Cream of Kentucky Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml

Cream of Kentucky carries genuine, colorful American whiskey history behind its revival. The brand was originally introduced in 1888 by I. Trager & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio, and after Prohibition it was acquired by the famed Schenley Company and reintroduced in 1934 — growing, through the 1930s and '40s, into one of the leading bourbon brands in the country, with advertising artwork created by none other than Norman Rockwell. The brand faded during the industry's broader "Whiskey Bust" of the 1970s, and after Schenley itself was sold to Guinness in 1987, the Cream of Kentucky name languished in obscurity for decades before being revived by two partners working alongside Jim Rutledge, a distilling veteran with nearly five decades at Seagram's, most of it at the historic Old Prentice Distillery, home of Four Roses Bourbon.

This Small Batch release, distilled at Rutledge's own J.W. Rutledge Distillery in Kentucky Artisan Distillers' facility, is built from a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, bottled at 100 proof to carry the brand's own "double-rich" flavor promise forward into its modern era. Some independent reviewers note the bourbon's flavor profile carries genuine similarity to Brown-Forman's own house style, though the exact sourcing origins remain part of the brand's story.

Reception has been genuinely enthusiastic across most tasters. The Whiskey Jar's review found "a very traditional bourbon nose, with an emphasis on vanilla," describing the palate as "very old school," with "lots of rich vanilla, candied cherries, some grassy rye and mint," concluding "this bourbon is a solid pour... I predict that Cream of Kentucky Small Batch will be taking up permanent residence on my kitchen bar." The Whiskey Reviewer's tasting found "caramel and candy corn, plus a strong accent of orange zest" on the nose, with "creme brulee balanced by oak shavings and a slice of banana" on the palate, noting the finish "began with a decidedly peanut note, before sliding off into a fading sweetness." The Whiskey Shelf's more measured review found "caramel, vanilla, baked red apple, roasted oak, cinnamon, clove, leather, darker caramel nougat, coffee, orange peel, and some popcorn," concluding honestly: "nothing is out of balance, but nothing stands out either... it tastes good, but is far from unique." The official tasting notes describe "honeyed pome fruits and orange blossoms" on the nose, with the palate "smooth with notes of crème brûlée, hints of banana, and a tinge of honey crisp apple that rounds into soft oak." This is genuinely solid, old-school-style bourbon with a real historical story behind it — reception is largely positive, with one honest dissenting voice worth knowing about.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Cream of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon revives a brand originally introduced in 1888 by I. Trager & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Following Prohibition, the brand was acquired by the Schenley Company and reintroduced in 1934, growing into one of the era's leading bourbon brands, with advertising artwork by Norman Rockwell through the 1930s and '40s. The brand was discontinued during the 1970s whiskey downturn and remained dormant until its recent revival under Master Distiller Jim Rutledge, a nearly five-decade veteran of Seagram's, most notably at the Old Prentice Distillery, home of Four Roses Bourbon.

This Small Batch release is distilled at J.W. Rutledge Distillery and bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillers, made from a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. Bottled at 50% ABV / 100 proof, 750ml.

Critics Reviews

No formal numerical critic score from a major spirits publication is confirmed for this product at this time.

The Whiskey Reviewer (extended independent review):
"The nose came on with a main current very much in traditional bourbon territory: caramel and candy corn, plus a strong accent of orange zest. Likewise, the palate followed stayed in expected boundaries, with creme brulee balanced by oak shavings and a slice of banana. The finish is where things become truly interesting, because it began with a decidedly peanut note, before sliding off into a fading sweetness."

The Whiskey Shelf (extended independent review):
"I initially taste caramel, vanilla, baked red apple, roasted oak, cinnamon, clove, leather, darker caramel nougat, coffee, orange peel, and some popcorn. The range is good, but the depth and fullness are just ok. Nothing is out of balance, but nothing stands out either. Cream of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon tastes good, but is far from unique."

Cream of Kentucky (official tasting notes):
"Nose: Honeyed pome fruits, and orange blossoms. Palate: Smooth with notes of crème brulé, hints of banana, and a tinge of honey crisp apple that rounds into soft oak."

Tasting Profile

Nose
Honeyed pome fruit and orange blossom lead, joined by caramel, candy corn, and toasted oak, with a strong accent of orange zest.

Palate
Smooth and creamy, with crème brûlée and honeycrisp apple carrying the entry, developing caramel, vanilla, baked red apple, cinnamon, and clove, alongside candied cherry and a hint of banana.

Finish
Long and warming, closing with lingering vanilla, toasted oak, and gentle spice, sometimes trailing into a distinctive peanut note before fading into sweetness.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Caramel or butterscotch desserts
• Roasted nuts
• Aged cheddar
• Grilled or smoked meats

Serving Note

Enjoy neat or on the rocks to appreciate its old-school bourbon character.