Since Master Blender John Rhea took the reins at Kentucky Owl in 2021, the brand has been on a mission to prove itself. Under Rhea's leadership, Kentucky Owl has introduced new expressions and a range of limited edition offerings. However, the heart and soul of the brand remains their core bourbon, now represented by Batch #12.

For Batch #12, Rhea expertly combines 7-to-14-year-old bourbons with two distinct four-year-old bourbons. While concerns may arise about the younger spirits overshadowing the older ones, once the bottle is opened, those worries dissipate.

As the bourbon cascades into the glass, a captivating medley of aromas fills the air—sweet cornbread, nutmeg, brown sugar, and a subtle nuttiness. Soon, notes of figs and orange blossom join the ensemble, accompanied by hints of wet newspaper and lipstick. On the palate, flavors of cornbread, butterscotch, and baking spice emerge, along with a tantalizing hint of strawberry licorice reminiscent of Twizzlers candy. This fleeting sensation teases the tongue before giving way to the aforementioned robust flavors.

Despite the initial promise of the aroma, the mouthfeel remains moderate, and the midpalate seems somewhat muted, preventing the well-developed flavors from fully reaching their potential.

Kentucky Owl was founded by Charles Mortimer Dedman, a local pharmacist, in 1879. After marrying his wife, Dedman was given a large parcel of land on the banks of the Kentucky River, as a wedding gift from his adopted father who was a local town judge. C.M. Dedman Distillery was established here on the banks of the Kentucky River, producing "The Wise Man's Bourbon" under Distilled Spirits Plant Designation "No. 16," one of Kentucky's original distilleries and part of a booming industry. Kentucky Owl achieved much success and production continued until Prohibition halted distillation. The family-run facility was no match for the "forces of teetotalism, temperance and eventually, the Feds" (producer). In 1916, Prohibition left several local distilleries with ample reserves of bourbon. As for Kentucky Owl, approximately 250,000 gallons of bourbon were left over in various stages of aging. Today these reserves would be worth about $40 million in inventory. After Federal agents descended on the Dedman's distillery, the bourbon was seized and shipped up the river by barge to the state capital in Frankfort for "safekeeping" in a warehouse. Currently Kentucky Owl is in the midst of designing a stunning state-of-the-art distillery park with rickhouses for aging, a bottling center, as well as a vintage dinner train to stop on the property. Kentucky Owl Park will be built at Cedar Creek Quarry in Bardstown. The 420-acre site will boast beautiful lakes with crystal clear, limestone-filtered water that will be used in our whiskey production. The Stoli Group has turned to the world-renownedShigeru Ban Architects to oversee the project. Bottled at 96.4 proof, Confiscated delivers notes of floral gardenia and honeysuckle, along with grape, red apple, orange cuties, wet banana bread and toasty sourdough bread crust on the nose. The palate is reminiscent of graham crackers, toffee, muted sweet cinnamon spice, and fresh-squeezed orange juice balanced with white grapes and finishing with a hint of cayenne.

Kentucky Owl was founded by Charles Mortimer Dedman, a local pharmacist, in 1879. After marrying his wife, Dedman was given a large parcel of land on the banks of the Kentucky River, as a wedding gift from his adopted father who was a local town judge. C.M. Dedman Distillery was established here on the banks of the Kentucky River, producing "The Wise Man's Bourbon" under Distilled Spirits Plant Designation "No. 16", one of Kentucky's original distilleries and part of a booming industry. Kentucky Owl achieved much success and production continued until Prohibition halted distillation. The family-run facility was no match for the "forces of teetotalism, temperance and eventually, the Feds." In 1916, Prohibition left several local distilleries with ample reserves of bourbon. As for Kentucky Owl, approximately 250,000 gallons of bourbon were left over in various stages of aging. Today these reserves would be worth about $40 million in inventory. After Federal agents descended on the Dedman's distillery, the bourbon was seized and shipped up the river by barge to the state capital in Frankfort for "safekeeping" in a warehouse. Kentucky Owl 10-Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #3 features citrus, orange juice, grapefruit, oak, anise, and barbeque spice on the nose. The combination of barrel sweetness, caramel candy, creamy vanilla, toffee, and hazelnut coat the palate before moving into a finish of licorice, absinthe, nutmeg, and a mild flash of cayenne pepper. The 10-year old stocks in this Rye #3 deliver a richer, thicker, syrupy mouthfeel. 

