Medley Bros Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is one of those bottles that quietly rewards anyone paying attention. The Medley name has deep roots in Kentucky bourbon — this is a family legacy that stretches back generations, and while I won't speculate on exactly where this particular expression is distilled today, what I can tell you is that the liquid in the glass speaks for itself.
At 51% ABV, this sits just above the 100-proof mark, which for me is the sweet spot for a bourbon you actually want to spend time with. It's got enough muscle to stand up in a cocktail without disappearing, but it's not so hot that you need to drown it in water to enjoy it neat. There's no age statement here, which in the bourbon world isn't necessarily a red flag — plenty of outstanding Kentucky straight bourbons are blended from barrels of varying ages to hit a specific flavour profile rather than a number on the label. What matters is whether it delivers, and this one does.
As a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, this has to meet some non-negotiable legal standards that I think are worth understanding. We're talking a minimum 51% corn mashbill, aged in new charred oak barrels, distilled and entered into barrel at regulated proofs, and aged for at least two years in Kentucky. That "straight" designation means something — it's a guarantee of process and place. When I pick up a bottle labelled Kentucky Straight, I know the baseline quality is already set pretty high.
Tasting Notes
I'll be honest — I'm not going to fabricate specific tasting notes I don't have in front of me. What I can tell you is that at 51% ABV from a Kentucky straight bourbon, you should expect the hallmarks of the style: warm caramel and vanilla from that new charred oak, a corn sweetness balanced by whatever secondary grains are in the mashbill, and a finish that carries some barrel spice and oak tannin. The slightly higher proof means those flavours arrive with conviction rather than whispering at you.
The Verdict
At £47.50, Medley Bros sits in a competitive bracket where it's up against some well-known names, but I think it holds its ground. You're getting a bottled-in-bond-strength bourbon with genuine Kentucky heritage at a price that doesn't require a second mortgage. It's not trying to be flashy or limited-edition — it's a solid, well-constructed bourbon that does exactly what it promises. I'd rate this a 7.8 out of 10. It's a reliable bottle that earns its place on the shelf, and one I'd happily recommend to anyone who wants a proper bourbon without the hype tax.
Best Served
This is a bourbon that was practically built for an Old Fashioned. That 51% ABV means it won't get lost under the sugar and bitters — instead, it'll push through with enough backbone to keep the drink balanced and interesting. Muddle a sugar cube with two dashes of Angostura, add a generous pour of Medley Bros, stir over a large ice cube, and finish with an expressed orange peel. If cocktails aren't your thing, a single large ice cube and a few drops of water will open this up nicely for sipping. Either way, you're in good hands.
