Sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky distiller, Trader Joe’s Kentucky Bourbon Straight Whiskey is aged a minimum of 5 years and retails at $14.99 for a 750ml bottle.
The nose is smooth and clean with notes of oak, molasses, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, and a hint of wood smoke. The taste is thick with caramel cola, a strong burst of cinnamon and black pepper, vanilla, cocoa, and honey. The finish is long and woody with lingering spices.
Again the sugary sweet caramel is bold upfront and followed by a healthy dose of bourbon spice. A bit of cinnamon, something akin to kettle corn and a mild oakiness play tag with a light bit of vanilla. There is some astringency creeping around in there that adds an odd element to the whole flavor.