Kentucky Owl achieved much success and production continued until Prohibition halted distillation. The family-run facility was no match for the "forces of teetotalism, temperance and eventually, the Feds" (producer). In 1916, Prohibition left several local distilleries with ample reserves of bourbon. As for Kentucky Owl, approximately 250,000 gallons of bourbon were left over in various stages of aging. Today these reserves would be worth about $40 million in inventory. After Federal agents descended on the Dedman's distillery, the bourbon was seized and shipped up the river by barge to the state capital in Frankfort for "safekeeping" in a warehouse. Currently Kentucky Owl is in the midst of designing a stunning state-of-the-art distillery park with rickhouses for aging, a bottling center, as well as a vintage dinner train to stop on the property. Kentucky Owl Park will be built at Cedar Creek Quarry in Bardstown. The 420-acre site will boast beautiful lakes with crystal clear, limestone-filtered water that will be used in our whiskey production. The Stoli Group has turned to the world-renownedShigeru Ban Architects to oversee the project. Batch #9 is a blend of four different whiskeys from four different mash bills. Each whiskey ranges from 6 to 15 years in age. "This is the most robust Kentucky Owl batch Ive ever created. It may be the most flavorful liquid ever bottled for the brand. To me, it's a bourbon monster in the best way possible. I hope it's something both serious and casual whiskey drinkers appreciate," says Dedman.

Kentucky Owl was founded by Charles Mortimer Dedman, a local pharmacist, in 1879. After marrying his wife, Dedman was given a large parcel of land on the banks of the Kentucky River, as a wedding gift from his adopted father who was a local town judge. C.M. Dedman Distillery was established here on the banks of the Kentucky River, producing "The Wise Man's Bourbon" under Distilled Spirits Plant Designation "No. 16," one of Kentucky's original distilleries and part of a booming industry. Kentucky Owl achieved much success and production continued until Prohibition halted distillation. The family-run facility was no match for the "forces of teetotalism, temperance and eventually, the Feds." In 1916, Prohibition left several local distilleries with ample reserves of bourbon. As for Kentucky Owl, approximately 250,000 gallons of bourbon were left over in various stages of aging. Today these reserves would be worth about $40 million in inventory. After Federal agents descended on the Dedman's distillery, the bourbon was seized and shipped up the river by barge to the state capital in Frankfort for "safekeeping" in a warehouse. Currently, Kentucky Owl is in the midst of designing a stunning state-of-the-art distillery park with rickhouses for aging, a bottling center, as well as a vintage dinner train to stop on the property. It will be built at Cedar Creek Quarry in Bardstown. The 420-acre site will boast beautiful lakes with crystal clear, limestone-filtered water that will be used in their whiskey production. Kentucky Owl Dry State 100th Anniversary Limited Edition comes in the wake of the 100th anniversary of the Prohibition. It pays tribute to the period after the Volstead Act sent the country into a "dry state". This rare edition is limited to less than 2000 bottles and combines some of Kentucky Owl's most prized barrels. It comes in an elegant wooden box, made according to design trends of the time and entirely by hand. Bottled at 100 proof, you can expect complex aromas of spice, fruit, and toffee, followed by sweet oranges and caramel, culminating in a satisfyingly long finish.

The Last Rye is a testament to the distillery's commitment to quality and tradition. Aged for a decade, this rye whiskey has undergone a meticulous maturation process in charred oak barrels, allowing it to develop complex flavors and a rich character over time. Each barrel has been carefully selected to ensure the utmost quality and consistency in every bottle.

With Batch #4, Kentucky Owl has achieved a remarkable balance of flavors that captivate the senses. On the nose, one is greeted by a symphony of enticing aromas, including notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. These inviting scents foreshadow the depth and complexity that await the palate.

The Last Rye 10 Year old Batch #4 delivers a bold and robust flavor profile. The spicy rye character takes center stage, offering a delightful interplay of peppery spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These vibrant flavors are complemented by hints of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and a touch of leather, adding layers of depth and sophistication.

The whiskey's velvety smooth texture caresses the palate, providing a luxurious mouthfeel that enhances the overall drinking experience. The 10 years of aging have imparted a remarkable smoothness, rounding off any sharp edges and creating a harmonious balance between the robust rye and the mellow oak influences.

Batch #4 of Kentucky Owl Last Rye 10 Year old is a testament to the distillery's commitment to excellence. It represents the pinnacle of their rye whiskey offerings, capturing the essence of Kentucky's proud whiskey-making heritage. As a limited edition release, it has garnered a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the centerpiece of a classic cocktail, Kentucky Owl Last Rye 10 Year old Batch #4 is a whiskey to savor and appreciate. Its complexity, depth, and superb craftsmanship make it a true connoisseur's choice, leaving a lasting impression with every sip.

Batch 11 continues the celebrated lineage of barrel proof whiskies that rose Kentucky Owl to fame. Batch 11 opens your eyes with notes of bright citrus, velvety dark chocolate, and sticky toffee. The palate is a welcome mélange of mature oak, allspice, honeyed bread, and deep cinnamon. The finish is long with toasted oak, sultana, peppercorn, and fresh thyme.

