Experience a genuine taste of bourbon history with the 1988 Kentucky Colonel Straight Bourbon. Bottled under US Government supervision, this smooth 80 proof expression offers a refined journey through classic Kentucky flavors, a true relic from a bygone era for discerning collectors and enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A delicate and inviting aroma, opening with soft notes of dried apricot and candied orange peel, intermingled with classic bourbon sweetness of vanilla bean and a hint of warm sugar cookie. A subtle earthy undertone, perhaps of worn leather or old oak, hints at its age and heritage, while a whisper of almond extract adds complexity.

Palate: The entry is smooth and surprisingly gentle for its proof, delivering a core of sweet corn and butterscotch. Mid-palate, a gentle spice emerges – perhaps a touch of white pepper and nutmeg – beautifully balanced by rich caramel and toasted hazelnut. There's a subtle fruitiness, leaning towards baked apple or pear, with a lingering kiss of sweet oak that speaks to its years in barrel.

Finish: A clean, medium-length finish that remains remarkably soft and elegant. The sweetness fades gracefully, leaving behind a pleasant warmth and a faint echo of oak and a whisper of dark chocolate. No harshness or heat, just a refined and satisfying conclusion that encourages another sip.

About the Distillery

The Kentucky Colonel Distillery Co. in Frankfort, KY, while not a major player in modern bourbon history, bottled spirits under United States Government Supervision. Products from this era, particularly those bottled in 1988, represent a unique snapshot of Kentucky bourbon production from a time when many historic distilleries were still in operation and liquid from older stocks was often incorporated, even if not explicitly age-stated.