Last Updated on February 16, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Whiskey and MMA are two different worlds, but for Josh Barnett, you can have the best of both worlds with the Warbringer Warmaster whiskey.
Why is it popular? How is it different from other whiskeys?
Let’s take a closer look at the Warbringer Warmaster whiskey and see what it offers.
About Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey
Warbringer Warmaster whiskey is a great-tasting bourbon from Sespe Creek Distillery, and the distinctive label is a product of team effort. MMA Heavyweight fighter Josh “Warmaster” Barnett handpicked Warbringer Warmaster’s single cask and cask strength.
Warbringer Warmaster is a bourbon whiskey, and it is matured in a #4 char barrel, which means it’s been burned for 55 seconds to achieve the alligator-like skin [1].
Warmaster whiskey has two labels: batch proofed and cask strength single barrel bottled, and both labels have great tasting notes as they mature for years.
Interesting Facts
Mash Bill
Warbringer Warmaster whiskey has a unique mash bill compared to other whiskeys because it is a 75/25 split. Mash bill contains 75% roasted mesquite-smoked corn and 25% malted rye, and it does not contain any barley. Since the mash bill contains more smoked mesquite corn, it is no surprise that the whiskey has bold and deep mesquite notes.
How It’s Made
After combining the mash bill, the raw ingredients undergo ten days of fermentation before distillation in a pot still. It is by far one of the longest fermentation periods in the whiskey world.
The sprit will be stored and aged in a level 4 oak cask before further maturation in sherry casks. The spirit’s aroma has a bold mesquite smoke, cask strength, and rich sherry taste.
Tasting Notes
Color/Hue
Warbringer whiskey has a golden amber hue because it comes in contact with wood barrels (oak and sherry) for a certain amount of time. Spirits like Warbringer are like a solvent; it leaches the pigment compounds from the wood as it ages.
While it is in stock inside the barrel for a longer time, it has a darker color or hue, and we find it very appealing.
Nose
Warbringer has a great smell of mesquite, and it dominates the sweetness of the sherry liquor. The smoked mesquite notes come with hints of sweet wine, which is delicious and polarizing.
The sherry gives out notes of black cherries and chocolate sauce. We found sharper notes of orange extract and scent lingering on the pavement like a summer day. Sitting in a glass with ice, you can smell the sweetness and smoke of toffee wine, and it smells like mesquite over the campfire.
Palate
Warbringer is not a gentle whiskey because it explodes with fruitiness and campfire scent on your palate. The proof mellows quickly and turns to vanilla, which stings like a pleasant diesel.
There’s a subtle smoke flavor given the notes and taste of some grilled sweet cherries with drizzled honey. If you have tasted the spirit, we will all agree it is easy to enjoy the drink after you leave it with ice for two to three minutes.
Finish
The finish tasted like liquid smoke and oily that could keep your tongue from drying out. The notes of diesel fuel linger from palate to finish, and it has a long finish of smoke, spice, and wood. It has a long finish like other average whiskeys, but the smoke makes it more remarkable.
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Alcohol By Volume
The alcohol content plays a vital role in any whiskey, and after years of maturation in casks, their labels are bottled in average alcohol content. The white label Warbringer Warmaster Edition Mesquite Smoked contains 49% ABV (98.5 proof). On the other hand, the orange label Warbringer Warmaster Edition Bourbon contains 56.5% ABV (113 proof).
Who Makes Warbringer Bourbon?
Warbringer bourbon is the fruit of a collaboration between MMA Heavyweight fighter Josh “Warmaster” Barnett and Sespe Creek Distillery in Oxnard, California. David Brandt, Ph.D., is the Master Distiller of the brand, and he used his knowledge to produce the spirit we all enjoy today.
Does Josh “The Warmaster” Barnett Own It?
Yes, Josh “The Warmaster” Barnett owns it, and the MMA fighter decided to put his MMA stage name to his brand. However, unlike big names and celebrities who own a whiskey brand, Josh is very hands-on with the business, and he personally hand-picked each barrel.
Fun Fact: Warbringer is never sourced and is made from scratch to finish. 100% from scratch and made on-site, so who would not want to score one?
How Joe Rogan Made This Whiskey More Popular
Warbringer is a popular spirit, and Joe Rogan made this whiskey more popular by drinking it with Josh Barnett in his podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience.” In his podcast (JRE #1797 – Josh Barnet), he mentioned how much he loved drinking it and told everyone that it is one of his favorite whiskey.
Now, people on the internet are going crazy looking for it because it’s hard to get; because hey, who would not love to support Josh Barnett- the man who picked the whiskey? There’s a long email list waiting for you before you can get one.
