Ann Marshall and Scott Blackwell founded High Wire Distilling in Charleston, South Carolina 10 years ago this week. They started out with no distilling experience,… Read More
Ann Marshall and Scott Blackwell founded High Wire Distilling in Charleston, South Carolina 10 years ago this week. They started out with no distilling experience, but have earned the respect of other distillers with their unique Jimmy Red Bourbon distilled from an endangered strain of corn. We’ll talk with them on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, two distilleries were sold to new owners this week, while planning permission has been granted for two more distilleries in Scotland. Former Diageo master blender Maureen Robinson has come out of retirement to lead the Kentucky Owl Bourbon brand, and Sweden’s Mackmyra Distillery marks a milestone.
Kentucky Owl announced this week it now has a new Master Blender – Maureen Robinson. She is replacing John Rhea, the Bourbon Hall of Fame member who made his longtime career at Four Roses Distillery before entering at Stoli owned Kentucky Owl in 2021. This appointment marks an exciting time for the brand as they […]
Kentucky Owl announced this week it now has a new Master Blender – Maureen Robinson.
She is replacing John Rhea, the Bourbon Hall of Fame member who made his longtime career at Four Roses Distillery before entering at Stoli owned Kentucky Owl in 2021.
This appointment marks an exciting time for the brand as they bring in their first female Master Blender, who will provide an exciting perspective from Scotland to craft high quality signature bourbon and rye whiskeys.
Robinson is not new to bourbon either, where as a Scotch whisky Master Blender, she worked extensively with second fill bourbon barrels, learning and appreciating the influence that ex bourbon barrels had on the flavor of Scotch whisky. “I’m excited to be now working with first fill bourbon barrels, understanding how flavor is influenced using new American oak barrels and the processes you can use to differentiate these flavors to create new whiskeys.”
Maureen has also received significant whisky accolades. She became Keeper of the Quaich in 2012, was inducted into the Scotch Whisky Hall of Fame in 2019 and was awarded ‘Master of the Quaich’ in October 2022 in further recognition of her significant achievements in the Scotch industry. Maureen is one of only a handful of female Masters globally and was also instrumental in creating her own language to describe what she was able to detect when nosing whiskies and was involved in developing and forming the Scotch Whisky flavor wheel, now used by many Scotch whisky companies, experts and whisky enthusiasts.
Kentucky Owl Mardi Gras Rye begins with an 11 year old straight rye whiskey. The rye was then put into barrels that previously held Bayou XO Mardi Gras Rum. The barrels were originally filled in March and then allowed to finish in Louisiana for a little over a year. If you think of Louisiana in the summertime, there’s quite a bit of heat and humidity which should have an interesting effect on the barrels, and it did! Learn more in our full review!
Mardi Gras Rye Begins With An 11 Year Old Rye Whiskey
Kentucky Owl Mardi Gras Rye begins with an 11 year old straight rye whiskey. The rye was then put into barrels that previously held Bayou XO Mardi Gras Rum. The barrels were originally filled in March and then allowed to finish in Louisiana for a little over a year. If you think of Louisiana in the summertime, there’s quite a bit of heat and humidity which should have an interesting effect on the barrels.
What Is Bayou Mardi Gras Rum
So what is Bayou Rum? The Bayou Rum Distillery is located in Lacassine, LA. They distill rum from locally grown sugar cane and molasses produced at the oldest operating sugar mill in the US. Their Bayou XO Mardi Gras rum is matured in bourbon barrels for up to 5 years and then finished for an extra year in Pedro Ximenez sherry barrels.
Nose: Rye spices, including allspice; hint of wintergreen; fairly sweet, with ample brown sugar and fruit, as well as citrus like tangerines, sweet mandarins or clementines as well as some tart lime; there’s even some cherry and plum; lightly burnt but yet buttery caramel; pine and oak; some vanilla to top it off. Taste: Brown sugar, oak and caramel; fairly intense rye spices including nutmeg; butter-rum richness; wintergreen Finish: Noticeable capsaicin spice with a cooling spearmint that develops later on to soothe the heat, and then lingers. Rich, rum notes are noticeable in the background, blending with the capsaicin spice, lingering rye spices and mint. Some barrel char develops towards the end. Long finish. Relatively mild burn
The nose is rich and full, presumably due to the age of the rye and long finishing times. The rum is noticeable in the nose and brings a deep, rich, sweetness. That continues on into the taste and even lingers on in the finish. Overall, the flavors are very complex and the more I sip, the more that I notice.
