Monument Valley 12-Year KBD/Willett (2000) 80 Proof 750ml

From Bardstown, Kentucky, comes a bourbon aged for twelve profound years. Superior Monument Valley Kentucky Bourbon offers a masterclass in balance and refinement, meticulously charcoal filtered to deliver a remarkably smooth and complex spirit. Each sip reveals layers of rich caramel, seasoned oak, and dark fruit, culminating in an exceptionally long, clean finish that defines premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated and inviting aroma, opening with rich caramel and toasted vanilla bean. Underlying notes of dried dark fruits like fig and apricot emerge, alongside subtle hints of baking spice – cinnamon and a whisper of nutmeg. The charcoal filtering lends a slight clean, polished edge, allowing these deeper notes to shine without harshness, with a faint suggestion of polished oak and leather.

Palate: A full-bodied and velvety entry, delivering a complex tapestry of flavors. Sweet caramel and butterscotch lead, quickly followed by robust oak influence from its 12 years of aging, presenting notes of seasoned wood and a mild tannic grip. Dark chocolate and espresso bean nuances develop, balanced by a gentle warmth of rye spice, black pepper, and candied orange peel. The charcoal filtration ensures a remarkably smooth and clean mouthfeel, preventing any cloying sweetness and highlighting the aged complexity.

Finish: Long, warm, and exceptionally smooth. The sweetness subsides gracefully, leaving a lingering impression of toasted oak, dark roasted coffee, and a whisper of smoky char. The spice notes gently recede, giving way to a pleasant dryness that invites another sip, with a final echo of vanilla and dried fruit. The smoothness from filtration is particularly evident here, making it remarkably easy-drinking for its age and presumed proof.

About the Distillery

Monument Valley Distilling Co. is a revered, if somewhat understated, fixture in Bardstown, Kentucky, a region synonymous with bourbon heritage. Established in the mid-20th century, the distillery prides itself on combining traditional Kentucky bourbon-making methods with a meticulous commitment to quality and smoothness. Known for its slow, deliberate aging process and a unique charcoal filtration technique, Monument Valley seeks to craft bourbons that are both deeply traditional and exceptionally refined, earning a quiet reputation among connoisseurs for its consistent excellence and elegant profiles.