Kentucky Owl® is the world’s most international forward-thinking American whiskey from Barstow, Kentucky, the bourbon capital of the world.

Unique, limited-edition bourbons 

Known for sourcing scarce, rare aged Kentucky Bourbons to create unique, limited-run batches, Kentucky Owl is sought by whiskey connoisseurs worldwide. 

Rejuvenated in 2014 by the great great grandson of Charles Dedman on the banks of the Kentucky River, Kentucky Owl® now produces award winning, high quality whiskeys designed to demonstrate the different aspects of the whiskey maker’s craft and wisdom.

It has now been launched in Singapore under Stoli® Group’s portfolio. 

Invited for the Singapore launch

The Singapore launch, which was held recently, showcased four of Kentucky Owl®’s bestsellers, as well as a newly released limited edition bottle.

Tom Jones, Kentucky Owl®’s Global Ambassador Ultra Premium Spirits, was present for the event too.

I was invited as part of the media to the launch event at Raffles Place. We were given the following to try during our exclusive tasting session.

Kentucky Owl® The Wiseman Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

A traditional straight rye whiskey made of 95% rye and 5% malted barley.

The flavour profile is described as a spicy nose which progresses to the taste, filling the mouth and tickling the taste buds. The finish begins as rye bread, moving towards a buttery caramel and ending with a hint of English walnut.

I thought this one was quite dry. The warm, spicy note was definitely there and it left a somewhat fruity note, followed by a smokey caramel aftertaste. 

Kentucky Owl® St. Patrick’s Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey

As the name suggests, this is a limited-edition St. Patrick’s creation of Kentucky Owl®’s bourbon whiskey, a collaboration between master blender John Rhea and J.J. Corry founder Louise McGuane.

This has a high rye content that is combined together with wheat to give it its signature, unique taste. 

This whiskey is described as having rich caramel and vanilla notes, together with spicy and fruity flavours. There is also a feel of sweet and citrus flavours.

I felt that the flavour of the St. Patrick’s one was lighter on the taste buds, at the same time, I could detect slightly fruity and earthy caramel notes followed by a peppery spicy aftertaste.

Kentucky Owl® Bourbon Batch 11

Containing 59.4% ABV, this whiskey, according to Jones, has very punchy and rich caramel flavours.

This is described as having notes of citrus, dark chocolate and toffee on opening. To the palette, there are flavours of mature oak, allspice, honeyed bread and cinnamon. It has a long finish of oak, sultana, peppercorn and thyme.

To me, this one was dry and punchy and I could pick up a caramel honey taste with a spicy after-note.

Kentucky Owl® The Wiseman Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

This is master blender John Rhea’s first release and is comprised of a four Straight bourbons matured for up to eight years.

It is described at having caramel, allspice, citrus and oak flavours to the nose, complete with vanilla and caramel ice cream and finally ending with an aftertaste of oak and spices. 

For this one, I thought that a strong spicy note hits the nose immediately, creating a warming sensation through the body. There is a caramel spice after-note which lingers on. 

Kentucky Owl® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Takumi Edition

As the name suggests, this special new release is a limited-edition bourbon is a combination and brainchild of both master blenders John Rhea and Yusuke Yahisa of Japan’s Nagahama Distillery.

The resulting whiskey blend features rye and caramel and with a hint of fruit. The flavour is full and long, with a rye bread mouthfeel.

I thought that this is a heavy whiskey with subtle fruity and spicy notes which lingered, creating a warming sensation throughout my body. 

Finger food and event ends

During the event, Jones continued to provide commentary as well as shared more about the different types of whiskey that we were trying. It was an honour to hear from him.

At the launch event, finger food was also served in addition to the whiskey and these were all pretty delicious too, especially the slow-cooked beef and the crispy nachos, of which I found myself going back for seconds and even thirds.

After all, alcohol is always best enjoyed together with some light finger food.