Kentucky Owl Mardi Gras Rye Review
Kentucky Owl’s Own Tasting Notes
The tasting notes offered by Kentucky Owl speak of lots of sweet butter, allspice and nutmeg as well as cinnamon. I often don’t get the flavors mentioned in the official notes, but I have to say that this time I do notice them, minus the cinnamon, and plus a whole bunch of other flavors which add to the complexity. The age of the rye brings along some barrel flavors, such as vanilla and oak which are somewhat atypical for a rye, since the majority on the market are much younger.
Conclusion
All in all, this is a delicious rye. However, it is difficult not to comment on the fairly hefty price tag of around $500. Nonetheless, for that price you do get a very tasty well aged rye finished in some top notch barrels. If you do have the opportunity to try this rye, I think you will enjoy it. Cheers!
We hope you have enjoyed our Kentucky Owl Mardi Gras Rye review!
Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us? If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!
Kentucky Owl’s The Wiseman Bourbon was their first release under Master Blender John Rhea. It was originally released back in the Fall of 2021, soon to be followed by The Wiseman Rye in 2022. Notably, The Wiseman Bourbon marked a turning point for Kentucky Owl for a couple of reasons. Read our full review to see our tasting notes and to learn more!
Please enjoy our Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Bourbon Review!
Kentucky Owl’s First Release Under John Rhea
Kentucky Owl’s The Wiseman Bourbon was their first release under Master Blender John Rhea. It was originally released back in the Fall of 2021 and was soon followed by The Wiseman Rye in 2022. Notably, The Wiseman Bourbon marked a turning point for Kentucky Owl for a couple of reasons. Initially, Dixon Dedman, great-grandson of Charles Mortimer Dedman, who was the founder of the brand back in 1879, blended Kentucky Owl’s whiskeys. However, Dixon Dedman is no longer with the brand and Kentucky Owl is now owned by the Stoli Group, with John Rhea now at the helm.
Furthermore, Kentucky Owl’s whiskeys have all been limited releases, except for Confiscated. In addition, they have priced at higher price points than these two whiskeys. Finally, The Wiseman Bourbon and Rye are bottled at a lower proof than the prior releases. The combination of these factors overall make them more “approachable” for the bourbon drinker.
Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Bourbon and Rye
Four Bourbons In One
Kentucky Owl makes The Wiseman Bourbon from four different Kentucky straight bourbons. When it was originally released, these were said to be Kentucky Owl 4-year-old wheat and high-rye bourbons, along with 5 ½-year and 8 ½-year-old Kentucky-sourced bourbons. I am not sure if Kentucky Owl uses the same blend currently, as specifics are no longer currently provided on the website.
Front LabelBack LabelThe Wiseman Bourbon Front and Back Labels
Tasting Notes – Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Bourbon
Let’s taste it:
Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn
Nose: Sweet dried apricot, dark plums, honey, rye spices and hint of cinnamon in the back; mild oak & cedar; relatively soft alcohol Taste: Mellow honey, black tea, sweet soft caramel, rye spices & cedar on a background of sweet corn graininess; some barrel char appears towards the end Finish: The flavors and light barrel char continue into the finish. Moderate white and black pepper spice builds. Fairly long finish for the proof, with a moderate burn
This bourbon offers a nice transition from sweeter fruit flavors up front, into a fairly mellow black tea and honey midsection, finishing with a spicy moderately long finish. This all adds up to an enjoyable bourbon that is quite easy to drink.
Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Bourbon
Conclusion
By design, The Wiseman whiskeys are a bit different than the others in the Kentucky Owl line. They are easy drinking and more affordably priced. I had actually reviewed this bourbon back when it first came out, and my overall impression now is surprisingly similar to what it was then. If you enjoy an easy drinking bourbon, with some younger bourbon characteristics like sweet corn graininess, and the other flavors I have detailed in this review, then give The Wiseman Bourbon a try! Cheers!
Thank you to Kentucky Owl for providing the bourbon for this review!
Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us? If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!
Dixon Dedman, the great-grandson of Kentucky Owl’s founder, revived the brand back in 2014. Their initial The Wiseman release, back in September 2021, was a bourbon. Kentucky Owl released The Wiseman Rye in April 2022. So what’s it like? Read our review to find out!
Please enjoy our Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Rye Review!
Kentucky Owl’s initial The Wiseman release, back in September 2021, was a bourbon. However, they released The Wiseman Rye more recently, in April 2022.
Kentucky Owl Was Founded in 1879
Charles Mortimer Dedman originally founded Kentucky Owl way back in 1879. However, when prohibition came along, it all came to an end. According to Kentucky Owl’s website, the government seized 250,000 gallons of Kentucky Owl whiskey and placed it in a warehouse. As the story goes, this warehouse caught fire and burned to the ground. However, it was suspected that the whiskey had already been removed to be sold in illicit speakeasies.
