Kings County Peated Bourbon

Batch 22 - I picked this up on clearance for $29.99 (750ml), so I thought, "why not", understanding that this might not be suitable for drinking neat if I didn't like it. Anyway, here's my take... Okay, the aroma is already a significant surprise... I detect some earthy, peaty notes, but it's not a smoky aroma... just a hint of campfire, alongside plenty of sweet, maple-like notes, brown sugar, baking spices, caramel, and a touch of vanilla. I'd be confused if I tasted this blindfolded, and I certainly wouldn't guess it was made from a peated mashbill. The flavor is smokier, but still, not excessively so. It's a sweet and smoky experience, but more bourbon-like characteristics come through... oak, more maple and brown sugar, some hay/grassy notes mixed in, and a bit of spice on the finish. A distinctive pour. The finish is shorter than average... not dramatically so, but enough to be a slight drawback... it's like the gentle slopes of a roller coaster, but the ride is a bit too brief. Nevertheless, it surpassed my expectations. I'd compare it to some Balcones/Garrison Bros products I've had previously, but this is superior, as the smoky notes enhance, rather than dominate, this spirit. That being said, I enjoy a good Islay, but if I'm in the mood for an Islay, I'm unlikely to reach for a "peated bourbon," so I appreciate the subtlety here. I'm unsure if I'd pay the regular price, but I'll likely buy another if I can find one for $30, as I doubt I'll encounter anything quite like this again anytime soon.

Analyzed in a Glencairn spirits nosing glass. Aroma - Undiluted - Notes of fudge, mild oak, graininess, black tea leaf, and a VERY subtle peat smoke (resembling grilled meat). With a little water added... This truly develops. A strong hit of fudge, gentle custard, brown sugar, and burnt twigs. Taste - Undiluted - Absolutely outstanding. Prominent notes of aged leather, cigar tobacco, dark chocolate, and a very sophisticated smokiness (think smoked salmon, not Islay scotch). With a little water added... This enhances the sweet notes, bringing in vanilla custard, but unfortunately diminishes the leather and tobacco, which I prefer. Final thoughts - This is absolutely phenomenal. I'm awarding it a score of 4.75 out of 5.00 because it's so remarkably interesting. I appreciate smoky flavors, and while I'm a fan of Islay whiskies, I was quite concerned they would simply create an Islay scotch that could be legally labeled as bourbon. That is not the case at all. The peat is utilized with such subtlety that it truly accentuates the savory notes in a bourbon, such as wood, leather, and tobacco, even further. I DO prefer it without water. I hope to see other bourbon producers experiment with this technique, as it has resulted in something truly distinctive and in a category of its own, in my opinion.

This is one of those bottles that sits on the shelf for a long time, not particularly appealing, and then when you finally want it, it's nowhere to be found. I managed to get one today, and it's rather pricey for just 375ml, but the search is over, so perhaps it was worth the effort. The initial aroma is of musty, damp hay and corn husks, but after a short while, notes of sticky toffee, molasses, and vanilla emerge. A subtle hint of citrus and some malt appear as the final layer. This is certainly not your typical bourbon. The palate starts with more damp grass and a subtle, earthy, vegetal peat, not smoky. It then shifts towards more traditional American flavors, including brown sugar, orange, and baking spices. Unfortunately, it lacks sufficient oiliness (or a high enough proof) to sustain these flavors for long, feeling a bit thin. With that said, the finish is brief, with dry woody notes and a hint of malt seeking attention. Overall, it's good but not outstanding, and for $20 less, you could get the WR Kentucky Straight Malt, which offers a similar profile without the peat, and you get a full 750ml. However, there's satisfaction in finally obtaining something you've been searching for, so I have no regrets about this purchase.

The aroma presents maple syrup, honey, and bourbon. Oh, and a touch of green apple and caramel! It's definitely bourbon, but with a subtle, alluring smoked peat. I appreciate that the bourbon isn't the most prominent sensation. A hint of caramel and black pepper emerges at the finish, along with sugar syrup. The empty glass, after some time, smells like an unlit, chocolate-infused cigar. And that faint green apple is still there... Fantastic! Observing other reviews, the flavor profiles vary widely, which is intriguing and suggests it might appeal to many. Evaluation based on enjoying it neat.

This is a very intriguing release from King's County. The nose is quite deceptive, showing only maple and a touch of honey. However, the taste is truly remarkable. It starts rather intensely but then evolves into a wonderful combination of peat and maple, with subtle hints of vanilla. Neither the peat nor the maple overwhelms the palate. The finish is pleasant and lengthy, like a fresh apple pie smoked with maple wood. It serves as a good introduction to peat, and peat enthusiasts will also find it enjoyable.

It has a gentle sweetness on the nose. There's an indefinable depth. Possibly light peat and new leather. After a sip, sweetness comes through. Fruits. A very subtle spice. It possesses a pleasant, distinct complexity. Let it linger, and you'll detect a hint of peat. Overall, a very delightful spirit. If they sold 750mL bottles for $50, it would be a regular on my bar. At $42 for a 300mL, this will be a 'save for special moments' pour. Worth keeping on hand!