Experience a genuine taste of bourbon history with this 1988 Old Crow Original Sour Mash. Distilled under government supervision, this low-proof vintage offers a surprisingly complex and smooth journey back to a classic era of Kentucky whiskey.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A surprisingly complex nose for its proof, revealing initial notes of dried apricot, worn leather, and sweet pipe tobacco. Underlying hints of vanilla bean, old oak, and a faint mineral earthiness emerge, characteristic of older, lower-proof bourbons. A subtle whisper of fresh-baked bread hints at its sour mash heritage.

Palate: The palate is remarkably smooth and gentle, a hallmark of its age and lower proof. Initial flavors of caramel corn and burnt sugar meld into a mid-palate of dried fruit – think fig and raisin. A delicate oak influence provides a firm but not tannic backbone, accompanied by nuances of baking spice, particularly nutmeg and a touch of cinnamon. The 'sour mash' acidity is present but beautifully integrated, offering a bright counterpoint to the sweetness.

Finish: The finish is medium-short, clean, and quite elegant. It warmly fades with lingering notes of sweet oak, a memory of vanilla, and a gentle spice that tickles the back of the tongue. There's a subtle dry earthiness that speaks to its vintage, leaving a light, pleasant warmth.

About the Distillery

The Old Crow Distillery Company boasts a rich history dating back to 1835, making it one of Kentucky's most venerable bourbon producers. Founded by Dr. James C. Crow, a Scottish immigrant chemist, he's credited with pioneering the 'sour mash' process that gives Kentucky bourbon its distinctive character. Though ownership and production sites have shifted over the decades, the name Old Crow has consistently represented a lineage of traditional Kentucky distilling.