{"product_id":"cream-of-kentucky-cask-strength-bourbon-whiskey","title":"Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eCream of Kentucky is one of American whiskey's great resurrection stories. The original brand was launched in the 1930s and grew through the following two decades into one of Kentucky's most recognized bourbon labels — its marketing campaigns illustrated by Norman Rockwell at the height of his fame, a cultural footnote that speaks to the prestige the brand once commanded. It faded, as so many pre-Prohibition and post-Prohibition brands did, and was largely forgotten for decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe revival was launched by Jim Rutledge — Master Distiller at Four Roses for 21 years, 49-year veteran of the Kentucky spirits industry, and one of the most respected figures in American whiskey history — who carefully sourced and selected bourbon stocks he considered worthy of restoring the Cream of Kentucky name to relevance. The brand has since evolved under the stewardship of Stephen Camisa — a former Sazerac executive with deep Kentucky whiskey roots — and is now bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillery, the Prospect, Kentucky facility best known as the home of Jefferson's Bourbon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe Cask Strength release is the most serious and characterful expression in the lineup — sourced from the same mash bill used by Brown-Forman for Old Forester and shared by Angel's Envy, comprising 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% barley malt, bottled at approximately 120 proof without chill filtration. Reviewers have consistently found it to be a bourbon of genuine old-school character: vanilla-forward and deeply traditional on the nose, with a Dutch cocoa richness on the palate that arrives quickly and persistently, accompanied by candied cherry, cinnamon, graham cracker, and butterscotch — and a black pepper and red apple warmth on the finish that is entirely its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigins \u0026amp; Craftsmanship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe original Cream of Kentucky Distilling Company operated through the 1930s and 1940s — producing bourbon that earned wide commercial recognition and the creative partnership with Norman Rockwell whose iconic illustrations appeared across the brand's advertising at its peak. The distillery shuttered and the brand fell dormant through the latter half of the 20th century before its modern revival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eJim Rutledge — who oversaw Four Roses' celebrated return to the American market and the development of its multi-mash-bill, multi-yeast-strain system during his nearly 50-year career — began sourcing and bottling bourbon under the Cream of Kentucky name with a deliberate philosophy: find stocks worthy of a name that once meant something, bottle them honestly, and let the liquid make the case. The brand's current production uses a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley — a formulation shared with Old Forester and Angel's Envy and well-regarded for its balance of sweetness, spice, and structure — sourced from established Kentucky distilleries whose identity remains undisclosed. Barrels have been previously sourced from 1792 Barton and Four Roses, among others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe Cask Strength release is bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Prospect, Kentucky — the facility that also produces Jefferson's Bourbon — without chill filtration, preserving the full texture, natural oils, and aromatic complexity of the high-proof cask-strength spirit. The approximately 120-proof bottling represents the bourbon as it emerges from the barrel — nothing removed, nothing softened, nothing added — and delivers a measurably richer, more textured, and more complex experience than the 100-proof Small Batch expression from the same stocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCritics Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTastings.com reviewed the Cream of Kentucky Single Barrel Cask Strength at 117.6 proof, describing toffee, pralines, vanilla, and dried fruit as the initial flavor rush — recognizing the expression's crowd-pleasing, deeply traditional bourbon character. Drinkhacker reviewed the 2024 Cask Strength release and found \"an instant pop of Dutch process cocoa powder on the palate, layered with notes of cinnamon and ripe raspberries\" alongside peanut notes \"like a well-crafted candy bar\" — awarding it a B+ and describing it as \"immediately crowd-pleasing.\" The Barrel Burner identified \"apples, honey, oak, and coarse black pepper\" on the palate alongside \"cinnamon, clove, vanilla, and a subtle floral component.\" The Whiskey Jar reviewed the 2025 Cask Strength at 119.6 proof and found \"a very traditional bourbon on the palate, with lots of rich vanilla, candied cherries, some grassy rye and mint\" — describing it as excellent value and purchasing a second bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThere are no widely published numeric scores from Whisky Advocate, Wine Spectator, or Wine Advocate available for this specific release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditional, warm, and unmistakably old-school Kentucky. Rich vanilla leads with the confident sweetness of well-aged corn and oak — the Brown-Forman mash bill's characteristic profile apparent from the first pour. Toasted peanut shell and a subtle nuttiness add an earthy, slightly savory dimension that distinguishes Cream of Kentucky's house style from more fruit-forward expressions. Red apple and cinnamon emerge alongside a light floral note, with barrel char and a gentle woody sweetness grounding the whole. The approximately 120 proof adds concentration and aromatic presence without introducing heat — the nose is vivid and inviting throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate\u003c\/strong\u003e The first sip delivers a characteristic boldness at cask strength — a gentle warmth building steadily as the flavors develop. Dutch process cocoa powder arrives first and arrives quickly — a rich, slightly bitter chocolate note that is the most immediately distinctive characteristic of this bourbon and the detail that consistently surprises first-time drinkers. Cinnamon and graham cracker follow, adding warmth and a biscuity sweetness alongside butterscotch and vanilla cream. Candied cherry and ripe apple add fruit depth through the mid-palate, accompanied by a grassy rye note and a faint mint freshness that speaks to the 18% rye mash bill. Black pepper asserts itself at the close of the palate — coarse, warm, and building — giving the whole profile a satisfying spiced dimension that prevents the sweetness from becoming one-dimensional. The non-chill filtered texture adds a natural oiliness and weight that 120-proof cask strength absolutely earns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm, sustained, and multi-layered. Brown sugar and oak lead the close alongside red apple skins and black pepper — the classic old-school bourbon finish character that Jim Rutledge spent five decades perfecting at Four Roses. A hint of licorice threads through the very early finish before giving way to cinnamon and nut butter warmth that fades gradually and cleanly. The approximately 120 