The Whiskey Blendery "Kentucky Candyland"

In 2009, this rare single barrel of Kentucky Straight Bourbon was distilled in Frankfort KY with a mashbill of 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley. Barrels were moved to Lawrenceburg, KY where they aged for 15.5 years to create these masterpieces.

Nose: You know immediately, this is a special barrel. Fruit overload, with an immediate melon. This quickly opens up with a marriage of aromas from a candy shop. Melon berry Skittles (purple pack), strawberry hard candy, grape gummy fruit snacks, watermelon bubble gum. With time, the strawberry becomes more prominent, the melon turns to honeydew, and a lemon Starburst is faint but present. There's a slight creaminess with red apple and pear way way back, also in candy form.

Palate: This is a true chameleon in the glass, ever changing, but exactly as the nose suggests. Nostalgic Strawberry Bon Bon centers, Welch’s fruit snacks, melon candy, and watermelon bubble gum. Evolves to gummy snacks, fruit chews, fruit taffy... it's all there and easily accessible. 

Finish: Exactly as you hoped, more of the same, just sending it home. The staying power is where the 15 years in the barrel is most apparent. This is not an oak forward pour, especially for its age, however, the intensity of flavors, mouthfeel, and overall weight on the palate require this level of maturity. Long, balanced, cohesive, and truly memorable.  

This very limited short barrel was bottled at cask strength, 122.8 proof.