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[Whiskey Consensus] Kentucky Senator Bourbon Release No. 5 “John Brown” 9 Year

November 12, 2024

A little background

Kentucky Senator Release No. 5, “John Brown” 9-Year Bourbon is a tribute to Kentucky’s first U.S. Senator who helped establish Kentucky as a Commonwealth. Crafted from a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, this 107-proof bourbon offers a rich depth that reflects its nine years of careful aging in Kentucky. Sourced from undisclosed Kentucky distilleries, this limited release pays homage to Senator Brown, a pivotal “Anti-Federalist” who championed Kentucky’s statehood and served alongside prominent figures like Washington, Adams, and Jefferson. Priced at $150, the John Brown Release is as complex and bold as its namesake, a fitting tribute to an influential pioneer of the Commonwealth.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Gold

Nose

Rich orange cream, caramel, caramel, classic cheesecake, cherry cordial, toasted oak, and sweet strawberry purée.

Palate

Lemon, orange, peach, cinnamon, honey, freshly baked bread, and dried fruit.

Finish

Honey, chocolate, strawberry, cantaloupe, appropriate, and cinnamon.

In closing

Kentucky Senator Release No. 5 “John Brown” offers an exceptionally well-balanced experience, with alcohol beautifully integrated into a rich, aromatic nose of orange cream, caramel, and cherry cordial. The palate is pleasantly sweet, bringing forward flavors of lemon, peach, and honey, accompanied by a creamy viscosity and a satisfying mouthfeel that carries through to the finish. Surprisingly light on oak for its age, this bourbon delights with a unique cinnamon-bread quality, making it a standout pour that’s both enjoyable and memorable.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.