Cream of Kentucky 13 Year

Rating: 19/23 Nose: Powerful and pronounced, with prominent notes of wood, vanilla, and smoke. It doesn't come across as excessively bitter, though. Eventually, spices emerge, primarily in the rich cinnamon spectrum, with a hint of coffee overlap. While not highly complex, it possesses a rich, aged aroma and sufficient complexity. The scents are not muddled. Palate: The flavor and proof are less impactful than anticipated after that nose. It's rich with charred wood and mocha. I detect a lovely fruity vanilla richness as well. It has an uncomplex yet indulgent character. There's also a mature flavor, not quite musty, emerging from the vanilla that carries a somewhat hit-or-miss bitterness, reminiscent of sucking on a spent vanilla bean. It's rather peculiar but adds positively. If someone wished to label this flavor a flaw, I wouldn't argue. Finish: A slight bitter char lingers, blending with the remaining mocha. The spice is mostly gone, but hints of vanilla richness surface occasionally. - Conclusion - This is quite indulgently enjoyable. There's surprisingly little bite, yet it tastes quite aged and rich. The proof is more noticeable in the aroma than on the palate, likely due to the relatively low spice level. It lacks the complexity of Elijah Craig B520, but it's certainly not a disappointment. Regarding a rating, I'd place it no lower than an 18, leaning towards 18 or 19. It seems comparable in quality to Wild Turkey Rare Breed, but older and less complex. This comparison is difficult due to limited options in this score range. I'll settle on a 19, but it's a close call. This is sample B from an unlabeled set of 4. It could be one of about 15 different bourbons and ryes. Considering the richness, smokiness, and clear age, I suspect this is likely Sam Houston 14. It might also be one of the other older expressions like Cream of Kentucky 13, Bomberger's Declaration (less likely given the perceived low proof), Barterhouse 20, or Rhetoric 25. Making a definitive choice is challenging because this is clearly a well-aged bourbon, as are all those listed. I haven't sampled anything from these producers before. Elijah Craig Small Batch seems less potent in comparison, but it's quite close. I believe Sam Houston is the most probable given its 49% ABV. - The Reveal - I must say, the name "Cream of Kentucky" is misleading here. I anticipated a sweet, rich, balanced, smooth bourbon from a name containing "cream." This is an unusual, distinct spirit. It's a rugged bourbon, not a refined one. Cream of Kentucky 13 was my secondary guess, so the name wasn't entirely deceptive, but I still find it to be a poor fit. Nonetheless, it's a very good bourbon. Thanks to a friend for providing the sample.

To mix things up, a friend sent me a collection of unlabeled samples with unique markings to keep their identity a mystery until after tasting. I wonder if I'll confuse a rye for a bourbon or completely miss a particular finish, but I'm eager to find out, so let's begin this blind tasting with the vial marked with four dots. Perhaps the dots represent a brand name containing 'four,' such as Four Roses or Four Gate, or it could just be an arbitrary code. Let's open this sample and discover its contents. The nose is rich and indulgent, starting with freshly baked cornbread muffins topped with honey, followed by baked cinnamon apples and ripe black cherries, then orange blossoms, and finally a subtle Mexican spiced mocha. This eventually gives way to a sophisticated, high-end leather scent and aged mahogany, with a slight ethanol prickle. The taste has a medium body, beginning with freshly baked cornbread muffins, then baked cinnamon apples and ripe black cherries. A moderate bitterness emerges mid-palate, overpowering before fading into cloves and light oak, accompanied by a medium ethanol burn. The finish is of medium duration, featuring Mexican spiced mocha, Granny Smith apple, orange zest, black cherries, cloves, leather, and polished mahogany. This is undoubtedly an aged bourbon, boasting an exceptionally rich aroma and robust, well-rounded traditional bourbon characteristics. The mouthfeel is lighter than the aroma implied, though not weak. It begins with refined traditional bourbon flavors before shifting to an unusual bitter note mid-palate that I can't quite identify. It then transitions to a very pleasant finish, returning to those traditional bourbon notes with a Mexican chocolate spiced mocha undertone. Overall, it's a delightful bourbon, but a mild bitterness disrupts the balance for me, leading to a lower score. Nevertheless, I would gladly consume this anytime. So, is this a Four Roses or Four Gate? Drum roll please... Nope! The label clearly indicates this bourbon is none other than Cream of Kentucky, aged 13 years.

