & Tasting Notes

Here’s what you should smell and taste according to the brand and the wider bourbon community:

Nose:

Vanilla and caramel sweetness
Corn-rich warmth
Nutmeg and cinnamon
Slight leather or cedar
A soft nutty edge (toasted almond vibes)

Palate:

Caramel and creamy vanilla
Moderate rye spice from the 13% rye
Pepper, barrel char, toasted grain

Finish:

Medium length with touches of:

Maple syrup
Brown sugar
Orange peel
Occasional dark chocolate

Katie gave us the sensory map — and then the rest of us argued about it like civilized degenerates. As always.

🥃 Our Tasting, Ranking & Real Talk

We tasted, debated, circled back, took another sip, questioned our life choices, and ultimately ranked Puncher’s Chance using the official Tortured Bourbon Rating System:

Cock of the Walk
Hush Your Mouth
That Dog Will Hunt
Bless Your Heart
Piddlin’

(You’ll have to watch the episode to see where Puncher’s Chance landed. We don’t do spoilers here.)

🎬 Final Thoughts: Does Puncher’s Chance Earn a Shot?

Puncher’s Chance feels exactly like what it claims to be: a bourbon for fighters, grinders, and people who keep getting up after the eighth round. For the price, age, proof, and flavor profile, it absolutely earns a place in the conversation for best budget-friendly Kentucky straight bourbons.

Whether it becomes a daily drinker or a “keep-around-just-in-case” bottle? That depends on your palate — and your tolerance for spice and sweetness dancing in the same ring.