Experience a rare taste of bourbon history with The Yellow Rose of Texas 1990, an 8-year-old expression boasting a rich bouquet and a 'smooth as a rose petal' finish. This genuine full-bodied, copper-distilled sour mash delivers a timeless elegance, reflecting generations of traditional craftsmanship. A true collector's gem, this bourbon embodies the legacy of Kentucky excellence.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated and inviting bouquet opens with classic bourbon notes of sweet vanilla bean, caramel chews, and toasted oak. Beneath, a delicate floral essence, perhaps hinting at rose petals as the label suggests, intermingles with dried orange peel, a touch of baking spice like cinnamon and clove, and a subtle earthiness. There's a faint echo of dried stone fruit – apricot or cherry – adding complexity.

Palate: The palate arrives with a smooth, almost velvety texture, immediately delivering on the promise of 'smooth & mellow'. Initial flavors are sweet and comforting: rich butterscotch, luscious toffee, and candied nuts. The eight years of aging have rounded the edges, allowing notes of aged leather and pipe tobacco to emerge, balanced by a gentle pepper spice. Hints of dark chocolate and a fleeting whisper of ripe berry fruit dance on the tongue before leading into a robust, full-bodied sour mash character that speaks to its traditional distillation. The copper distillation is evident in a clean, bright undertone.

Finish: A long, warm, and exceptionally satisfying finish. The initial sweetness gradually recedes, leaving a lingering warmth of oak and a pleasant peppery kick. Notes of dark caramel, a hint of dried fruit, and a subtle savory spice persist. The 'full-bodied sour mash' character holds its ground, leaving a clean, yet rich, impression that invites another sip. The overall sensation is one of refined elegance and traditional bourbon craftsmanship.

About the Distillery

Kentucky Reserve Distilling Co., while a more obscure name in modern bourbon discourse, represents a fascinating segment of historic Kentucky distilling. Operating in the heart of bourbon country, this distillery, as implied by the 'Since 1788' claim on the label (which may reference a foundational tradition rather than continuous operation under this specific name), likely focused on producing traditional sour mash bourbons. Their emphasis on copper distillation and slow aging points to an adherence to time-honored methods, aiming for a classic and accessible style of Kentucky straight bourbon.