This older Kentucky bourbon seems to be part of a recent trend of extended-aged spirits. It's adequately proofed. Its sourcing is unclear. It has a respectable age statement, and while previous releases have been solid, they haven't been particularly thrilling. Nose - Exhibiting a standard, classic bourbon profile. Vanilla, caramel, and corn dominate, with a very subtle oak presence that could easily be overlooked. Nutty oak notes are present, but the focus remains squarely on the classic vanilla, caramel, and corn. Taste - The name "Cream of Kentucky" inevitably brings creaminess to mind. It delivers a creamy vanilla with a hint of spiced oak. The highlight is a pleasant, well-balanced sweetness at the outset. The finish begins to reveal its 13 years of age; while perhaps the least oaked 13-year-old ever, the oak is still discernible. Overall, this is a well-crafted bourbon, rich in flavor but without any single note overpowering others. It has a creamy, substantial texture without being overly strong. Is it worth a frantic search? Perhaps not. It's not a mind-blowing experience, but rather a consistently balanced and well-made bourbon. I'm rating this a 2.5. Part of me considers a 3.0 because I view it as a technically perfect bourbon, but it needs something more to reach that level. The $130 price point is unusual and presents a dilemma. It's not outrageously expensive, yet most bourbon enthusiasts would consider $130 quite steep. However, when compared to Weller bottles fetching $200+, it appears to be a reasonable value. If you appreciate a creamy texture, vanilla notes, a mellow bourbon opening, and a pleasant oak spice finish, this bottle might be for you. For what it's worth, I purchased two bottles, indicating my satisfaction, and I'll be happy to enjoy them in the future.

Kentucky Owl has received mixed reactions in online communities, with many criticizing its cost. It's supposedly sourced bourbon from Barton 1792. Ignoring the price, the reviews of the whiskey itself seem to improve with each batch. I decided to try batch 4. Nose: A classic bourbon aroma with aged oak, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and clove. Hints of orange peel and freeze-dried apples are also present. Some initial ethanol is noticeable; the aroma is a bit sharper than expected for 102 proof, so letting it rest is advised. Palate: A pleasant, full mouthfeel. Dark brown sugar is prominent, followed by earthy oak, vanilla, baked apples, and baking spices. The finish is long with a nice sweetness combined with oak and spice. It provides a warm sensation without being harsh or overly hot. Overall, it's a very well-crafted, traditional bourbon profile. The sweet notes complement the oak throughout the extended finish, which is impressive for 102 proof. Unlike many bourbons of this age where oak can become overpowering and drying, this one maintains its balance. The proof seems appropriate; it's a well-balanced spirit with concentrated flavors, suggesting cask strength might only add unnecessary heat. While it might be Barton distillate, it surpasses any 1792-labeled product I've tried, crediting Rutledge for skillful blending. Despite its higher price, it aligns with current market pricing. It sells steadily without lingering like some other premium bottles, indicating a good value proposition for its place in the market. It may be Barton juice, but it's better than anything I've had with 1792 on the label, so I have to give Rutledge some credit for the blending here. Yes, it's more expensive expensive than I'd like, but they seemed to have priced it about right for the current market. It doesn't immediately fly off the shelves around here, but it does sell without sitting for months/years the way the Whistlepig Boss Hog or Kentucky Owl does.

As described by a knowledgeable source: 'I prefer a mellow mouthfeel and a long, very smooth finish. The bourbon selected for Cream of Kentucky meets these criteria, offering a pleasant creamy mouthfeel with subtle fruitiness, hints of caramel and vanilla, and gentle woody characteristics.' The color is a deep orange-amber. Unlike some bottles, upon opening, there's no dusty or unusual aroma. The nose is immediately rich with fruity notes of orange zest, cherry, and clove. Oak is present, but more subdued in the glass, evoking a sense of maturity. A distinct vanilla aroma is also noticeable. I can also detect notes of crisp, sun-dried tobacco, but nothing resembling leather or bitterness. Interestingly, my dog shows interest in this spirit, which is unusual for her, suggesting some appealing element. The entry is mellow and sweet, followed by a mid-palate of wood and smoke, then a developing but gentle heat on the finish, with lingering vanilla, brown sugar, sun-dried tobacco, and baking spices. While not as viscous or oily as I prefer, it's certainly not thin. This is an approachable, mature, and balanced spirit that hits all the right notes. The age is evident from the mid-palate through the finish. It bears some resemblance to a less intense version of a well-known high-proof bourbon, but without the leathery and mineral notes. Its balance is exceptional, and the finish is remarkable without being overwhelming. I spent $140 and plan to purchase another bottle if I can find it. Cheers to the producer. The takeaway seems to be that exceptional talent should continue to be utilized.

Considering the high price point, I'm evaluating its value without factoring in cost unless it's exceptionally good or bad. The nose presents a nutty oak upfront, possibly walnut, with alcohol vapors if inhaled deeply. The taste is sweetened oak with a hint of cherry and earthy undertones. The burn is less pronounced than the nose suggests. The finish is wonderful and warming.