Lasso Motel 18 Years Old Straight Bourbon

Lasso Motel 18 Year American Straight Whiskey is an exceptionally mature, high-proof American whiskey that showcases nearly two decades of oak development without the aggressive woodiness that can accompany extremely old bourbon. Distilled at MGP in Indiana from a remarkably corn-forward mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley, it is matured for 18 years in used bourbon barrels and bottled at an intense 121 proof (60.5% ABV). Rich buttery toffee, maple, brown sugar, mature oak, and dried apricot define a decadent profile with remarkable concentration and depth.

Process & Profile

Lasso Motel’s 18 Year is distilled in Indiana at Midwest Grain Products (MGP) and represents the oldest core expression in the brand’s lineup. Unlike Lasso Motel’s younger Kentucky whiskeys, this release uses a dramatically different mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley, placing rich corn sweetness at the center of its character.

The whiskey spends an extraordinary 18 years in previously used bourbon barrels. Because bourbon must mature in new charred oak, the use of seasoned barrels means this expression is classified as American Straight Whiskey rather than Straight Bourbon. The previously used oak allows extended maturation to develop deep caramelized, nutty, and fruit-driven character while moderating the intensity of fresh oak extraction.

On the nose, Lasso Motel highlights buttery toffee, maple, and dried apricot, creating a rich and immediately mature aromatic profile. Independent tasting notes add sweet corn, white grape, raspberry cream, vanilla, caramel, and lightly toasted oak, revealing both confectionary sweetness and mature barrel complexity.

The palate begins with mature oak before developing into buttery toffee and sweet sugar-maple. Additional layers of caramel, vanilla, stone fruit, dark chocolate, and brown sugar emerge as the whiskey opens, with the 121-proof strength providing substantial weight and intensity.

The finish is long and warming, led by dried apricot and plush brown sugar, with lingering butterscotch, maple candy, seasoned oak, and gentle spice. Despite its considerable proof and age, the whiskey maintains a notably buttery texture rather than finishing excessively dry or tannic.

What makes Lasso Motel 18 Year American Straight Whiskey especially compelling is the combination of 18 years of maturation, MGP provenance, a 99% corn mash bill, used-bourbon-barrel aging, and a powerful 121-proof presentation. It also carries significant critical recognition, including Best in Show at the 2024 New York World Spirits Competition, while Tastings awarded it 92 points and a Gold Medal.

Enjoy it neat in a Glencairn or other tasting glass and allow it several minutes to open. A few drops of water can soften the 121-proof intensity and reveal additional maple, caramel, fruit, and vanilla character. Its rich mature profile also pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, roasted nuts, or a fine cigar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lasso Motel 18 Year American Straight Whiskey?
It is an 18-year-old American Straight Whiskey distilled at MGP in Indiana from 99% corn and 1% malted barley, matured in used bourbon barrels, and bottled at 121 proof.

What are the key specs of Lasso Motel 18 Year?
The whiskey carries an 18-year age statement, is bottled at 121 proof / 60.5% ABV, and uses a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley. Current U.S. listings offer it in a 750ml bottle.

Is Lasso Motel 18 Year a bourbon?
No. Although its 99% corn mash bill resembles a bourbon recipe, the whiskey is matured in used bourbon barrels rather than new charred oak. It is therefore labeled American Straight Whiskey, not bourbon.

What flavors characterize Lasso Motel 18 Year American Straight Whiskey?
Expect buttery toffee, maple, dried apricot, brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, mature oak, stone fruit, and dark chocolate, with additional butterscotch and maple-candy notes through the finish.

What makes Lasso Motel 18 Year special?
Its distinction comes from 18 years of maturation, a nearly all-corn 99/1 mash bill, MGP distillation, seasoned bourbon-barrel aging, and an unusually powerful 121-proof bottling strength. Its combination of age, richness, and restrained oak helped earn it Best in Show at the 2024 New York World Spirits Competition.