Kentucky Owl Bourbon St. Patrick's Edition

Unfortunately never impressed with Kentucky owl based on price point. Seems more like a gimmick. This one is smooth with rye dill and oregano. Corn and toast, herbal with slight smoke finish. Medium length

This is 100% worth $125.00 per bottle. It’s a pappy 12 year smooth bourbon, yet no harshness like in so many 100 dollar bottles, the nose is interesting… lots of notes of caramel, predominately premium new saddle leather, a little hint of vanilla, marzipan, molasses. I mean this in 100% certainty, having tried 99% of all Kentucky bourbons, this is most confusingly familiar, interesting and by far and away the best note out there. They should make this into cologne. It’s contemplative with soft complexity that keeps you interested but not overwhelmed. The draw is initially sweet, it’s tickles all right senses as it challenges you to place the familiar yet distinctly new flavors that you are consistently close to naming but just quite can’t put a finger on. The finish is a warm and gentle spice like a refined, mellow and rare barbecue sauce. This is a first class bourbon, a true masterpiece, something to be collected and savored. Master Blender John Rhea of Kentucky Owl and Irish Whiskey Bonder Louise McGuane of Jameson came together for this limited release for St. Patrick’s day and hit a world record breaking home run. For those that say it’s overrated or not worth the $125.00. I say to them, they’re wannabe hipsters that wouldn’t know the difference between gasoline and a tall frosty glass of go f*** yourself. It’s one of the best to date and will go down in history as such. Period.

Very smooth, may be the best I’ve had

N: Cherries, caramel, chocolate orange, shaving soap, and a musty oak. Cooked fruit, brown bread, and brown sugar. Little bit of ethanol harshness, but still a robust and lovely nose. P: Very sweet with caramelized brown sugar drizzled on a bowl of maraschino cherries. Dash of citrus. Chocolate, vanilla, and mint make for a nice mid palate. Finish has some rye grain, herbs, and more mint. A little oak tannins and a mild ginger and black pepper spice. This is a lot of things, but I think first and foremost it's a really nice, tasty bourbon. And it should get credit for being that. But it's also a gimmick, an awkward marketing campaign, a vanity label (maybe), and a terrible value. This is just not a $120 bourbon. It's probably a $55 bourbon. I think it compares favorably to the Old Forester Whiskey Row series, for example. This is probably why these were dumped on Costco shelves and sold at a pretty steep discount from retail ahead of St. Patrick's, although still too expensive. If there's any chance even steeper discounts come, maybe this bottle starts to make sense, but I think it's more likely whatever cases are left spend the next year in a stock room and we see this come around again next March at pretty much the same prices. _______ Please come join a bunch of regular Distiller reviewers are chatting spirits in real time on Discord: https://discord.gg/4nfePCdyKM. (If the link is expired, post a comment and I will post a new one.)

The nose presents corn, apple, and some light baking spices. The oak is somewhat shy, and seems a bit young, while the flavor profile again has that apple quality, along with some vanilla, honey and cinnamon sugar. There’s a kind of young-vs-old tug of war going on, in which the age of the chosen casks seem to rise and then recede within the blend. This is not a bad thing, but the overall effect is of two to three whiskies, rather than one cohesive spirit. The finish has a bit of heat, but ends on a pleasant citrus note. Overall, this is a unique whiskey that gives us a glimpse into a long lost art of blending. Try this in a Mint Julep for a bit of refreshment on St. Paddy’s Day.

Tried neat and save for this beautiful st Patrick’s day. On the nares I get vanilla, On the palate I get vanilla and caramel. And omg the finish oh green and white tea is delicious. It’s herbal and earthy. This is delicious. I have a house full of people wearing green. I will come back to this. Overall amazing