Walnut | Butterscotch | Toasted marshmallow | Vanilla | Apple juice

Baking spices | Rye spice | Vanilla extract | Cream soda | Surprising amount of heat

Burnt caramel | Charred oak | Rye spice | Cigar | Touch dry | Medium length | Lingering heat

The original Kentucky Senator brand was distilled and bottled by Crigler & Crigler in Covington, Kentucky, before Double Springs Distillers took over. In 2019, Kentucky Senator Spirits revived the brand. Each release of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey carries the name of an esteemed U.S. Senator from the Bluegrass State.

Kentucky Senator Bourbon Release #3 honors John Griffin Carlisle (1834–1910). According to the company’s website, “Carlisle was a leader of the Bourbon Democrats who fought for the passage of the very first piece of legislation to protect Americans from tainted whiskey. The successful Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2022, is part of John G. Carlisle’s legacy today.”

The nose is warming and approachable due to its butterscotch, toasted marshmallow, and apple juice scents. The palate comes at you with a surprising amount of heat amplifying its heavy baking spice and rye spice notes. There’s a welcomed pop of cream soda mid palate which helps dissipate some of the spice. The finish is grounded thanks to its heavy flavors of burnt caramel, charred oak, and cigar flavors. The main takeaway from Kentucky Senator Bourbon Release #3 is its heat and soiree of spice. Release #2 had a similar trajectory and the two releases are quite similar in many ways. Like both previous releases, Release #3 is straightforward and once again a to-the-point style bourbon.

This release consists of 1,100 bottles.