News

[Tasting Table] 11 Historic Bourbon Labels Revived By Modern Brands

March 7, 2023

In case you haven't noticed, bourbon is everywhere — from bars, restaurants, and tasting rooms, to dinner parties, home bars, and liquor store shelves, so long as they can keep it in stock. Some call it a "bourbon boom" or the "bourbon surge." However, terms like surge might suggest the increase in bourbon sales will eventually come back down. Although that is indeed possible, it's tough to predict, and as of now bourbon still remains wildly popular and in demand.

It may have been the cocktail revival and shows like "Mad Men" that brought bourbon and classic drinks like the old fashioned back to life, or the entrance of new small-batch and single-barrel bourbons from distilleries that piqued everyone's interest in bourbon whiskey, its history, and how it's made. However the boom occurred, one of the greatest benefits of our rekindled love for bourbon is how it's helped to revive old labels that were once forgotten. Bourbon has been in America since the land was settled in the 1700s. It's a deep-rooted history, and seeing old historic labels come to life again is nostalgic and exciting for collectors and newbies alike.

11. Kentucky Senator

After originating with Crigler & Crigler of Covington, Kentucky, Senator Bourbon was eventually bought by Double Springs Distilleries of Bardstown, Kentucky. The label faded away and today it's been revived by Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC. The bourbon makes itself unique by naming releases after Kentucky senators. The first release after its comeback was a 15-year, small-batch bourbon, whose namesake is Senator Alben W. Barkley of McCracken County. As Kentucky Senator Spirits say, its bourbon is a blend of history and commitment.

The brand has too many awards to mention, but they include the prestigious American Spirits Council of Tasters gold award in recognition of its first small-batch bourbon, including the taste and overall craft, and then another ASCOT gold award for marketing. Kentucky Senator Bourbon also made Fred Minnick's top 100 list in 2022 for best American whiskeys, where bottles are judged by taste, aroma, and finish using a scale of 100 to score.