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Kentucky Owl Straight Rye Whiskey

Kentucky Owl Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is an 11 year old blended rye whiskey, distilled and bottled in KY, as signified by the "Kentucky Straight" appellation. The name of the brand is resurrected from a pre-prohibition distillery founded and run by the great-grandparents of master blender Dixon Dedman. However, it is not clear where the barrels for their products are sourced, likely a range of large-scale producers across the state; it is bottled on a contract basis by Strong Spirits in Bardstown. Kentucky Owl is a buzzy brand, with bottles selling well above their already significant retail price on the gray market; accordingly, after only a few years, they've already been snapped up by the Stoli Group, the American arm of the SPI group, with plans rumored for a $150 million, 400 plus acre "distillery park" facility to begin production in 2020. Notably, this would place the release of a 100% grain-to-glass Kentucky Owl Rye in the year 2031; one can only hope for their sake that the enthusiasm for their products is sustainable for some time to come.

This is batch one, bottled at 110.6 proof in July, 2017. It's definitely a looker into the glass, pouring a handsome amber-gold, befitting its decade-plus age statement. Sweet vanilla and oaky, tannic baking spices dominate the aroma, with the green, minty strains of rye picking up steam as you dive deeper, still somewhat subdued after so many years in the barrel. As the aromas unwind in the glass an almost syrupy richness develops, with bright citric highlights. It drinks quite gently, considering that the proof is well into the triple digits. The palate opens on caramel, barley, and vanilla, which lead into a strong rye presence before fading slowly with a lingering flowery, herbal bitterness reminiscent of strong iced tea. The rye character communicates bitter anise, mint, and bergamot, pairing with tannic wood spice to overpower the softer barrel notes.

This is a whiskey for the visit from your in-laws; expensive, assertive, and rich, but with enough bitterness to discourage much exploration beyond a possible second pour for the more seasoned aficionado in the bunch. It reeks of reliability and stature--well composed, but without enough playfulness to suggest intemperance, or even overly enthusiastic enjoyment. Sip slowly and try to look professional.

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