Virgin Bourbon
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
50.5% ABV
$15
What the Bottle Says
This is distilled by Heaven Hill, but isn’t mentioned on their web-site – so here’s what the bottle says (beyond the name).
Rare 101 Proof
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Charcoal Filtered
Bottled in Kentucky by Meadowland Distilling Co. Bardstown, Kentucky
An Old-Fashioned Sour Mash Bourbon Distilled in the foothills of Kentucky. Charcoal Filtered to give every drop that Olde Mellow flavor.
This rare whiskey has been bottled at a full 101 Proof. Rich . . . Robust and Hearty . . . it is American’s finest bourbon.
What Gary Says
Nose: Rich caramel, vanilla, honey, oak and smoke, cut hay, dried cherries, cinnamon with a hint of anise and clove.
Palate: Sweet with caramel and vanilla, oak, a bit of brown sugar, cinnamon, clove and pepper.
Finish: Moderately long with spices and oak.
Comments: This is a pretty limited distribution product (mainly in North Carolina), and until 2019 was age stated at 7 years. For an under $20 bottle, this is a damn solid bourbon. And I really like the bottle & label! It has a nice texture with some of the lettering embossed/raised, that just has that classic bottling feel. I was gifted a sample in either late 2019 or early 2020, but picked up a non-age stated bottle while in Ashville just to be certain (and if the sample was of the age stated version, at least this batch hasn’t changed significantly). I decided to do a blind side-by-side with some Wild Turkey 101 (also non-age stated) which I am a fan of, and this was a bit sweeter by comparison and actually had a bit of a longer finish. If you’re even going through North Carolina (or live there but have avoided this as a ‘bottom shelfer’), I’d definitely give it a try.
Was given a bottle about 5 years ago, but as a near ignoramus about whisky (am aware that I have been introduced to a few that I really liked and many that just didn’t have a taste for at all) it remained semi-hidden at the back of my cabinet until yesterday evening. Opened it in curious preference to my customary wine, beer or gin and was sufficiently impressed and satisfied to be prompted to come to your website today try and educate myself a little. Could really savour the depth and spices – moving in the direction of a few whisky liqueurs that I enjoy. Shall definitely keep eyes open for a replacement as it runs down and will be exploring your website for “suggestions” to compare with.
Awesome in taste and price – if you can find it anywhere 😔
I always grab a bottle or two when I’m back in my hometown (Birmingham, AL). The first bottle or two were the 7 year age stated, but in recent years it’s been the NAS. Still a very solid Bourbon at 101 proof for $14-18. Love Heaven Hill products — the fact that they don’t even include this on their website makes me fear it could disappear at any point. If you see it, worth picking up…lest next time you see it it’ll be on a different bottle for twice the price.