I have been looking forward to getting my hands on Kentucky Senator John G. Carlisle. Bottled at 107 proof and priced at $120, it promises 7 years of maturation and genuine character.
Nose
Clear, golden color. Medium-light body. The nose is front loaded with classic bourbon notes of cornbread and sweet vanilla or almond. After a moment, aromas of apple juice become more prominent, punctuated by a spicy rye tingle.
Palate
An ideal sipper. Theres a lot going on here, but this isnt a busy pour at all. In fact, it proceeds at an almost leisurely pace. The light rye spice and firm oak backbone combines with a buttery/creamy mouthfeel for a really well-textured experience on the palate that shows its maturity as the spice fades and clears space for flavors on the earthy/tannic side of the spectrum. rnrnIf Regard and Thayer hold to their now established plan, look forward to checking back in with this mash bill in the next two years as well!
Finish
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
The Bottom Line
Kentucky Senator John G. Carlisle is outstanding — one of those bottles that reminds you why you fell in love with whiskey in the first place. If you see it at $120, do not hesitate. This one earns a permanent spot on the shelf.
