Kentucky Senator Bourbon

LEXINGTON, KY— Building on the success of its first release, Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC is preparing a second Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for release in June and July this year. The limited-edition, William J. DeBoe Release has been aged six years and is named in honor of Senator William J. DeBoe – a Kentucky native who served exactly six years in the U.S. Senate. This small batch Bourbon whiskey will be available at liquor stores, bars and restaurants throughout Kentucky, with single barrel private selections at Liquor Barn, Party Mart and DEP’s retail outlets. The William J. DeBoe Release will also be available online at www.BourbonOutfitter.com and will be featured at Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C. 

With approximately 1,300 bottles, this very small batch whiskey is 107 proof with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. Like the first release, this Bourbon whiskey has been distilled and aged in Kentucky, bottled at Bluegrass Distillers in Lexington and will be distributed by Kentucky Eagle Wine and Spirits. MSRP is $109 per bottle. 

 “It’s been a real pleasure to see our first release enjoyed by so many enthusiasts in the Bourbon community,” said co-manager Damon Thayer. “We are excited to build on that success and debut our second, small batch this summer. As always, we continue our commitment to the finest Kentucky Bourbon whiskey and hope consumers enjoy the history that accompanies each bottle.” 

“Only four months after our first batch and here we are sending our second release to market,” said co-manager Andre Regard. “What an honor this has been, to support Kentucky’s home spirit and connect with our fellow Bourbon aficionados. Kentucky Senator will keep working to deliver superior taste and experience.”  

Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s second release is named for William J. DeBoe of Crittenden County, the very first Kentucky Republican to serve in the U.S. Senate. He completed one, six-year term from 1897 to 1903. William J. DeBoe was also a physician and lawyer, having attended medical school at the University of Louisville. To learn more about William J. DeBoe, visit the company website at www.KySenatorBourbon.com. 

About Kentucky Senator Bourbon: The vintage Kentucky Senator Straight Bourbon Whiskey was originally produced by one of the state’s leading distilling families, Crigler & Crigler, in Covington, and later by Double Springs Distillers, Inc. in Bardstown. Since 2019, this brand revival has been led by Andre Regard and Damon Thayer under Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC. Kentucky Senator Bourbon is distinguished by its offering of great Bourbon whiskey with a side of Kentucky history. Each batch will carry the name of an esteemed U.S. Senator from the Bluegrass State. The Alben W. Barkley Release was the first Bourbon in Kentucky Senator’s portfolio, named for the U.S. Senator and Vice President under Harry S Truman. The second release is named for one-term Senator William J. DeBoe, the first Republican to represent Kentucky in the U.S. Senate. For more information, visit www.KySenatorBourbon.com. 

Reviews for Alben W. Barkley Release #1:  

Kentucky Senator 15 Year Bourbon Release # 1 is a fantastic whiskey and a bottle I’d recommend picking up should you have the opportunity! – WhiskeyConsensus.com 

Kentucky Senator’s inaugural release is a 15-year-old Kentucky bourbon that is like the best of our politicians – nicely balanced, straightforward, and to the point. – BreakingBourbon.com 

That color is absolutely gorgeous…it’s got a very active nose. This is a really delicious whiskey from a tasting perspective. – Fred Minnick, Forbes Contributor and best-selling whiskey author

by Northern Kentucky Tribune

Building on the success of its first release, Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC is preparing a second Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey for release in June and July this year.

The limited-edition, William J. DeBoe Release has been aged six years and is named in honor of Senator William J. DeBoe – a Kentucky native who served exactly six years in the U.S. Senate. This small-batch Bourbon whiskey will be available at liquor stores, bars and restaurants throughout Kentucky, with single barrel private selections at Liquor Barn, Party Mart and DEP’s retail outlets.

“Only four months after our first batch and here we are sending our second release to market,” said co-manager Andre Regard. “What an honor this has been, to support Kentucky’s home spirit and connect with our fellow Bourbon aficionados. Kentucky Senator will keep working to deliver superior taste and experience.”

The vintage Kentucky Senator straight bourbon whiskey was originally produced by one of the state’s leading distilling families, Crigler & Crigler in Covington and later by Double Springs Distillers, Inc. in Bardstown. Since 2019, this brand revival has been led by Andre Regard and Damon Thayer under Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC.

The William J. DeBoe release will also be available online at www.BourbonOutfitter.com and will be featured at Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C.

With approximately 1,300 bottles, this very small batch whiskey is 107 proof with a mash bill of 75 percent corn, 21 percent rye and four percent malted barley. Like the first release, this Bourbon whiskey has been distilled and aged in Kentucky, bottled at Bluegrass Distillers in Lexington and will be distributed by Kentucky Eagle Wine and Spirits. The retail price is $109 per bottle.

