Old Crow

Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
40% ABV/80 Proof
$8 to $10 per liter
Found on bottom shelves around the country

What the Distillery Says:

They don’t really say a whole lot. Press on bottom shelf brands is sparse at best.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Rubbing alcohol, moldy flowers, and wet dog.
Palate: Harsh, a little sweet, and did I mention harsh? Better than Black Velvet though.
Finish: I wish this didn’t stick around as long as it does. It’s bitter and hot on the finish.
Comments: I saw this four $4 a pint when I was at the store recently and thought what the hell. Interestingly, I purchased it the same day I picked up a bottle of Macallan 18 Year Old so I got a pretty funny look from the guy behind the counter. This is an old brand with history dating back to the 1830’s. It’s named after James Crow, a Scottish immigrant who started distilling near Frankfort back then. It was a favorite drink of Ulysses S. Grant but his Old Crow is not this Old Crow. Old Crow now is a 3 year old straight bourbon made from the Jim Beam recipe by Beam Global/Fortune Brands. It’s what you would expect from such a product. No surprises here. I would definitely regulate this to the mixer cabinet if you’re unfortunate enough to own a bottle.
Rating: Probably Pass