I have been enjoying Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength so much that I bought a second bottle. Then, yesterday, I saw that Hokus had Cream of Kentucky Small Batch on the shelf for $60, again which is less than the MSRP. So, I thought I would buy it and review it. It is bottled at 100 proof, and has the same Brown Forman mashbill as the cask strength version. This bottle, like the cask strength version, was bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillers.

The color is a nice amber and would indicate that this whiskey is probably six years old, given that it was proofed down. On the swirl is a thin film that slowly beads into legs, some of which are thick and thin, but a lot of the beads are defying gravity. This has a very traditional bourbon nose, with an emphasis on vanilla, much like the cask strength version. Very old school bourbon on the palate, with lots of rich vanilla, candied cherries, some grassy rye and mint (checks notes for the Cask Strength version) and yep, this is the same bourbon, just proofed down. On the finish, the cloves and oak are somewhat muted compared to cask strength, but the finish is still very nice and lingers for a good while.

This bourbon is a solid pour. $60 may be a little steep for a 100 proof non-aged stated bourbon, but this is awfully good. The words that keep popping in my mind when I drink Cream of Kentucky is “Old School.” I do really like this particular flavor profile; it is enjoyable and has a real oomph as far as flavor without any negatives. I predict that Cream of Kentucky Small Batch will be taking up permanent residence on my kitchen bar. And maybe my office.