Pure Kentucky XO

Pure Kentucky XO Straight Bourbon needs to be uncorked overnight and allowed to sit out for three months after recorking. Otherwise, there is a metallic taste in the flavor. Then the senses will detect exotic aromas of caramel, oak, pipe tobacco, and baking spices. The entry is sweet with a palate of charred oak and cinnamon. The finish ends with allspice, cinnamon, pipe tobacco, and vanilla.

A bit Dickel-esque. And birthday cake, maybe?

I had Pure Kentucky for the first time at a bar yesterday. It had a great nose, and from the very first sip, I was impressed. So I ran out today and grabbed what turned out to be the last bottle on the shelf of one of my go-to shops... Color: medium amber. Nose: A sweet nose with leather and molasses. Palate: (drank with an ice cube) Slight burn on the first couple sips, but it fades quickly. Sweet corn and chocolate — as in "hot cocoa mix powder". I don't think I have ever gotten THAT from any of the many, many bottles that have come before. I like it! Holiday spices come to the fore as the ice cube melts. Added 11/16/24: Crisp apples on the palate tonight. Nice! Finish: I never really know what to say about the finish, to be honest. I guess you'd consider it a medium finish with the holiday spices being the predominant thing. I do agree with the reviewer who stated that there's not much complexity going on here for a 12-year expression (I initially thought it was a 10-year). But make no mistake — a 12-year at this price point? It's a no-brainer. This has proven to be perhaps the best surprise bottle of 2024. As I said, I scored the last bottle remaining on the shelf. Apparently, this is not too readily-available. So if you see it, grab it. Of the Willett offerings I have had (Noah's Mill, Rowan's Creek, Pot Still, and now this), I'd put Pure Kentucky at a clear-cut #2, second only to Noah's Mill. Solid 4-stars. I will-ett definitely buy again.

Nose: spices. Spearmint with some traditional oak and learher not too much burn for 107 proof Taste: Spicy but pretty pleasant not too hot. Getting nice traditional spices on the front end. Quite a nice finish on the end with traditional caramel and oak finish. Thoughts: theres good and bad here but more good. 12 year age statement for a 50 dollar bottle is great value. That being said for a 12 year old bourbon there isnt much complex going on here either. I am a fan of willett but would prefer johnny drum with a similar price tag. Its not the easiest bottle to find so i would say if tou see it by a damn bottle and give it a shot! Not much downside here at the price