Kentucky Owl Batch 12, the ultra-premium bourbon from Stoli Group, is here just in time for the holidays. When this was announced at Kentucky Bourbon Festival at its new price point, I didn’t know what to think. I understand inflation and that getting the level of premium bourbons with which Dixon set the bar were getting more difficult (sic: more expensive) to acquire. I was very interested to sit down with this pour, as it is the first batch I have had since John Rhea took over blending.
Just the Facts:
Proof: 115.8
Age: Undisclosed
Mash Bill: Undisclosed
Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Batch No.: 12
Jake’s Tasting Notes: Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Color: Bronze
Nose: Right up front, caramel and vanilla. There are some rich notes of cocoa and apricot that round out a punchy sweetness. There is also a slight note of cracked white pepper.
Palate: This is a big bourbon. There are flavors from the tip of the tongue to the back of the palate. This wouldn’t surprise me if this had a high wheat content in the mash bill; it is soft and creamy. It boasts the waves of cinnamon sugar and buttery notes common in wheated bourbons for my palate. I also enjoy the nice bit of spice in this pour which balances the sweetness. After my third sip, I really enjoyed the milk chocolate note coating the palate.
Finish: Balanced; it is just long enough for you to know what you drank.
Closing Thoughts
If you are going to pay $400 for a bourbon, this is what you should expect; a big traditional bourbon. I do believe the wheated notes would get people very excited about this pour and this bottle could disappear into glasses in one night with the right group of friends.