The Kentucky Owl St. Patrick’s Limited Edition is a blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbons varying in age from 4 – 8 years old each coming in with their own unique flavor characteristics.

Rich caramel and vanilla from some more rare well aged Bourbons. Spice and fruit from Bourbons with a higher rye content, and a feel of sweetness and citrus from Wheated Bourbon. All carefully mingled to bring out a robust, well balanced Bourbon experience.​

If the concept of a Japanese blender behind a bourbon sounds familiar, that’s because Jim Beam introduced this concept with Legent a few years ago, a collaboration between master distiller Fred Noe and Suntory blender Shinji Fukuyo. Now Kentucky Owl has gotten in on the action as well, combining the forces of master blenders John Rhea and Yusuke Yahisa of Japan’s Nagahama Distillery. So how does this new release differ?

Obviously, the bourbon at the core of the release is entirely different. Kentucky Owl is a brand started by Dixon Dedman in 2014, a revival of his family’s whiskey legacy that sourced bourbon and rye from undisclosed distilleries, and often ended up selling for hundreds of dollars. Dedman left the company last year and has since embarked upon new endeavors. Stoli Group, which owns Kentucky Owl, is currently building a massive new distillery-cum-themepark in Bardstown, KY, but in the meantime there’s been some limited-edition releases with Rhea (formerly of Four Roses) as head blender.

Takumi Edition Bourbon (“takumi” means “master” in Japanese) is the latest, a blend of four-, five-, six- and 13-year-old Kentucky bourbon made from mash bills containing corn, wheat or rye, and malted barley.

Tasting notes include rye bread and caramel on the nose, followed by cinnamon, apple and pear on the palate. 

THE WISEMAN Straight Rye is a traditional Rye made with a mash bill of 95% Rye. A spicy nose progresses to the taste, filling the mouth and tickling the tastebuds. The long finish starts as fresh rye bread and moves slowly toward buttered cinnamon toast, ending with just a hint of English walnut.

Recent Awards

Gold Medal winner at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Maker Notes

Maighstir is born from a collaboration between Kentucky Owl Master Blender, John Rhea and Scotch Whisky Master Blender, Maureen Robinson. Maighstir (pronounced May-stir) is a traditional Gaelic word meaning "Master".

Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition has been awarded 96 points by Tasting Panel magazine.

Tasting Notes

Nose
There is a sweet sense of small grains particularly the malted barley, with a hint of sweet caramel. The balance of the small grains (wheat and barley) with the hint of sweet caramel/vanilla, gives the immediate sensation and question in your mind; is this a great bourbon, or is this a great Scotch? Honestly, smelling it will make you feel like you are in a Scotch Whisky warehouse.

Palate
Initially there is sense of warm spicy sweetness from the rye that you might expect from a great bourbon, but then the combination and soft tones from the wheat and barley give a pleasant calming warmness to the tongue. As it melts in the mouth the essence of orange and grapefruit linger behind the soft velvety feel in the mouth.

Finish
In the throat, the soft caramel/vanilla reappears and trails away with a long soft pleasant finish.

Kentucky Owl was founded by Charles Mortimer Dedman, a local pharmacist, in 1879. After marrying his wife, Dedman was given a large parcel of land on the banks of the Kentucky River, as a wedding gift from his adopted father who was a local town judge. C.M. Dedman Distillery was established here on the banks of the Kentucky River, producing "The Wise Man's Bourbon" under Distilled Spirits Plant Designation "No. 16," one of Kentucky's original distilleries and part of a booming industry. Kentucky Owl achieved much success and production continued until Prohibition halted distillation. The family-run facility was no match for the "forces of teetotalism, temperance and eventually, the Feds" (producer). In 1916, Prohibition left several local distilleries with ample reserves of bourbon. As for Kentucky Owl, approximately 250,000 gallons of bourbon were left over in various stages of aging. Today these reserves would be worth about $40 million in inventory. After Federal agents descended on the Dedman's distillery, the bourbon was seized and shipped up the river by barge to the state capital in Frankfort for "safekeeping" in a warehouse. This batch of Kentucky Owl Straight Rye was released in September of 2017. The nose features elements of sweet pine, honey, nougat, vanilla, cloves, and lavender, followed by oaky undertones, subtle cedar sawdust or fresh split cedar. This rye is unique in that it offers rich aromas, without being too forwardly spicy on the nose. The palate is flush with immediate, mouthcoating notes of nutmeg and cinnamon, followed by pepper spice with vanilla on the front and anise across the middle. Subtle cinnamon spice clings to the finish.

Kentucky Owl Batch 10 The Wise Man's Bourbon is a distinguished, limited-edition release known for its complex flavor profile. This premium bourbon boasts rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, with a hint of spice and a smooth finish. Perfect for connoisseurs seeking an exceptional, refined whiskey experience.