Kentucky Tavern BIB 1994 (Glenmore)

Unearth a piece of Kentucky's rich distilling history with this exceptional 1994 Kentucky Tavern Bottled-in-Bond. Distilled at the storied DSP-KY-240, this 100-proof bourbon delivers a classic profile of robust oak, sweet caramel, and complex spice, a testament to a bygone era of whiskey craftsmanship.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Initial waves of rich caramel and toasted oak, quickly followed by hints of dried dark fruit like cherry and fig. A touch of vanilla bean and a slightly earthy, musty undertone, characteristic of well-aged Beam-style bourbons, emerge. Subtle baking spices, particularly cinnamon and nutmeg, linger alongside a faint nutty aroma.

Palate: A viscous, full-bodied entry immediately coats the mouth with flavors mirroring the nose. Sweet caramel and butterscotch notes lead, supported by a robust oak presence that is firm but not overpowering, indicative of its Bottled-in-Bond proof. Dark chocolate and espresso notes develop mid-palate, intertwined with a spicy burst of black pepper and ginger. There's a delightful interplay between sweetness and savory oak, with a backbone of classic bourbon corn sweetness.

Finish: Long, warm, and satisfying. The oak asserts itself more definitively but remains balanced, offering lingering notes of leather and tobacco. Sweet vanilla and caramel persist, beautifully complemented by a gentle, peppery spice that fades slowly, leaving a pleasant warmth and a faint echo of roasted nuts and dark fruit.

About the Distillery

Glenmore Distilleries Co., a historic name in American whiskey, operated at DSP-KY-240, which was famously the Old Grand-Dad distillery (later Jim Beam's Boston, KY plant). This Bottled-in-Bond expression from 1994, though distilled at DSP-KY-240, was bottled at DSP-KY-4, reflecting the complex landscape of consolidation and production shifts within the Kentucky whiskey industry during that era. While the 'Kentucky Tavern' brand has a long history, its production often shifted between various distilleries.