Four centuries ago, the first American whiskey was distilled in Virginia. A new industry was launched and endured against unfathomable odds. That spirit of perseverance, distilled through 400 years of craft, is proudly presented today as our 100 Proof Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey by KO Distilling.
KO DISTILLING DISTILLER’S RESERVE BOTTLED IN BOND STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
BOTTLE DETAILS- DISTILLER: KO Distilling, Manassas, VA.
- MASH BILL: 70% Corn | 20% Wheat | 10% Barley
- AGE: 4 Years
- YEAR: 2020
- PROOF: 100 Proof (50% ABV)
- MSRP: $69.99
- BUY ONLINE: Wine-Searcher.com - Virginia residents can order straight from the distillery.
NOSE: Cherry Vanilla | Pepper | Hint of Young Oak | Hint of Tobacco
TASTE: Vanilla | Pepper | Hint of young corn
FINISH: A burst of vanilla followed by a mouth coating of tobacco and a building of spice. The spice lingers for quite a while in a good way providing a long finish.
SHARE WITH: Anyone who likes bourbon. Also wheated bourbon lovers, those into Bottled in Bond bourbons and those who are interested in craft whiskey.
WORTH THE PRICE: $70 for a four year old bourbon is pushing the envelope so I am on the fence on this. I found this quite enjoyable and interesting though and would consider buying a bottle.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: At this price I would suggest trying this at a bar or at the distillery. However, I am willing to bet that if you try this at the distillery you will most likely take a bottle home with you.
OVERALL: This was a pleasant surprise. I have had the opportunity to try a number of KO Distilling whiskies including their Cask Strength Offerings at 120 proof and at least 3 years in age. I found them very hot and a good bit of youth showing through. The Distiller’s Reserve is a different story however. The sample I tried was 52 months. A wheated bourbon that is Non Chill Filtered. I would get a slight hint of youth every now and again but overall, this was a very enjoyable bourbon. Soft and sweet going in with a good bit of spice at the end for a wheated bourbon. I have in my collection a 4-year-old Bottled in Bond wheated bourbon from a craft distillery in Kentucky that many people are raving about and I can say that I liked this KO bourbon a lot more.
I must admit that even though I live less than 40 minutes from the distillery, I have not had the opportunity to visit there. After tasting some of their products back in November 2019 at a whiskey fest type event at Mt. Vernon, I was looking into a trip to the distillery but unfortunately 2020 closed upon us before I was able to get there. I certainly will rectify that issue in the near future. The Distiller’s Reserve is a nice addition to the KO lineup. A big step forward in my mind.
Lee’s bourbon journey started with one mistaken gulp of bourbon and coke as an eight-year-old. While bourbon was always part of his life, Lee followed a beer, wine path for the most part until a bartender poured him a taste of Buffalo Trace about ten years ago. It was at that point Lee’s love of bourbon really took off. Not only does Lee enjoy a good pour of bourbon but he is more than willing and excited to talk about it. Lee believes that bourbon, and for that matter all spirits, is enhanced by the experience of good company, good conversation and good bars. The combination leads to great stories. Say hi to him when you see him. Lee lives in Leesburg, VA, with his wife, best friend, and drinking partner, Patti. You might find her having a bourbon as well. Both Lee and Patti like to read mystery thrillers and travel. Most likely the travel leads to visits to new bars. Read Lee's full profile.
About the Author
This does sound rather good. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Cheers from London, Ed