It’s been a while since we last reviewed a product from Lexington Brewing & Distilling. This limited release caught our eye and we figured we should give it a try, as we’ve enjoyed other double oaked products, including Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Old Forester 1910, and Jim Beam Double Oaked.
Distilling Downtown
Founded in 1999 by Pearse Lyons, Lexington Brewing & Distilling may be best known for its Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – a craft beer that spends another 6 weeks in freshly decanted Kentucky bourbon barrels. In addition to a bourbon and beers, several ryes, and Irish whiskeys are produced alongside the facilities water source, Town Branch creek.
Today, Mark Lyons continues the distilling tradition as a 7th generation distiller at the facilities in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. We’ve visited the site often for tours, as the opportunity to sample beers, bourbons, whiskeys, and even a coffee desert beverage provide something for everyone. You’re also a few short blocks from the James E. Pepper Distillery, and, while at Lexington Brewing & Distilling, you’ll garner another stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail!
The Tasting
The mash bill for this bourbon is 72% corn, 13% rye, and 15% malted barley. From the press release, we learn that this bourbon has spent 5 years aging in the first barrel and was then re-casked into a second newly charred white oak barrel for another 9 months.
Released in the Fall of 2020, this limited-edition of 2,700 bottles is presented at 94-proof in a heavy, square bottle – one of the nicer packaging statements on the market. From the bottle, we’re told to expect caramel and oaky with hints of brown sugar and cherry.
Color: Dark amber with reddish tones. This has definitely seen extra time in the barrel.
Nose: Caramel, vanilla, some odd banana notes. While I didn’t notice the tropical flavors the first time I tasted Town Branch bourbon a couple years back, each subsequent time, it’s become more prominent.
Palate: Caramel with vanilla notes – not as pronounced as I might have thought from the nose. There are also dark fruits along with a hefty dose of oak and peppery spice present.
Finish: Long with vanilla, caramelized sugar, and oak char.
Overall: This was good – definitely better than the traditional Town Branch Bourbon. The issue at hand, though, is it $49 good? At that price, you’re facing still competition from Russell’s’ Reserve, Eagle Rare (at MSRP) and Henry McKenna (at MSRP).
If presented with a choice from some of the competitors, I’m probably grabbing those over this bourbon. If’ you’re considering a change of pace – for something a little interesting – with a limited release and a good story – this might be the one. I wish the contents matched up with the exquisite package.