Very Olde St. Nick Sainthood 17 Years Old Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

Most bourbon falls apart after fifteen years. The wood usually takes over, turning the liquid bitter, astringent, and undrinkable. "Sainthood" exists to defy that expiration date. This 17-year-old expression represents the apex of hyper-aged Kentucky whiskey, pulled from the legendary stocks curated by Marci Palatella and the team at Preservation Distillery. It walks a razor-thin line between maturity and dominance.

You are tasting a spirit that has absorbed nearly two decades of Kentucky seasons. The result is not the sweet, vanilla-forward profile of modern mass production; it is a dark, resinous capsule of history. The evaporation loss—the "Angel's Share"—has concentrated the liquid into a viscous, oily nectar that coats the glass and refuses to let go.

Bottled at a formidable cask strength (often hovering around 118 proof), this is whiskey for the serious enthusiast. It carries the "dusty" funk of a bygone era, offering layers of complexity that only time can create. If you want to understand why collectors obsess over the Olde St. Nick label, pull the cork on this.

Nose: A profound aroma of antique library books and varnish leads the way, supported by heavy notes of pipe tobacco, dried figs, and a sharp hit of rancio.

Palate: The texture is incredibly thick and gripping, delivering a powerful wave of burnt caramel, espresso bean, and old leather that sits heavily on the tongue.

Finish: Exceptionally long and structured, the experience fades slowly into dry oak tannins, black licorice, and a final, warming spice.

The intense wood influence in this bourbon requires a pairing with substantial fat and richness. Serve it alongside smoked duck breast; the gamey meat and rendered fat will soften the tannic grip of the oak. For a dessert option, dark chocolate with orange zest works beautifully, as the citrus oils cut through the heavy, resinous mouthfeel. If you are enjoying a nightcap, a full-bodied Maduro cigar is the ultimate companion, mirroring the tobacco and leather notes found deep in the spirit.