Dixon Dedman Revives The Brand
Dixon Dedman, great-grandson of Charles, revived the Kentucky Owl brand, and released their first whiskey back in 2014. Since that time, the Stoli Group acquired the brand in 2017, and has most recently launched The Wiseman line of bourbon and rye. The Wiseman Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys are blended by Master Blender John Rhea. So what are they like?
Tasting Notes – Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Rye
Let’s taste it:
Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn
Nose: Rye spices, rye bread, cherry candy, dark plums & caramel; moderate alcohol Taste: Caramel, honey and rye spices up front, with rye bread appearing later on Finish: The flavors continue into the finish. However, capsaicin spice with a bit of cinnamon soon replace them. The finish is quite long, with a moderate burn.
The Wiseman Rye is made from a mash bill using 95% rye. However, it has many bourbon characteristics making it a bit of a conundrum on the nose. It has notes of cherry candy, dark plums and caramel, but yet there is rye spice and rye bread in there as well. The taste is the same, with components of both bourbon and rye, however the longer I sip it, flavors such as rye bread become more noticeable.
A Very Enjoyable Rye
I am enjoying The Wiseman Rye from Kentucky Owl quite a bit. However, don’t let that 95% rye mash bill fool you. It’s a quite different rye from the ones from Indiana which are made with a similar mash bill. I’m not sure where The Wiseman Rye’s flavors all come from, but I am happy to have them! Give it a try and see for yourself! Cheers!
Thank you to Kentucky Owl for graciously providing the rye for this review!
I hope you have enjoyed our Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Rye Review!
Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us? If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!
While aromas of cinnamon spice, powdered sugar, honey, and the like can certainly be appealing to the nose, sometimes whisky smells straight up like a barnyard—and that’s not a bad thing. The scents that tell a story of life on a farm are unusual and intriguing, conjuring up images of hay bales, weathered planks, dried corn, and more. We dive into what sort of whiskies deliver such barn-adjacent scents here, and offer up three bottles in particular that are certainly worth trying for yourself, whether you are a barnyard fan or not.
This week in new whisky, there’s plenty to enjoy. Glenfiddich has launched an entirely new line of luxury single malts, George Dickel 13 year old is the latest release in its Bottled in Bond Series, Kentucky Owl is back with the second edition of its International Collaboration Series, and Sagamore Spirit has a new añejo mezcal cask-finished rye. Read on for more details.
COPY PROVIDED BY BRAND PRESS RELEASE…(BARDSTOWN, KY) Stoli Group is announcing the release of its latest collaboration, the KY Owl “Takumi Edition” Bourbon Whiskey. Available this fall across the U.S.; the Takumi Edition is the second limited edition release from Kentucky Owl® this year showcasing the brand’s innovative approach to traditional bourbon. For more information, visit kentuckyowlbourbon.com. RELATED ARTICLE: “KY Owl’s St. Patrick Bourbon Whiskey” A collaboration between Master Blenders […]
COPY PROVIDED BY BRAND PRESS RELEASE…(BARDSTOWN, KY) Stoli Group is announcing the release of its latest collaboration, the KY Owl“Takumi Edition” Bourbon Whiskey. Available this fall across the U.S.; the Takumi Edition is the second limited edition release from Kentucky Owl® this year showcasing the brand’s innovative approach to traditional bourbon. For more information, visit kentuckyowlbourbon.com.
A collaboration between Master Blenders John Rhea (Kentucky Owl®) and Yusuke Yahisa (Nagahama Distillery), this latest limited edition release blends new and old, showcasing Kentucky bourbon through the eyes of Japanese whisky. Both Kentucky and Japan are home to whiskey lovers who respect tradition and craftsmanship, but who also admire innovation. The Japanese term kaizen — continuous improvement — echoes through this latest project. “Takumi” means “master” in Japanese, with the name of the release celebrating the art and craft of modern whisky blending.
KY Owl’s John Rhea (R) and Nagahama Distillery’s Yusuke Yahisa (L)
Rhea and Yahisa worked together to create the resulting Takumi Edition blend, with Rhea selecting four different formulations and sending the samples to Japan. Yahisa evaluated those samples, which represented different ages and mash bills available from Kentucky Owl. Yahisa then created different blends with those formulations to develop one most reflective of his Japanese whisky style.
“This collaboration encompasses not just the art of blending, but the flavors and taste profiles that both countries are famous for in their whiskeys,” said Rhea. “The Takumi Edition provides bourbon lovers insight into the flavor profiles sought after by a Japanese whisky blender. As someone who has worked in the industry for several decades now, it was exciting for me to work with a rising star in whisky with a unique perspective.”