proof ensures the finish has genuine length and grip — nothing abbreviated, nothing thin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"min-w-full border-collapse text-sm leading-[1.7] whitespace-normal\" style=\"width: 100.087%; height: 372.281px;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead class=\"text-left\"\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/60 py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" style=\"width: 15.1728%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eCategory\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/60 py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" style=\"width: 81.9676%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 15.1728%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABV \/ Proof\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 81.9676%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eApproximately 57.8% ABV \/ 115.6 Proof — Cask Strength\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 15.1728%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Region\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 81.9676%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003eProspect, Kentucky — Kentucky Artisan Distillery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 15.1728%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 81.9676%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eCream of Kentucky — Stephen Camisa\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 15.1728%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeritage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 81.9676%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eFounded 1930s · Jim Rutledge revival · Norman Rockwell advertising era\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 15.1728%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMash Bill\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 81.9676%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e72% corn · 18% rye · 10% malted barley\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 15.1728%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSource\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 81.9676%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003eSourced Kentucky straight bourbon — 1792 Barton, Four Roses (previous batches)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 15.1728%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChill Filtration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 81.9676%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003eNone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 15.1728%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Added\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 81.9676%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003eNone — bottled at cask strength\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 15.1728%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyle \/ Identity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 81.9676%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003eTraditional old-school cask-strength Kentucky straight bourbon — vanilla-forward, cocoa-rich, pepper-spiced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 58.7812px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 15.1728%; height: 58.7812px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAromas \u0026amp; Flavors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 81.9676%; height: 58.7812px;\"\u003eRich vanilla, toasted peanut, red apple, cinnamon, Dutch cocoa, graham cracker, butterscotch, candied cherry, grassy rye, black pepper, nut butter, licorice\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 15.1728%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottle Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\" style=\"width: 81.9676%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e750ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing \u0026amp; Occasion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBest enjoyed neat in a Glencairn or wide-bowled tumbler with a minimum of 10 minutes of breathing time — at approximately 120 proof the bourbon rewards patience, opening considerably with air as the vanilla and cocoa notes come forward and the pepper warmth integrates. A few drops of water will deepen the candied cherry and butterscotch character and soften the black pepper into something particularly elegant. A single large ice cube works exceptionally well for a slower, more contemplative pour. Outstanding alongside dark chocolate, pecan-based desserts, spiced nuts, aged cheddar, and smoked meats. A natural gifting bottle for traditional bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate old-school character and honest cask-strength bottling without modern embellishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCocktail Suggestions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAt approximately 120 proof, the Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength is primarily a premium neat sipper built for undivided attention. For those who prefer a spirit-forward cocktail:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOld Kentucky Old Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 oz Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength · 1 tsp Demerara syrup · 2 dashes Angostura bitters · expressed orange peel. Stirred over a single large ice rock. The Dutch cocoa and vanilla character of the Cask Strength aligns naturally with the Old Fashioned format — Demerara echoes the brown sugar notes on the finish, bitters add structure, and the orange peel amplifies the apple and fruit notes on the nose in a deeply satisfying way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCask Strength Manhattan\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 oz Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength · 1 oz sweet vermouth · 2 dashes Angostura bitters · Luxardo cherry. Stirred over ice, served up. The traditional bourbon character — vanilla, candied cherry, chocolate — locks directly into sweet vermouth's botanical complexity in a Manhattan of genuine depth and old-school character. The 120 proof holds its own against the vermouth with complete authority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChocolate Bourbon Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 oz Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength · ¾ oz fresh lemon juice · ½ oz chocolate simple syrup · optional egg white. Shaken hard over ice, served up. The chocolate syrup amplifies the Dutch cocoa note already present on the palate — lemon cuts through the richness with precision — and the result is a sour of unusual richness that showcases the most distinctive characteristic of this bourbon in a cocktail format.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Breakthru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41620377174082,"sku":null,"price":70.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0363\/8621\/files\/Cream_of_Kentucky_Cask_Strength_Kentucky_Straight_Bourbon_Whiskey_72_Corn_18_Rye_10_Barley_57.8_ABV_Non_Chill_Filtered_750ml.jpg?v=1779288346","url":"https:\/\/www.blackwellswines.com\/products\/cream-of-kentucky-cask-strength-bourbon-whiskey","provider":"Blackwell's Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}