Cream of Kentucky 11.5 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Cream of Kentucky 11.5 Years Old is the first release from J.W. Rutledge Distillery, founded by former Four Roses master distiller Jim Rutledge. Construction on the distillery is expected to break ground in 2019, and when construction is completed, the distillery will produce straight bourbon and rye whiskey the “old-fashioned way”. In the meantime, Jim Rutledge is sourcing and blending whiskey from other distilleries to put out new releases under the J.W. Rutledge brands, starting with Cream of Kentucky, which is a blend of 60 barrels, rumored to be Barton sourced distillate of an unspecified mash bill.

Color: Chestnut.
Nose: Maraschino cherries, cola, vanilla, peanuts, citrus, some astringency (nail polish remover, wood varnish), a hint of confectionery goods.
Palate: Lots of tannins. Sweet. More Maraschino cherries, cola, vanilla. Citrus note from the nose develops into blood orange. Nutty, oaky, caramel. A cotton candy note pops up on the tail end of the palate. The sweetness and lack of spice notes suggest this is a low rye mash bill.
Finish: Medium length. More tannins. Slightly dry. Pipe tobacco, floral, peppery. Blood orange and cotton candy notes from the palate continue and linger on the finish.