Speaking of the collaboration, Yahisa said, “I was very excited to have the opportunity to work with John Rhea on this unique project. Bourbon is a whiskey that I admire, and it was an honor to be able to partner with John and create a new and unique blend of Kentucky Owl® together.”
The Takumi Edition Bourbon is a blend of 4-, 5-, 6- and 13-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons with mash bills containing corn, rye or wheat, and malted barley.
The nose features a savory mix of light rye bread with sweet caramel richness and a hint of tangy fruit salad. On tasting, there is an initial wave of buttery rye bread with a full-bodied feel. The savory mix of rye and caramel combine into a cinnamon and caramel sauce that clings to the taste buds and brings out a bit of fruitiness — mostly apple and pear — that provide a flavorful and lasting finish.
“Bringing together Rhea and Yahisa, bourbon and whisky, Kentucky and Japan have proved to be another great whiskey collaboration,” commented Damian McKinney, Global CEO of Stoli® Group. “Through this second limited edition international collaboration release of Kentucky Owl® Whiskey, Stoli® is pleased to present another rare new blend that marries the craft and skills of two Master Blenders from two great whiskey making nations.”
Yahisa is an up-and-coming master blender — through his blending skills, Nagahama distillery is one of only 10 Japanese distilleries to have earned awards in the world’s three largest whisky competitions (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, International Spirits Competition and the World Whisky Awards), despite being Japan’s smallest distillery. Started in 2016, Nagahama Distillery is located on the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, and produces single malt whisky with its own distinct flavor characteristics imparted by the unique climate.
This is the fourth Kentucky Owl® release under Rhea, who previously served as Four Roses Distillery’s chief operating officer, where his responsibilities included quality control, maturation, evaluation and product blending. He was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2016 and served as chair of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association board of directors.
When, Where, and How Much?
The Kentucky Owl® Takumi Edition Bourbon Whiskey (100 proof/50% ABV, $150 MSRP/750mL), is the latest addition to the Kentucky Owl® portfolio, following the release of the St. Patrick’s Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey in March 2022. The Kentucky Owl® Takumi Edition will be available beginning in October through fine retailers across the brand’s national distribution footprint.
Blended by Irish Whiskey maker Louise McGuane of J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey, the Kentucky Owl St. Patrick’s Limited Edition is a celebration of Irish and Kentucky whiskey traditions… or something like that. The whiskey itself is a blend of 4-11 yo Bourbon that was co-blended by Kentucky Owl’s John Rhea and the aforementioned Louise. An […]
Blended by Irish Whiskey maker Louise McGuane of J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey, the Kentucky Owl St. Patrick’s Limited Edition is a celebration of Irish and Kentucky whiskey traditions… or something like that. The whiskey itself is a blend of 4-11 yo Bourbon that was co-blended by Kentucky Owl’s John Rhea and the aforementioned Louise. An interesting take to have a guest blender, though far from the first “Irish-Bourbon” whiskey.
A few years ago I reviewed the John L. Sullivan Irish Bourbon, a brand that only lasted one year on the market because its label was not TTB compliant despite having passed through TTB approval (happens all the time). The Sullivan was a blend of Irish Single Malt and Bourbon and it was actually quite good. Which is exactly what I’m wondering about with this KO: is it any good?
Let’s get to drinkin’ and find out!
Kentucky Owl St. Patrick’s Limited Edition – Details and Tasting Notes
“The Kentucky Owl St. Patrick’s Limited Edition is a blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbons varying in age from 4 – 8 years old each coming in with their own unique flavor characteristics.” – Kentucky Owl
Kentucky Owl St. Patrick’s Limited Edition Tasting Notes
EYE
Amber
NOSE
Graham cracker, corn, vanilla, oak, toffee, baking spice and a touch of cocoa.
There’s something in there that’s almost a fruity sweetness, but not quite. An intriguing sweet note.
PALATE
Caramel, oak, graham, cocoa, vanilla, baking spice and some leather with a bit of nuts.
This is one of the spicier Kentucky Owl bourbons I’ve tasted.
FINISH
Med-long -> Baking spice, oak and some citrus pop in before fading to hazelnuts and vanilla.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Decent balance, medium body and a soft velvety feel.
Kentucky Owl St. Patrick’s Limited Edition – Overall Thoughts and Score
As it opens the nose picks up a bit more oak and gets a bit darker, and sweeter, overall with the toffee note rising up a bit more. On the palate, the spice and oak slowly build till they’re the dominant character and the sweetness moves toward the back. After a while, the aroma and the palate diverge in the overall profile.
