Leather | Burnt caramel | Light overall

Baking spices | Funky, musty oak | Dry leather | Cigar box | Savory

Dry leather | Cigar box | Brown sugar | Acutely dry | Medium length

According to Kentucky Senator’s website, “Each new batch of Kentucky Senator Bourbon Whiskey carries the namesake of an esteemed U.S. Senator from Kentucky. The John Sherman Cooper Release proudly celebrates one of the most popular figures in the Commonwealth, post World War II. Extremely popular for a politician, John Sherman Cooper holds records for the largest victory margins (of any Kentucky Senator) during the 1960s. He was also the first Kentucky Republican to be elected to the U.S. Senate more than once.” This is the fourth Kentucky Senator release and consists of approximately 1,000 bottles.

The bourbon is exactly what I’d like every politician to be: straightforward. It’s quintessential Kentucky bourbon in many ways, and leans more towards savory than sweet or spicy. The aroma is light overall, with leather and burnt caramel. Baking spices, dry leather, cigar box, and a funky, almost musty oak note define the palate. Dry leather, cigar box, and sweet brown sugar give way to a dry, medium length finish.

This release is as good as the first, which was a 15 year old bourbon clocking in at $200 and the same proof point. It shares many of the same traits, but most importantly it costs less and it’s just as straightforward…in a good way. It originates from a different mashbill, maybe a different distillery (the source(s) isn’t disclosed), and offers different flavors, but shares the same underlying theme of straightforwardness. It seems fitting for a bourbon that has a politician-based theme, and works to the brand’s advantage in this case.

The bottle in review is number 0819.