Kentucky Senator Bourbon - A Story of Revival

 

Kentucky Senator Bourbon

A historic Kentucky distillery located in Frankfort, KY was once the producing machine of a brand called Kentucky Senator Bourbon.  Like scores of labels and brands throughout the history of distilled spirits, this one fell by the wayside and became only a fond and mysterious memory for most.  But in 2019, Andre Regard and Damon Thayer (who would later become a Kentucky State Senator), did their due diligence and brought the brand back from non-existence.

Today, Kentucky Senator Bourbon is alive and well and is receiving praise and attention from the spirits community.  This non-distilling producer (NDP) is bottling bourbon that is between six and fifteen years old and the age statement is clearly displayed (which we love) on each bottle.  Each release is 107 proof and the mash bill is generally comprised of corn (75%), rye (21%) and malted barley (4%).  Every expression is a nod to an actual Kentucky State Senator that includes a history lesson and a QR code on the reverse of each bottle.

Kentucky Senator Bourbon Back Labels

Release #5 features an orange label and Senator John Brown.  With a nine year age statement, this bourbon bleeds aromas and mouth-watering flavors.  Oak, cinnamon stick, butter cream on the nose.  The palate gives us caramel, brown sugar, cocoa bits and marshmallow fluff.  The finish is memorable and very smooth.  

ABV:  53.5% (107 proof)

Distillery:  Unknown

Suggested retail price:  $119.99

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

Release #4 pays homage to Senator John Sherman Cooper and it is an eight year bourbon with a yellow label.  A close second favorite, this bottle has great homemade caramel syrup coloring with a nose of baking spices, sorghum, and toasty oak.  Brighter on the palate with tropical fruits, cinnamon, pepper and leather.  The finish on this offering was the longest of the three and it is all around solid!  Of the three expressions we tasted, this one was our favorite.

ABV:  53.5% (107 proof)

Distillery:  Unknown

Suggested retail price:  $119.99

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

Our final bottle the the latest release (#6) and features yet another "John" - Kentucky State Senator John Edwards.  This bottle boasts a seven and a half year age statement and is the sweetest of the three expressions tasted.  Brownish red tinted liquid with a nose of fine German chocolate, clove honey, and vanilla bean.  Mouth-coating flavors of brown sugar, maple candy, chocolate primarily with graphite and scorched earth rounding out the lingering finish.  Very tasty!

ABV:  53.5% (107 proof)

Distillery:  Unknown

Suggested retail price:  $119.99

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100


There is a familiar flavor profile here that is incredibly close to one of the "big 3" brands.  Eventually Kentucky Senator Bourbon has plans for contract distilling, but what they're doing currently is definitely working and is a shining example how a brand can be resuscitated the right way.  We can't wait to see what the future holds for this brand!


Location: Kentucky, USA

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