Another small batch offering from the Willett Distillery. This 12 year old, 107 proof is a delight and would be an unexpected gift and/or addition to the liquor cabinet. No story here, just a solid whiskey.

Pure Kentucky XO Bourbon is a high proof (107) small batch straight bourbon whiskey.  Pure Kentucky XO stated the whiskeys in the bottle were at least 12 years of age. We can venture a guess that is no longer the case. Age only matters to a point, and at the end of the day what matters is how the whiskey tastes.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Copper/Medium Amber

Nose: Cinnamon and barrel spices (right up front), toffee, maple sugars, dry dusty oak quality. Faint dried apricot and fruit notes linger on the edges.

Palate: Spicy, rustic, and woody. Cinnamon, clove, and some bitter barrel notes (and grip) make way for oily corn, vanilla, and faint toffee sweetness.

Finish: Warming spice/heat and zip, corn, and a fruit. Long finish.

Overall: Pure Kentucky XO Bourbon is a good choice for those that like spicy and oaky bourbons. It’s not overly sweet,  It does take water well, and is recommended to brighten up the party a bit. If it has a fault it’s that it’s not particularly well balanced, but it fits a profile that many may appreciate.

Alc 40%