“It’s been a real pleasure to see our first release enjoyed by so many enthusiasts in the Bourbon community,” said co-manager Damon Thayer. “We are excited to build on that success and debut our second, small-batch this summer. As always, we continue our commitment to the finest Kentucky Bourbon whiskey and hope consumers enjoy the history that accompanies each bottle.”

Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s second release is named for William J. DeBoe of Crittenden County, the very first Kentucky Republican to serve in the U.S. Senate. He completed one six-year term from 1897 to 1903. William J. DeBoe was also a physician and lawyer, having attended medical school at the University of Louisville.

To learn more about William J. DeBoe, visit the company website at www.KySenatorBourbon.com.

Kentucky state Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, revived the bourbon brand Kentucky Senator. Thayer talked with Kentucky Fried Politics about the brand and their upcoming second release.

LEXINGTON, KY— Building on the success of its first release, Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC is preparing a second Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for release in June and July this year. The limited-edition, William J. DeBoe Release has been aged six years and is named in honor of Senator William J. DeBoe – a Kentucky native who served exactly six years in the U.S. Senate. This small batch Bourbon whiskey will be available at liquor stores, bars and restaurants throughout Kentucky, with single barrel private selections at Liquor Barn, Party Mart and DEP’s retail outlets. The William J. DeBoe Release will also be available online at www.BourbonOutfitter.com and will be featured at Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C.

With approximately 1,300 bottles, this very small batch whiskey is 107 proof with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. Like the first release, this Bourbon whiskey has been distilled and aged in Kentucky, bottled at Bluegrass Distillers in Lexington and will be distributed by Kentucky Eagle Wine and Spirits. MSRP is $109 per bottle.

“It’s been a real pleasure to see our first release enjoyed by so many enthusiasts in the Bourbon community,” said co-manager Damon Thayer. “We are excited to build on that success and debut our second, small batch this summer. As always, we continue our commitment to the finest Kentucky Bourbon whiskey and hope consumers enjoy the history that accompanies each bottle.”

“Only four months after our first batch and here we are sending our second release to market,” said co-manager Andre Regard. “What an honor this has been, to support Kentucky’s home spirit and connect with our fellow Bourbon aficionados. Kentucky Senator will keep working to deliver superior taste and experience.” 

Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s second release is named for William J. DeBoe of Crittenden County, the very first Kentucky Republican to serve in the U.S. Senate. He completed one, six-year term from 1897 to 1903. William J. DeBoe was also a physician and lawyer, having attended medical school at the University of Louisville. To learn more about William J. DeBoe, visit the company website at www.KySenatorBourbon.com.

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About Kentucky Senator Bourbon: The vintage Kentucky Senator Straight Bourbon Whiskey was originally produced by one of the state’s leading distilling families, Crigler & Crigler, in Covington, and later by Double Springs Distillers, Inc. in Bardstown. Since 2019, this brand revival has been led by Andre Regard and Damon Thayer under Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC. Kentucky Senator Bourbon is distinguished by its offering of great Bourbon whiskey with a side of Kentucky history. Each batch will carry the name of an esteemed U.S. Senator from the Bluegrass State. The Alben W. Barkley Release was the first Bourbon in Kentucky Senator’s portfolio, named for the U.S. Senator and Vice President under Harry S Truman. The second release is named for one-term Senator William J. DeBoe, the first Republican to represent Kentucky in the U.S. Senate. For more information, visit www.KySenatorBourbon.com. 

Reviews for Alben W. Barkley Release #1: 

Kentucky Senator 15 Year Bourbon Release # 1 is a fantastic whiskey and a bottle I’d recommend picking up should you have the opportunity! – WhiskeyConsensus.com

Kentucky Senator’s inaugural release is a 15-year-old Kentucky bourbon that is like the best of our politicians – nicely balanced, straightforward, and to the point. – BreakingBourbon.com

That color is absolutely gorgeous…it’s got a very active nose. This is a really delicious whiskey from a tasting perspective. – Fred Minnick, Forbes Contributor and best-selling whiskey author 

from BrandlandUSA

Yet another old brand of bourbon whiskey has a new life, the Kentucky Senator brand.

Kentucky Senator was originally distilled and bottled by Crigler & Crigler (1874-1916) of Covington, Kentucky, and later by Double Springs Distillers, Inc. of Bardstown. The 2021 revival of the brand is led by Kentucky Senator Spirits LLC. The idea is that each release will carry the name of a U.S. Senator from the Bluegrass state. Their first release is named for Senator Alben W. Barkley.

Crigler and Crigler historically sold a large number of brands including Brier Rabbit, Buffalo Springs, Col. Bob Corn, Crigler, Crigler’s Favorite, Forsythe, John Barley Corn, Kentucky Senator, Meadowthorpe Dry Gin, Old 100 Corn, Old Special Stock, Sweet Sixteen and the well-known Woodland, according to the alcohol history website pre-pro.com.

