News
[The Bourbon Review] Kentucky Senator – A Bourbon that Gets Our Vote
January 19, 2024
Kentucky is common word on Bourbon labels – you’ll find it as often as “Old” or “Straight,” but some feel the statehood should command a bit more respect. Part of this is due to the dozens of chapters American whiskey history that were written in Kentucky. Part of that respect, however, is in part due to Damon Thayer. Thayer’s interest in bourbon began as a simple story of politics. A champion of industry and a Kentucky state senator, Thayer sought in his early terms to ensure that all of Kentucky’s core businesses – bourbon and horse racing – were able to flourish without government interference.
[Breaking Bourbon] Kentucky Senator Bourbon (Release #4) John Sherman Cooper
October 17, 2023
"The bourbon is exactly what I’d like every politician to be: straightforward. It’s quintessential Kentucky bourbon in many ways, and leans more towards savory than sweet or spicy. The aroma is light overall, with leather and burnt caramel. Baking spices, dry leather, cigar box, and a funky, almost musty oak note define the palate. Dry leather, cigar box, and sweet brown sugar give way to a dry, medium length finish."
[The Whiskey Wash] Whiskey Review: Kentucky Senator John Sherman Cooper Bourbon
September 1, 2023
Summary: The aromatics are fantastic. I love the interplay between floral, tea, and spice. I went back and forth on scoring this review because the ABV seems a touch off balance when tasted neat. In these days of complex political rancor, it’s nice to find a Kentucky Senator that only requires a dash of water or an ice cube to appeal to a broad base.
[Bourbon Lens] Reviewing Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s Latest Release #4
August 24, 2023
We have been consistently pleased with prior releases of Kentucky Senator Bourbon as the brand has clearly sourced and, most importantly, blended some nicely aged Kentucky Bourbon stocks. They leverage these bourbons to tell a bit of history and honor prominent figures in public service. As expected, Release #4 highlights an 8 year old bourbon with a familiar Kentucky Bourbon profile while also packing in some bold, earthy flavors all while carrying a solid 107 proof point.
[The Bourbon Flight] Featured Bourbon Review: John Sherman Cooper release Kentucky Senator Bourbon
August 24, 2023
When you find an eight-year-old bourbon that tastes fantastic and is extraordinarily smooth, you better snatch it up quickly. This bourbon has a great nose with aromas of oak, baking spices, and brown sugar that radiates from the glass. At 107 proof, you would swear that you are drinking a much lower-proof bourbon because of the ease with which it slips down your throat.
[Commonwealth Journal] A salute to Somerset's statesman: Sen. John Sherman Cooper honored at Virginia Theater ceremony
August 23, 2023
"Our slogan for this brand is, ‘Kentucky Senator Bourbon: Serving up great Kentucky bourbon with a side of Kentucky history.’ I think by honoring Sen. Cooper, we’re probably elevating that to an extremely high level."
[Good Spirits News] GSN Review: Kentucky Senator Release #4 John Sherman Cooper Bourbon
August 1, 2023
Ah, bourbon. If you were to try and explain what it is to someone who has never tasted it, one scent of this new release would paint a thousand words. Woody, sweet, nutty, spicy, and somehow carrying the Kentucky summer heat. The entry is exceptionally smooth for a near cask strength whiskey, and only carries a slight burn. The flavors are light and airy, with the flavor of the oak and its char carrying the day. The finish is very long, with a tannic finality. A terrific sipper, especially over a large single rock, this latest JSC release hits all the right buttons. GSN Rating: A
