Hochatown Loyal & True Reserve Bourbon Review | With Blue on the Menu | The Liquor Connoisseur
- connoisseurofliquo
- May 12
- 2 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
Hochatown Distilling Company is building something special in southeastern Oklahoma, and their Loyal & True Reserve Bourbon is the bottle that makes that case most clearly. Crystal and Roger have been watching this brand develop, and this review is the moment they put the liquid to the test.
Bottle Specs
Spirit: Hochatown Loyal & True Reserve Bourbon
Distillery: Hochatown Distilling Co., Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Category: Oklahoma Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Age: Reserve expression — additional aging beyond standard release
ABV: ~45–47%
Price: ~$50–60
Hochatown's Oklahoma Story
Hochatown is named for the town it calls home — a tourist destination in the McCurtain County Wilderness Area of southeastern Oklahoma. The distillery built its brand on tourism and local pride first, but their bourbon program has grown into something that deserves attention beyond the region. The Loyal & True Reserve is the expression that proves they're playing a serious game.
Tasting Notes — Nose, Palate, Finish
Nose: Rich caramel and vanilla with a pleasant oakiness — the Reserve age shows in the depth of the wood integration. A note of dried cherry and baking spice completes the picture. Palate: Smooth and approachable despite the reserve character — the Oklahoma climate has worked its accelerated aging magic here. Sweet corn foundation with layers of vanilla, toffee, and a hint of leather. Finish: Medium-long, warming, with oak and caramel trailing cleanly.
Value Proposition
At $50–60, Loyal & True Reserve punches significantly above its price point. Oklahoma bourbons still benefit from a regional discount compared to comparable Kentucky expressions — which is good news for anyone paying attention to what's being made outside the traditional bourbon belt right now.
🥃 Crystal & Roger's LC Recommendations
If you want value in bourbon right now: Oklahoma craft distilleries are producing quality that Kentucky is charging twice as much for. Hochatown is among the best.
For a local gift from Oklahoma: This is the bottle. It tells a story, it tastes excellent, and it represents the state well.
Side by side: Compare Loyal & True Reserve with a similarly-priced Kentucky expression. The differences are instructive and the Oklahoma bottle often wins on value.
LC Verdict
A bourbon that earns its Reserve designation and its price point. Hochatown is one of the best regional craft distilleries in the country.
Drink To Remember, Not To Forget. 🥃
🥃 Want to Experience This With an Expert?
Crystal and Roger of The Liquor Connoisseur® bring the same expertise directly to your group — live, in person, guided by the same passion and knowledge from every episode. Corporate tastings from $1,500. In-home tastings from $500. Virtual tastings available nationwide.
Never miss an episode — subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. New episodes every week.
📖 More Reviews Like This
Comments