The brand eventually went defunct, and was picked up by entrepreneurs. There are a large number of bourbon brands that have been revived. In a product like bourbon, it is a relatively easy project if your company makes other liquors; it is a matter of new labels, new product recipes and some marketing. Some brands that have returned include James E. Pepper, American Pride, Jos. E. Finch, Henry Clay, Cream of Kentucky, Old Elk, Green River and such. It was mostly the case that larger companies let smaller niche brands lapse, and entrepreneurs picked up the names for free. Read Michael Veach’s post on Bourbonveach.com.

A history of Crigler by historian Jack Sullivan tells the story of the company. The successor owner Double Springs Distillers was a giant firm; in the 1960s they even had a line of commemorative bottles, including the one at right that recently popped up on eBay. The commemoratives of Double Springs, designed by artists including Eric Olsen and B. Hasenstab, were in dozens of shapes, including vintage Pierce-Arrow cars, Irishmen, steam cars and such. Hasenstab, whose dates are unknown, was a very prolific commercial artist, and designed all sorts of collectibles for the tourist market. The bottles were not sold for the taste of the Bourbon, and more for novelty’s sake. The late 60s and 70s were sort of a crazy time for these sorts of figurines; even Avon sold perfume figurines.

The current revival of Kentucky Senator began in 2017, with the start of an application for the trademark at the USPTO by Kentucky Senator Spirits LLC. The owners are attorney Andre Regard and Damon Thayer, a Republican state senator.

This spring’s first batch, which hit the market in February of 2021, is a limited release of 1,320 bottles of 107 proof bourbon, made of 78.5% corn, 13% rye and 8.5% malted barley. Kentucky Senator is bottled at Bluegrass Distillers of Lexington and is distributed by Kentucky Eagle Distributing.

The website breakingbourbon.com gives it a decent review, saying that it “will ultimately please those who prefer a more traditional and straightforward flavor profile who enjoy a bourbon with solid oak underpinnings.”

from Breaking Bourbon

Classification: Straight Bourbon

Company: Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC

Distillery: Sourced from undisclosed Kentucky distillery(ies)

Release Date: March 2021

Proof: 107

Age: 15 Years

Mashbill: 78.5% Corn, 13% Rye, 8.5% Malted Barley

Color: Tawny Mahogany

Price: $200 (2021)

Official Website

Kentucky Senator Spirits’ Managers include Andre Regard, an entrepreneur and equine attorney, and Damon Thayer, a Kentucky Senator since 2003. Thayer is a supporter of bills that benefit the alcohol industry, and with his involvement with Kentucky Senator Bourbon that would only seem to further his support for that cause.

According to the company website, “The Kentucky Senator brand was originally distilled and bottled by Crigler & Crigler in Covington, Kentucky, then by Double Springs Distillers, Inc. in Bardstown. Revived by Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC in 2019, each release of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will carry the name of an esteemed U.S. Senator from the Bluegrass State.”

The first release is named for Senator Alben W. Barkley of McCracken County. Barkley served as a U.S. Senator (D-Kentucky) from 1927-1949, and then again in 1955 until he passed away in 1956. He served as Vice President of the United States under President Harry S. Truman from 1949-1953.

This first release of Kentucky Senator is a (very) small batch bourbon consisting of only 1,350 bottles. It was distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky. The bottle in review is number 1,264.

Nose

A hint of cinnamon bark combines with aged oak to form a light spicy base. Vestiges of graham cracker and toasted bread offer a fleeting moment of complexity. The unembellished combination of scents is straightforward in its delivery, highlighting aged oak with just a bit of additional depth.

Palate

Punchy rye spice teases initially, though it is quickly overshadowed by seasoned oak, clove, and toasted marshmallow. A dash of cinnamon tickles the taste buds, which combines with a hint of caramel to provide a balance of sweet and spice. Like the nose, the palate is straightforward in its delivery, hinting towards the bourbon’s age but finding an enjoyable balance between oak, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Finish

The bourbon is not shy here, as tongue-gripping spice takes shape making the bourbon’s 107 proofpoint known. Accented by rye, cinnamon, and dab of baking spices, the spicy smorgasbord meets more savory dry flavors of tobacco and charred oak as the finish persists. Long, complex, and delicious, the finish is unequivocally the highlight of the sip.

Uniqueness

While older Kentucky-sourced bourbons are popping up in various forms recently, the quantities are often relatively small. Kentucky Senator joins others such as Knob Creek 15 Year, Blue Run 13 Year, Chicken Cock 15 Year, and Three Chord Whiskey Drummer, to name a few. Kentucky Senator shares the same mashbill as Chicken Cock 15 Year, and is very close to Knob Creek 15 Year. Its proofpoint is second lowest among those listed, but certainly packs a punch at 107, especially in the finish where it really takes shape.

While it does highlight oak, it doesn’t come across overly oaky as its 15 years in barrels might suggest, especially given the buildup of spice that overshadows the oak as it transitions into the finish. In fact, it doesn’t really veer too far in any direction – it’s not overly sweet, not overly dry, not over proofed or under proofed, and not even overly spicy for that matter (though that is its most notable quality). Instead, it manages to find a middle ground among all of these flavor characteristics. Because of this, it’s not a bombastic bourbon, but is instead more matter-of-fact and to the point. This lands it within the range of those other high aged Kentucky bourbons mentioned, and will ultimately please those who prefer a more traditional and straightforward flavor profile who enjoy a bourbon with solid oak underpinnings.

Value

Kentucky Senator is a prime example of bourbon’s growing demand, and the fact that the market has changed from what it was just 5-10 years ago. At only 1,320 bottles for this release, it will easily fetch its asking price of $200 per bottle and then some. Notably, it’s lower priced than Chicken Cock 15 Year ($300), and about the same as Three Chord Whiskey Drummer ($190), though it’s more than Blue Run 13 Year ($170) and quite a bit more than Knob Creek 15 Year ($100). Of course due to availability and timing of releases few people, if any, reading this could go to a store and actually choose from these bourbons at these prices. The comparison merely supports the fact that Kentucky Senator’s pricing is not all that surprising, and certainly within the range of recent, comparable releases.

It’s also the first release from the company, and with that reason will turn heads. Few kick off their inaugural release with a $200 15 year old Kentucky sourced bourbon…only to then have the challenge to follow it up with a second release. In the end it is a nicely balanced, high aged bourbon, but it’s a splurge, plain and simple.

Overall

Kentucky Senator’s inaugural release is a 15 year old Kentucky bourbon that is like the best of our politicians – nicely balanced, straightforward, and to the point.

We’re beginning to see more limited release, high aged, and thankfully (relatively) high proof Kentucky bourbons hit the market. Unfortunately, the trend supports a high price point of entry and volumes are relatively small, so the bourbons certainly are not accessible to all. However, with more well known high aged limited releases such as Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and the Van Winkle line either inaccessible or outlandishly expensive (pick your poison), these one-off high aged releases like Kentucky Senator offer a glimmer of hope. Small batch blending, barrel selection, and proof variation can yield some gems from time to time. And if your finger is on the pulse, finding releases like this around asking price might require a quick trigger, but the chance seems to present itself. On the other hand, $200 for a single bottle of bourbon is a lot, and quite frankly more than anyone really needs to spend. But exploring bourbon isn’t about what anyone needs, so whether a bottle is ever worth the splurge is a decision we all face, and one each of us has to make on our own.The sample used for this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy its respective company. We thank them for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.

by Whiskey Consensus

A little background

According to Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC, “The Kentucky Senator brand was originally distilled and bottled by Double Springs Distillers, Inc. in Bardstown, KY. Revived by Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC in 2019, each release of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will carry the name of an esteemed U.S. Senator from the Bluegrass State.” Kentucky Senator 15 Year Bourbon Release # 1 pays homage to Alben W. Barkley, who served as U.S. Senator from Kentucky from 1927-1949 and again in 1955 until his death in 1956. Additionally, Barkley served as Vice President of the United States under President Harry S Truman from 1949-1953.

Kentucky Senator 15 Year Kentucky Bourbon Release # 1 was distilled from a mash bill of 78.5% Corn, 13% Rye, and 8.5% Malted Barley. This “very small batch” bourbon was distilled and aged in Kentucky for 15 years, limited to 1320 bottles, bottled at 107 proof, and available for a retail price of $200 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Mahogany

Nose

Orange, cherries, clove, nutmeg, caramel, oak, and vanilla. A very delightful and rich nose!

Palate

Warm and balanced. Dried cherries, brown sugar, citrus, cinnamon, burnt toast, and oak.

Finish

A very long and delicious finish filled with waves of flavor. The dried cherries, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oak from the palate carry through to the finish, along with additional notes of caramel, and cream cheese icing.

In closing

Kentucky Senator 15 Year Kentucky Bourbon Release # 1 brings big bold flavors that start with the beautiful nose and carry through to a long and complex finish. At 15 years old, there is quite a lot of oak influence on this bourbon, however, it’s by no means over-oaked. Kentucky Senator 15 Year Release # 1 has a wonderful sweet quality that’s perfectly complemented by a great char note, reminding me of a perfectly toasted marshmallow over a campfire. As for the $200 price tag, it’s certainly not cheap. However, neither is sourcing barrels of this age. Given the quality of the whiskey, proof, and age statement, I don’t see $200 as an unreasonable price. Kentucky Senator 15 Year Bourbon Release # 1 is a fantastic whiskey and a bottle I’d recommend picking up should you have the opportunity!