Old Louisville Kentucky Series 8 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

The Kentucky Series by Old Louisville

Old Louisville Kentucky Series 8 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

50% ABV | 100 Proof

Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

Aged: 8 Years in Level 3 Charred New American Oak

SRP: $55-60

Nose:

From the first pass, the nose is inviting and nostalgic—think warm yeast rolls fresh from the oven, lightly buttered and just kissed by a bakery’s morning air. There’s a gentle nuttiness, perhaps toasted almond or walnut, that adds dimension. Layers of classic bourbon sweetness emerge next: vanilla bean, caramel drizzle, and a hint of maple glaze round out a well-integrated aromatic profile. It’s warm, comforting, and softly spiced.

Palate:

The entry is creamy and decadent—caramel swirl ice cream immediately floods the senses, delivering both the sweetness of caramel and the richness of a dairy-laced mouthfeel. A soft yet present wave of holiday spices—nutmeg, clove, and a dusting of cinnamon—rises mid-palate and provides festive warmth without overpowering. Caramel corn enters on the back end, crunchy and nostalgic, echoing county fairs and crisp autumn nights. The rye adds just enough spice to prevent it from becoming overly sweet, while the malted barley contributes body and texture.

Back Label with Mash Bill and Series info

Finish:

A medium-length finish brings a pleasant evolution. It moves from the sweeter notes into a savory linger, reminiscent of brown butter and baking spices. The caramel fades slowly, revealing a whisper of toasted oak and faint spice, leaving the palate ready for another sip.

Overall Impression:

The Old Louisville Kentucky Series 8 Year is a beautifully crafted, classically styled bourbon with an edge of indulgent sweetness balanced by structured spice and a savory taper. It excels in approachability without sacrificing complexity, and the 100 proof delivers both flavor and balance without harshness. For $55-60, it’s a strong value for those who appreciate nuanced traditional bourbons with a dessert-like flair. This bottle would shine as a neat pour or paired with a creamy dessert—or even better, a medium-bodied cigar with vanilla and nutty notes.

Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Barrel Proof - Review

The new Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select 5 Year Barrel Proof

Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Batch BP-001 Review

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Barrel Proof – 56.3% ABV (112.6 Proof)

Distilled at Green River Distilling Co. – Owensboro, KY

Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley

Aged 5 & 6 Years | 2,100 Bottles | SRP: $43.99

Transparency.

Nose:

Wheel Horse doesn’t ease you in—it charges in with bold aromatics. Right from the pour, you’re met with rich and indulgent cherry cordials, blending boozy dark fruit with chocolate sweetness. A layer of baking spices—think cinnamon stick, clove, and nutmeg—adds depth and warmth. Rounding it out is a soft but steady vanilla thread, likely pulled from both the barrel and the malted barley. There’s a dessert-like elegance to the nose, with no off-notes despite the youthful age.

Palate:

This is where the bourbon earns its “Barrel Master Select” title. The mouthfeel is creamy and full-bodied, almost chewy in texture. Flavors of caramel brittle crash in with buttery sweetness and a touch of salt. Then, it shifts to something nostalgic—cherry cola with a spiced fizz that lingers mid-palate. As it settles, a wave of vanilla frosting glides in, rich and confectionary without becoming overly sweet. The rye spice from the mash bill gives structure without overwhelming the sweeter elements.

Finish:

The finish is long, warm, and unapologetically bold. The proof makes itself known with a peppery kick that tingles on the tongue but never feels hot or harsh. It’s viscous and oily, coating the mouth in layers of spice, oak, and residual vanilla-caramel richness. That cherry cola note even peeks back in for a final encore. The linger is exceptional for the age and price point, with enough complexity to keep you coming back.

Verdict:

Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Batch BP-001 is a seriously impressive barrel-proof bourbon at an incredibly accessible price. Distilled at Green River, it brings craftsmanship, maturity beyond its years, and a flavor profile that punches way above the $43.99 mark. If you’re looking for a bold, fruit-forward, spice-laced sipper that delivers both power and finesse, this bottle belongs on your shelf.

Mainland Rum Company - 10 Year Louisiana Single Barrel - Review

Mainland Rum Company 10 Year Single Barrel – Barrel Proof Rum Review

Distilled in Louisiana | 119 Proof (59.5% ABV) | Aged in Ex-Bourbon Casks | 234 Bottles | SRP: $80

The 10 Year Mainland Rum Louisiana Single Barrel Delivers!

Nose:

The aroma leaps from the glass with bold intensity, a rich medley of vanilla bean and toasted oak immediately setting the tone. A burst of tropical fruits—ripe mango, grilled pineapple, and papaya—follows quickly, layered with an unexpected but welcome note of citrus zest that brings brightness and complexity. The influence of the ex-bourbon cask is undeniable, lending a deep sweetness and familiarity without overshadowing the rum’s character.

Palate:

At barrel proof, this rum carries a warm but approachable intensity. The initial sip is fruit-forward and vibrant, showcasing juicy notes of passionfruit, banana, and candied citrus peel. As it unfolds, richer dessert-like flavors emerge—caramel brûlée, toffee, and a delicate drizzle of honey—bringing balance to the tropical brightness. Despite the proof, it drinks remarkably smooth, allowing the natural sweetness to shine without cloying.

Finish:

Long and luxurious, the finish glides in with warmth and gentle spice. Notes of brown sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla cream linger beautifully, carried by a subtle heat that softly fades rather than bites. There’s a satisfying echo of the ex-bourbon barrel here—woodsy and sweet, with a whisper of charred oak that invites another sip.

Verdict:

Mainland Rum Company’s 10 Year Single Barrel is a standout expression from Louisiana, showcasing what long aging in a quality ex-bourbon cask can do to well-distilled rum. With only 234 bottles released, this is not only a unique collector’s pour but also a flavor-packed gem at a very reasonable $80 price point. It hits a perfect balance of fruit, sweetness, and oak-driven depth—a bold, nuanced sipper that rewards the patient drinker with evolving layers and a memorable finish.