Edmond’s Honor
There’s a rising bourbon on the scene called Edmond’s Honor that feels like more than just a new bottle—it’s a story stitched into every sip. From its striking packaging to the wealth of notes and the vision behind it, this bourbon isn’t just trying to join the ultra-premium field. It wants to change what the ultra-premium field looks like, especially when it comes to whose stories get told.
The soul of Edmond’s Honor starts with its namesake: Edmond Albius, a botanist from the island formerly called Bourbon (now Réunion), best known for developing the hand-pollination method for vanilla orchids that still underlies much of vanilla cultivation. His work was foundational, yet for years it lived largely under the radar. Edmond’s Honor lifts his story, paying tribute to his passion, his intellect, and that quiet kind of brilliance that often goes unrecognized.
Then there’s the craftsmanship. Edmond’s Honor is a straight bourbon whiskey made from a high-corn mash bill. It’s aged first in American oak barrels to develop those classic bourbon notes of vanilla and toasted oak. But it doesn’t stop there: instead of leaving it to age and bottle, the bourbon is finished in French oak cognac casks that previously held Madagascar vanilla extract, then accentuated with a pure Madagascar vanilla essence. The result is a layered, nuanced profile that feels ambitious without being overdone.
Tasting Edmond’s Honor is like walking through a vanilla orchard at dusk. On the nose there are orange blossoms, brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasted oak. Your palate picks up bourbon vanilla, sandalwood, candied almonds, warming allspice, with a touch of citrus zest and wild honey. The finish lingers with vanilla, baking spices, and that oak warmth that makes you appreciate the slow proofing and finishing methods behind it. It settles softly but with character.
Part of what makes this bourbon feel important is its purpose. The brand is anchored by Pronghorn, which aims not only to make exceptional spirits but to diversify who gets to create and lead in the spirits world. Proceeds from Edmond’s Honor are committed toward supporting underrepresented pioneers in the arts, culinary fields, and mixology. It’s a drink with a mission, honoring legacy while investing in future visionaries.
In this sense, Edmond’s Honor ties together taste and meaning. As you pour it neat or on the rocks—though many will say it shines even in cocktails—you’re also participating in a ripple effect. You’re elevating a narrative about heritage, about recognition, about stories that should be in the light. It makes enjoying bourbon feel like more than indulgence.
The bourbon sits at 86 proof (43% ABV), which gives it enough structure without being aggressive. It’s balanced—bold enough to register, smooth enough to invite conversation, and rich enough that layers reveal themselves over time. It doesn’t rush the drinker; it lets you discover.
Value-wise, Edmond’s Honor lives in the premium/ultra-premium bracket. Pricing hovers in the high-$40s to mid-$50s for a 750ml bottle, depending on retailer. Given the finishing techniques, the vanilla profile, and the story behind it, many in the bourbon community see the price as justifiable. It’s for someone who wants more than flavor—they want meaning.
For someone who’s curious about bourbon but cautious of overly smoky, heavy, or bourbon-vanilla bombs, this one strikes a middle ground. It’s expressive but elegant. It doesn’t try to dominate with oak or age alone; it leans instead on its finishing and its story to make its identity. That gentleness—tempered by complexity—is part of its charm.
Edmond’s Honor arrives at a moment when many people want their drinks to reflect more than taste—they want authenticity, history, and purpose. It’s that rare bourbon that is as much about the tale as the pour. For your glass, it’s a chance to savor flavor. For the culture, it’s a chance to reclaim a name, to celebrate a figure who deserves more recognition, and for all of us to taste what honor can be when deeply considered.
