A little background
According to Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC, “The Kentucky Senator brand was originally distilled and bottled by Double Springs Distillers, Inc. in Bardstown, KY. Revived by Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC in 2019, each release of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will carry the name of an esteemed U.S. Senator from the Bluegrass State.” Kentucky Senator 15 Year Bourbon Release # 1 pays homage to Alben W. Barkley, who served as U.S. Senator from Kentucky from 1927-1949 and again in 1955 until his death in 1956. Additionally, Barkley served as Vice President of the United States under President Harry S Truman from 1949-1953.
Kentucky Senator 15 Year Kentucky Bourbon Release # 1 was distilled from a mash bill of 78.5% Corn, 13% Rye, and 8.5% Malted Barley. This “very small batch” bourbon was distilled and aged in Kentucky for 15 years, limited to 1320 bottles, bottled at 107 proof, and available for a retail price of $200 USD.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Mahogany
Nose
Orange, cherries, clove, nutmeg, caramel, oak, and vanilla. A very delightful and rich nose!
Palate
Warm and balanced. Dried cherries, brown sugar, citrus, cinnamon, burnt toast, and oak.
Finish
A very long and delicious finish filled with waves of flavor. The dried cherries, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oak from the palate carry through to the finish, along with additional notes of caramel, and cream cheese icing.
In closing
Kentucky Senator 15 Year Kentucky Bourbon Release # 1 brings big bold flavors that start with the beautiful nose and carry through to a long and complex finish. At 15 years old, there is quite a lot of oak influence on this bourbon, however, it’s by no means over-oaked. Kentucky Senator 15 Year Release # 1 has a wonderful sweet quality that’s perfectly complemented by a great char note, reminding me of a perfectly toasted marshmallow over a campfire. As for the $200 price tag, it’s certainly not cheap. However, neither is sourcing barrels of this age. Given the quality of the whiskey, proof, and age statement, I don’t see $200 as an unreasonable price. Kentucky Senator 15 Year Bourbon Release # 1 is a fantastic whiskey and a bottle I’d recommend picking up should you have the opportunity!