Dowling De Luxe BIB 1994 (pre-fire)

Experience a rare piece of bourbon history with the Dowling De Luxe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Bottled in Bond 1994. This 100-proof, non-age-stated (NAS) expression, distilled and bottled under strict government supervision, delivers a timeless profile of rich caramel, robust oak, and intricate spice, emblematic of Kentucky's highest standards from a bygone era.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated bouquet of aged oak and spiced vanilla-bean custard, underpinned by notes of dried apricot, orange zest, and a faint hint of tobacco leaf. Subtle suggestions of roasted nuts and dark caramel emerge as it opens up.

Palate: Rich and full-bodied, the palate immediately delivers a warm embrace of sweet caramel and baking spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of clove. Mid-palate, dried dark fruits like fig and raisin intermingle with a subtle leathery chewiness and a pleasant rye spice. A lingering hint of dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans adds depth.

Finish: Long, warm, and exceptionally smooth. The spice dissipates gracefully, leaving behind a lingering sweetness of toasted sugar and a subtle echo of the aged oak and dried fruit. A gentle tannic grip provides a satisfying and memorable conclusion.

About the Distillery

The Kentucky Deluxe Distilling Co., while perhaps not a household name today, once contributed to the rich tapestry of Kentucky bourbon production. Bottled in Bond bourbons from this era signify adherence to strict government regulations ensuring quality and purity, typically indicating single distillers, specific distillation periods, and a minimum of four years of aging in supervised warehouses.