Not a bad bourbon at all. The most intriguing thing about the Kentucky Owl St. Patrick’s Limited Edition are the spice notes that slowly grow as it opens. After a while, it almost becomes a spice bomb and that’s not something I’ve had in a bourbon in a while.
SCORE: 3.5/5 (tasty, worth checking out ~ B | 83-86)
*Disclosure: The bottle for this bourbon review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
Kentucky Owl St. Patrick’s Limited Edition Review
$150
The Wiseman is a premium American bourbon from the brand of Kentucky Owl. The expression has just been released in the UK for the first time, following its launch in America last Autumn. The whiskey has been created by John Rhea, the Master Blender of …
The Wiseman is a premium American bourbon from the brand of Kentucky Owl. The expression has just been released in the UK for the first time, following its launch in America last Autumn. The whiskey has been created by John Rhea, the Master Blender of Kentucky Owl. Rhea is a 40-year veteran of the bourbon industry with just over four decades of service at the Four Roses distillery. The Wiseman is a blend of four Kentucky-sourced bourbons - two four year olds (one with a high wheat content and one with high rye), a 5.5 year old and an 8.5 year old. The Wiseman forms part of a larger range in the USA. This range is scheduled to be introduced to the UK market in due course. Plans for the Kentucky Owl distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky are also being drawn up.
Kentucky Owl was found by Charles Mortimer Dedman in 1879. The distillery operated until the onset of Prohibition in America and the Government seized 25,000 gallons (113,500 litres) of maturing whiskey. Kentucky Owl never restarted once Prohibition lifted. Almost 100 years since its closure, Kentucky Owl was revived by Dedman's great, great grandson. After several years of research and blending the first product was released in 2017. Since then the small-batch range has expanded and has been shaped by an ethos of experimentation and innovation.
The Wiseman is bottled at 45.4% ABV and will be available in selected spirits retailers and via Amazon in the UK. A bottle will cost £60.For further information on Kentucky Owl, please visit www.kentuckyowlbourbon.com.
Our tasting notes
The colour is bright gold and the nose is vibrant, bold and peppery. Sweet vanilla and cereal aromas rise first and these are joined by plenty of coconut, orange oil and a hint of apricot jam. The peppery nature softens with time to reveal pinches of cinnamon and cocoa.
On the palate this whiskey is full bodied and robust. It follows a similar path to the nose in that it is vibrant, bold and peppery to begin with. Heavy notes of sweet vanilla and freshly sawn oak kick things off and these are supported by further notes of dessicated coconut, candied orange peel and some drops of citrus oil. Underneath are some delicious tropical fruit characteristics that have elements of ripe pineapple, peach and apricot to them. Everything is underpinned by the distinct peppery nature, which evolves to become softer and warmer with time (think of baking spices especially). This warmth helps to drive the length of the palate and elongate the finish.
The finish becomes a little dry, spicy and oaky. The sweet and tropical notes fade quite quickly but this just accentuates the woodiness and warming spices. Charred oak, toasted coconut and warming cinnamon-like spices begin to dominate. A pinch of white pepper hits right at the end.
What's the verdict?
The Wiseman is a delicious bourbon that is full of flavourful characteristics. It is also versatile and we saw this at the UK launch event, where it worked well in such diverse cocktails as an Old Fashioned or Bourbon & Soda. We hope it does well, but it is entering a crowded market.
Our initial feeling is that the price could be a touch high compared to similar bourbons that are available, but only time will tell. Kentucky Owl has done well in America, but we will follow with interest how it develops. Especially once the distillery is built, in production and making their own liquid.
It’s a big weekend on the American whiskey auction scene, as Chicago-based Hart Davis Hart (HDH) has commenced live bidding on its Finest & Rarest Spirits sale, which started earlier this morning and ends tomorrow. Of the 2,800 lots available, 2,189 are American whiskeys. HDH expects the total value of the American lots to reach between $1.9 million and $3 million, which would bring the highest value yet for an American whiskey sale. See the big-ticket items here.
Of course, there are plenty of new whiskies to try—ones that are valued at quite a bit less than those! Kentucky Owl has added a new rye under The Wiseman label, Basil Hayden debuts a subtly smoky bourbon, and Compass Box introduces a new blended whisky that’s evocative of old books. Read on for full details.
Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn
Nose: Rye spices, including allspice; hint of wintergreen; fairly sweet, with ample brown sugar and fruit, as well as citrus like tangerines, sweet mandarins or clementines as well as some tart lime; there’s even some cherry and plum; lightly burnt but yet buttery caramel; pine and oak; some vanilla to top it off.
If any of these are true, then check out 
