Kentucky Owl "The Wiseman" Straight Bourbon [WA 92, #17 Top 20 Of 2021]

Distillery Notes:

The first release from John Rhea, formerly of Four Roses and a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall Of Fame. A collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Co.

• A blend of:
• Kentucky Owl® 4-year-old wheat and high-rye bourbons
• 5 ½-year and 8 ½-year-old Kentucky-sourced bourbons.
• 90.8 Proof

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Muted, dull butternut color. Unevenly scattered legs moving very slowly.

Nose: Savory herbs and celery come through, with the umami quality of mushrooms. It finishes sweet and heavy, with dark cherry.

Palate: The palate has a light, silky texture. Toasted oak comes through in a honeyed fashion. Freshly prepared oatmeal with a savory, buttery quality follows up. The finish returns to the nose with an artichoke-y vegetal feel, without really skewing bitter.

Awards/Reviews:

Double Gold - SF World Spirits Competition 2022

Rank #17, 92 Points - Whisky Advocate Top 20 Of 2021

"The first Kentucky Owl release under master blender John Rhea, this bourbon drops the high proof and price point typically associated with Kentucky Owl for something more approachable—a blend of bourbons ranging from 4 to 8 years old. Green apple candies, cinnamon stick, buttered popcorn, and sage on the nose. Ginger spice and sweet bubble gum notes intertwine on a creamy palate along with blackberry tart and cocoa powder. Candied raspberries on the finish are matched with a sustained spice that lingers." —Ted Simmons