This Kentucky Owl Bourbon is composed by master blender John Rhea, previously COO of Four Roses. The Kentucky straight bourbon is a blend of whiskeys matured seven to 14 years, along with two four-year-old bourbons. The result is a whiskey that's full of sweet spice and brown sugar goodness, along with notes of red fruits, brûléed figs, and delicate florals. Kentucky Owl dates back to 1879, created by Charles Mortimer Dedman, but its production ceased when Prohibition came along. In 2010, Dixon Dedman revived his great-great-grandfather's whiskey brand, and the Kentucky Owl spread its wings once again!
Cask char, cinder toffee, honeydew melon and tobacco.
Fudge, black tea, old oak, chocolate chip cookies and rich vanilla.
Honey, cherry and cinnamon stick.
Valentine's Day was on Sunday, so my wife gave me a bottle of Kentucky Owl Batch 9 on Saturday so I could try it Saturday night. The nose was interesting, with leather and tobacco, plus a sweetness (I wouldn't call it honeydew). The high proof creates a substantial alcohol burn, almost so much so that it hides flavors from the palate, although it subsides by the finish. I noted vanilla and a sweet tea flavor, but I have no idea where the the "chocolate chip cookie" referenced in the Tasting Note comes from. The finish is a two-phase: Once the alcohol burn subsided I tasted sweet tea and oak and more vanilla, and then cinnamon, and then more of the sweetness (I wouldn't call it cherry, but sort of like that).
