Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Unfiltered Heritage, Unrivaled Depth
Dive into the true essence of Kentucky bourbon with Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This extraordinary expression represents the pinnacle of the revitalized, historic Cream of Kentucky brand, delivering an undiluted, uncompromised, and incredibly rich tasting experience directly from the barrel. It’s a powerful testament to authentic Kentucky craftsmanship, curated for the most discerning palates.
Under the expert guidance of legendary Master Distiller Jim Rutledge (formerly of Four Roses), the Cream of Kentucky brand has been meticulously brought back to its former glory. While owned by Bedford & Grove LLC and bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillers, the bourbon itself is widely believed to be sourced from Brown-Forman, ensuring a pedigree of consistent quality from a renowned distiller.
Crafted with a classic Kentucky bourbon mash bill of 72% Corn, 18% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley, this Cask Strength variant is allowed to fully express the profound flavors developed over its maturation. It is aged for significant periods in new charred American oak barrels, absorbing maximum character, depth, and a vibrant color. The defining characteristic of this release is that it is bottled at its natural barrel proof, meaning no water is added after aging. This results in a higher and varying ABV, typically ranging from 110 Proof to over 130 Proof (55% to 65%+ ABV), allowing the connoisseur to experience the bourbon exactly as it left the barrel.
Key Characteristics:
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Cask Strength / Barrel Proof: Bottled undiluted, offering the full, unadulterated intensity and complexity of the bourbon.
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Historic Brand Revival: A modern iteration of the iconic Cream of Kentucky, steeped in American whiskey heritage.
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Master Distiller Jim Rutledge: Crafted under the watchful eye of a bourbon legend, guaranteeing exceptional quality.
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Classic Kentucky Mash Bill: Features 72% Corn, 18% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley for a robust and authentic profile.
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Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Adheres to rigorous standards for true Kentucky bourbon.
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Robust & Full-Bodied: The higher proof amplifies every facet of its flavor.
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Batch-Specific ABV: Each release offers a unique proof and subtle variations due to natural barrel influence.
Tasting Notes (Expect amplified intensity and complexity due to Cask Strength):
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Appearance: Deep, rich mahogany, often with an oily viscosity, reflecting its undiluted nature.
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Nose: A powerful and complex aroma explosion of dark caramel, rich vanilla bean, and toasted brown sugar. Layers of concentrated dried dark fruits (prunes, figs), baking spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg), and robust oak intermingle with hints of leather, tobacco, and sometimes a whisper of chocolate or espresso.
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Palate: Full-bodied, coating the palate with a luxurious, chewy texture. Intense flavors of caramelized nuts, dark chocolate, and sweet molasses are balanced by a vibrant rye spice, seasoned oak, and a beautiful interplay of dark cherry, plum, and dried apricot. Despite the high proof, a surprising creaminess often allows the nuanced flavors to shine.
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Finish: Exceptionally long, warm, and deeply satisfying. Lingering notes of sweet, charred oak, tobacco, dark fruit, and a persistent yet balanced spice create a truly memorable and evolving conclusion. A few drops of water can further unlock hidden complexities.
Awards & Recognition:
Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength releases are highly anticipated and consistently lauded within the bourbon community. They frequently receive:
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High scores and rave reviews from leading spirits critics and publications.
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Often achieve Gold or Double Gold Medals at prestigious international spirits competitions, particularly in cask strength bourbon categories.
- Praised for their boldness, depth, and ability to deliver an authentic, powerful Kentucky bourbon experience.
Overall Impression:
Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a magnificent expression of uncut, unfiltered bourbon excellence. It's a journey into the heart of a truly classic profile, amplified by its undiluted strength. For the discerning bourbon enthusiast seeking maximum flavor, profound complexity, and a direct connection to a storied past, this cask strength offering is an essential addition to any collection. Best enjoyed neat, or with a controlled splash of water to explore its full spectrum of intricate flavors.