Common Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey Prices
| Bottle Type | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Warbringer Warmaster Edition Mesquite Smoked Southwest Bourbon | 750 mL | 56.5% | $138 – $142 |
| Warbringer Warmaster Edition Bourbon Whiskey | 750 mL | 49% | $60 – $65 |
Compared to Other Whiskeys
Jack Daniel’s
Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee whiskey, and unlike Warbringer, it has a unique charcoal mellowing process for its signature smoothness. In addition, it has an age statement like other whiskeys, unlike Warbringer. It has a great amber color, almost similar to Warbringer, and you can score a 750 mL bottle for around $25, which is cheaper than the brand.
Johnnie Walker
Johnnie Walker is a scotch, while Warbringer is a bourbon – which makes the two different from each other. It has a lighter hue and is best served at room temperature. In addition, it has notes of malt, fruits, and oak, and if you want to score a bottle, you can get a Gold label for approximately $50.
Read: Johnnie Walker Black & Double Black Compared
Jim Beam
Jim Beam bourbon, like Warbringer, is an American brand of bourbon, and it is known for being one of the best-selling whiskeys in the world. It has an age statement, more spice, and is less sweet than Warbringer, but it lacks the signature notes the Warbringer is known for; smoke. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, you can get a 750 mL for around $20.
Evan Williams
Evan Williams is a familiar brand for anyone who loves drinking distilled liquors, and it is a national icon of Kentucky bourbon. It has a similar golden hue appearance to Warbringer and has a robust taste. It is rich and full of flavor, so if you want to grab a bottle, you can get it at around $18, which is very cheap compared to a bottle of Warbringer.
Also Read: Evan Williams vs Jack Daniel’s
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey gluten-free?
Yes, Warbringer Warmaster is gluten-free. In fact, all distilled spirits, especially bourbons, which are now allowed to have additives are gluten-free because of the distillation process. If you plan to avoid sugar/gluten but love drinking liquors, you found a real gem that you can bring home.
Is Warbringer Wasmaster bourbon expensive?
Yes, Warbringer Warmaster Edition is expensive compared to other bourbons in the market because it is made from scratch on-site. Josh does not have tolerance for buying sourced whiskeys and does avoid getting one, so it is a legit 100% crafted spirit.
Is Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey gluten-free?
Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey’s gluten content can vary, and it’s recommended to check the product label or contact the manufacturer directly for accurate information on gluten content.
What type of whiskey is Warbringer Warmaster?
Warbringer Warmaster is typically recognized as a bourbon-style whiskey, but specifics about its production and flavor profile may vary. Refer to the product details for more information.
Where is Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey produced?
The production location of Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey may vary, and it’s advisable to check the product label or contact the manufacturer for details on its origin.
Can Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey be purchased online?
Availability of Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey online may depend on regional liquor laws and the product’s distribution. Check with authorized retailers or the brand’s official website for purchasing options.
What is the recommended way to serve Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey?
Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey can be enjoyed in various ways, including neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Experiment with different serving methods to find your preferred way of enjoying this whiskey.
Is Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey limited edition?
Information about whether Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey is a limited edition or part of a regular product lineup can typically be found on the brand’s official website or by contacting the
Does Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey have age statements?
Whether Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey carries age statements, indicating the duration of aging, can be verified by checking the product label or contacting the manufacturer for specific details.
Can Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey be used in cocktails?
Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey’s flavor profile may make it suitable for various cocktails. Experiment with mixology or refer to the brand’s website for suggested cocktail recipes.
Is Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey available internationally?
Availability of Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey outside specific regions or countries can vary. Check with local retailers or the brand’s official channels for international distribution information.
How is Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey different from other whiskeys?
Warbringer Warmaster Whiskey’s unique characteristics, flavor notes, and production methods differentiate it from other whiskeys. Explore tasting notes and product descriptions for insights into what sets it apart.
Final Thoughts
For MMA heavyweight fighter Josh Barnett, making a great and fine-tasting spirit will take a while, and it does not involve any shortcuts. The traditionally made mesquite-smoked spirit matured in oak and sherry casks is the trademark of the Warbringer Warmaster whiskey.
There’s a long email list waiting for a barrel of Warbringer Warmaster Edition to mature in time, and because of its unique identity, it is no surprise that it is a famous spirit in town. If you would like to score a bottle, you can search the internet if you can find any.
Reference:
- https://vinepair.com/wine-blog/what-are-barrel-char-levels-and-how-do-they-affect-the-way-my-whiskey-tastes/
