Kentucky Owl Confiscated Bourbon

It's been more than three years since I last had this bourbon (and thus no review). In that time, I've gone through a divorce, sold a home, acquired some vehicles, and had some romantic experiences. I've also sampled many whiskies—just not this one. Time to fix that. I acquired this bottle at a significant markdown from a friend years ago. Following the Weller CYPB I just sampled, the initial aroma of this bourbon presented a noticeable dusty character. It wasn't unpleasant, as dust itself isn't inherently bad. It has its uses. For collectors of old items; for wine aficionados who cellar bottles for decades; for homeowners who check basements for pests; for those who appreciate a well-worn look; and for the creators of cleaning products. Dust can be beneficial. A subtle amount (as I sometimes detect in Wild Turkey) can also be good. But, as with most things, too much is detrimental. The aroma is reserved. There's some corn and vanilla, but you really have to clear your sinuses to detect it. (Mental note: sample this alongside Mellow Corn corn whiskey—which I enjoy). It also has notes of snickerdoodle cookie. However, I can visit the supermarket to experience the scent of snickerdoodle cookies. The taste includes caramel and vanilla, with a slight kick exceeding the 96.4 proof. The finish is vanilla and a coffee-like bitterness. To be clear, this isn't the worst thing imaginable. However, it's a product of excessive marketing hype. I'm open to tasting numerous whiskies; context and experience are key. But try this at someone else's place. Or yours. I'm finished exploring this particular spirit.

Nose - Butterscotch hard candy is prominent. It evokes memories of a grandmother's candy dish. A very inviting aroma. Palate - Vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, and peanuts. It's like a McDonald's soft-serve sundae. This is sweet, but not excessively so. The sundae flavor evolves into peanut brittle supported by some oak. Finish - This finishes with more intensity than I expected. Despite the candy-like nose and dessert-like taste, there's a pleasant warmth. The oak becomes slightly woody at the end, but it doesn't detract from the overall experience. Overall - A welcome surprise. I had doubts about the price and source of this, making me hesitant to purchase a bottle. I still feel it's expensive for an unaged, sourced spirit. BUT, I truly enjoyed the experience.

A deep, dark amber hue. The fragrant, intricate, and fruity nose presents notes of peaches and apple pie, saddle leather, newly cut oak, vanilla, and a noticeable yet pleasant warmth. The warmth (96.4 proof) dominates the palate, featuring pepper, some woody and mildly bitter tannins, and a touch of cooling menthol. A brief vanilla note appears on the finish. Kentucky Owl Confiscated deserves recognition: its aromas are competitive, but its flavor profile and finish are less impactful. It's agreeable to drink, though not a remarkable value. It's priced around $130 in my location; I secured this bottle from an acquaintance's liquor store for approximately half that. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

A smooth start with flavors of tree and vine fruits: crisp apple, pear, and white grape, plus mellow notes of coffee cake, cinnamon toast, and light oak. The body has a medium texture, with many prominent flavors leading the way on the tongue. The finish is medium in length, concluding with a pleasant peppery sensation. What we appreciate about this bourbon is its continuous improvement with every taste. One of the most welcoming and accessible bourbons we have encountered. If this is the type of whiskey that was seized by law enforcement during prohibition, we are pleased it's now free after over 100 years. Confiscated earns our choice for Bourbon of the Year!

Glass: Glencairn, allowed to sit for 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Abundant vanilla, accompanied by some caramel and fruit. Palate: Oak and cinnamon with hints of clove and baking spices. Finish: Moderate duration with moderate warmth. Splash: Clove becomes more prominent, but no new flavors emerge. Overall: 8.5/10 - This offering is actually somewhat more intricate than my description suggests. The flavor harmony is uniquely engaging, though I have been sampling higher proof spirits recently. A bit more alcohol content and/or age, and this could reach a 9/10 rating.

Initial impression; challenging but peppery caramel. A robust wheat aroma with a hint of sweetness is present. Initial sip; a bitter complexity of dark chocolate and pepper. Beneath the bitterness lies a caramel vanilla finish. Kentucky Owl offers a unique experience. It's a profound flavor that requires careful consideration to unravel its mystery. Overall, it's very good. I wouldn't classify it as superior or inferior to high-end Buffalo Trace bourbon. It's distinct. Worth sampling at the very least. Share your perspectives.