Caramel | Butterscotch | Toffee | Sweet tea | Apple caramel streusel | Effectively robust

Dates | Raisins | Leather | Fresh cigar leaf | Apple caramel | Sandalwood

Leather | Dried fruit | Light dry oak | Hot aftertaste

Since 2014, Jonathan Maisano has selected 350 barrels for his store, Maisano's Fine Wine and Spirits. During that time, he says he has tasted more than 1,400 barrels and felt like it was finally time to create his own brand based on his skill of picking barrels. He is also a first level certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. K.Luke is a brand created by Maisano and his wife, Jennifer, and named after their two children Kaitlyn and Lucas. While picking a single barrel is much different than blending barrels together, Maisano makes the transition nicely.

K.Luke Small Batch Straight Bourbon Batch 2 was a bourbon we said to not judge a book by its cover, as it had more to offer than you might expect. That same sentiment has also be applied to the company’s barrel strength bourbon. It starts with an aroma that is extremely pleasing thanks to a robust caramel element. The palate also works well bringing together flavors that are distinct and work well in conjunction with one another. The finish is perhaps its Achilles' heel, as it's much more narrowly focused, landing with a good degree of dry notes and a hot aftertaste. But I wouldn’t let the finish deter anyone from giving K.Luke Small Batch Barrel Strength Straight Bourbon Batch 2 a try. Despite having sourced origins, Maisano did a great job blending its components into a bourbon that is quite effective in the end. This is an example where you might not be familiar with the name or a fan of the labeling, but the bourbon truly speaks for itself.