Jesse James Outlaw 7 Year Old Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

Jesse James Outlaw 7-Year Kentucky Bourbon is a bold, no-frills straight Kentucky bourbon that leans heavily into classic rye-spice and oak-driven character — warm, robust, and confident. At its proof and maturity, it delivers a powerful, rustic bourbon experience: ideal for drinkers chasing strength, traditional bourbon flavor, and a little bit of outlaw swagger.

Origins & Craftsmanship

This expression is produced in Kentucky by Preservation Distillery, resurrecting the “Outlaw” label under modern small-batch production. The whiskey is a Kentucky straight bourbon matured for 7 years in new charred American-oak barrels. It is bottled at 109.4 proof (54.7% ABV), giving it a high-strength punch that preserves the intensity of grain, oak, and barrel character. Small-batch methods and extended aging help build a denser, deeper flavor profile compared with entry-level bourbons — aimed at bourbon drinkers who appreciate strength, maturity, and a classic Kentucky backbone.

Critics Reviews

Within the bourbon community and among enthusiasts tracking modern small-batch releases, Jesse James Outlaw 7-Year earns acknowledgement for offering “solid value for proof” — a strong, mature bourbon at a competitive price point. Reviewers often point out that at 109.4 proof its character is more pronounced than typical commercial bourbons, with oak, rye spice, and barrel-driven flavor more in line with traditional, older-school Kentucky whiskey. For fans of un-softened bourbon, it provides a straightforward, honest, and sturdy pour that doesn’t shy away from raw bourbon strength.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Firm rye-spice and charred oak jump first — pepper, cinnamon, and toasted grain. Beneath that: vanilla custard, caramel sugar, light dark-fruit jam, and a wisp of leather or old-barn wood.

Palate:
Full-bodied and bold. Caramel and brown sugar sweetness give way to robust rye spice: black pepper, clove, and cinnamon. Dark fruit (plum, raisin) adds depth alongside toasted oak and a hint of tobacco or leather. Mid-palate brings subtle cocoa-like bitterness and a dry grain-backbone characteristic of barrel-aged bourbon.

Finish:
Long, warm and slightly drying. Oak tannins and rye pepper linger, with echoes of toasted wood, faint dark fruit, and lingering spice. The finish carries a bit of bitterness — tobacco-leaf, cracked black pepper, and dry oak — leaving a smoky, rustic echo well after the sip.

Quick Overview