Unearth a piece of bourbon history with this 1988 Old Crow, a truly rare and exceptional pour from an iconic Kentucky distillery. This NAS expression, bottled from a golden era, offers a complex tapestry of aged oak, dried fruits, and warming spices, a testament to its heritage and craftsmanship. Experience the legacy of Original Sour Mash with every sip.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A captivating interplay of dried dark fruits like fig and prune, intertwined with aged leather and antique oak. Subtle hints of baking spice – cinnamon and a whisper of nutmeg – emerge, accompanied by a faint earthiness and a surprising top note of dried orange peel. There's a delicate underpinning of sweet corn and vanilla bean, characteristic of well-aged bourbon, but the complexity leans heavily into tertiary notes from extended barrel influence.

Palate: The entry is remarkably smooth for its potential age, coating the palate with a rich, velvety texture. A wave of sweet caramel and butterscotch quickly gives way to a deeper, more robust flavor profile. Dark cherry and plum notes mingle with toasted nuts, particularly pecan and almond. The mid-palate reveals a pleasant rye spice, peppery yet refined, perfectly balanced by the sweet, oak-driven vanilla and a touch of dark chocolate. Hints of pipe tobacco and a faint menthol note add further complexity.

Finish: The finish is exceptionally long and satisfying, echoing the palate's complexity. Dried fruit and oak spice linger, gradually evolving into a warm, lingering embrace of vanilla and a hint of charred barrel. A delicate sweetness persists, accompanied by an intriguing aftertaste of old-world leather and a touch of roasted coffee bean. The spice mellows beautifully, leaving a harmonious and memorable impression.

About the Distillery

The Old Crow Distillery Company boasts a storied history in Kentucky bourbon, with roots tracing back to 1835 and Dr. James C. Crow, often credited with pioneering the 'sour mash' process. While the distillery has undergone ownership changes and production shifts, bottles from the 1980s represent a fascinating glimpse into an era before the major bourbon boom, offering a taste of classic Kentucky craftsmanship from a bygone era. The label note of "Frankfort, Kentucky・Clermont, KY" suggests the brand's historical ties to different production sites over time.