These Manic Monday Reviews will be short and sweet. There will be basic background information, a bottle review, and will be posted irregularly; unlike the weekly Friday reviews. These reviews will focus on older or past releases, single barrel releases, bottles that were lost or forgotten on my shelf, or whenever I just want to focus on the bourbon, not the write-up. With that said, today’s review is of Cream of Kentucky 7.5 Year Old Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey (Barrel #9/Bottle #104).

Bottle Information

From the JW Rutledge website: The Cream of Kentucky brand was originally introduced in 1888 by I. Trager & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Just prior to the end of Prohibition, the brand was acquired by the famed Schenley Company and subsequently re-introduced in 1934. Through the 1930s and 1940s Cream of Kentucky grew to become one of the leading bourbon brands, with renowned artist Norman Rockwell provided much of the award winning artwork for the brand during its heyday. Cream of Kentucky is now owned by J.W. Rutledge, and Jim has recently purchased a limited supply of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey he feels is worthy of the rebirth of Cream of Kentucky Bourbon as a premium whiskey.

• Distiller: Distilled, Aged, & Bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillery
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed
• Proof: 100
• Age: 7.5
• Year: 2024
• MSRP: $109
• Official Website

So with that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Wet Oak, Rye Spice, Leather, and Robitussin Cherry Cough Syrup
• Palate: So Much Wood and Oak Influence, Cherry Cough Drop, Rye Spice, Acetone, and Rubber
• Finish: Medium… and Same as the Palate… Unfortunately not good
• My Rating: Pour It! (I am not a fan of giving bad reviews, and hopefully, I have a tainted bottle… but if I do not, please beware before purchasing this bottle…)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman®