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Kentucky Senator Bourbon (Release #3) John G. Carlisle

CAPSULE REVIEW

Classification: Straight Bourbon

Company: Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC

Distillery: Sourced from an undisclosed distillery(ies) in Kentucky

Release Date: Summer 2022

Proof: 107

Age: 7 Years

Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

Color: Gold

MSRP: $120 (2022)

Official Website

NOSE

Walnut | Butterscotch | Toasted marshmallow | Vanilla | Apple juice

palate

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

finish

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

uniqueness
value
overall

Another straightforward and to-the-point style Kentucky Senator Bourbon with a strong focus on spice.

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.

The sample used for this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy its respective company. We thank them for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.
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Written By: Eric Hasman

August 22, 2022
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