{"title":"Nooku","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"nooku-bourbon-cream-750ml","title":"Nooku Bourbon Cream 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNooku Bourbon Cream 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 17% ABV (34 proof) cream spirit made from just two ingredients: fresh dairy cream and bourbon. A Gold Medal winner at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it distinguishes itself from conventional cream liqueurs by containing no added sugar, no neutral spirits, and no artificial flavoring or color.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 17% (34 Proof)  |  Origin: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA  |  Bourbon Cream (Two-Year Aged Bourbon Base)  |  Distillery: Old Elk Distillery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNooku is produced at Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins, Colorado. The bourbon base uses a mashbill of 51% corn, 34% malted barley, and 15% rye, aged for two years before blending with fresh dairy cream. That unusually high proportion of malted barley — more than double what most bourbon mashbills call for — contributes significant body and malt sweetness. Because nothing else is added, Nooku technically falls outside the \"cream liqueur\" category; it is simply bourbon and cream, which allows the whiskey character to remain far more prominent than in conventional cream liqueurs that rely on neutral grain spirits and added sugar for body.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cinnamon spice leads, followed by gentle vanilla and toffee. Underneath sits a lightly eggy cream note characteristic of real dairy, with no artificial sweetness on the nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is pleasantly creamy, but bourbon asserts itself quickly with clove and cinnamon spice at the mid-palate. Lush vanilla and caramel develop as the bourbon's oak influence emerges, carrying real whiskey weight rather than the confectionery sweetness typical of many cream liqueurs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length, with bittersweet dark chocolate and toasted oak lingering after the cream fades. The finish is notably smooth given how much bourbon character comes through.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Nooku Bourbon Cream\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServed chilled or over ice, Nooku shows its best balance — the cold temperature tightens the cream while letting the bourbon spice cut through. It also works well as a stand-alone after-dinner pour at room temperature for those who want more whiskey presence. In cocktails, try it in a \u003cstrong\u003eBourbon Cream White Russian\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it replaces both the cream and some of the coffee liqueur with a spicier backbone; a \u003cstrong\u003eBourbon Cream Espresso Martini\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the dark chocolate finish complements fresh espresso beautifully; or a \u003cstrong\u003eBourbon Cream Old Fashioned Float\u003c\/strong\u003e, poured over a standard Old Fashioned as a dessert riff that adds richness without added sugar.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn after-dinner dessert course replacement when you want something less sweet than traditional cream liqueurs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a bourbon drinker who has never explored cream spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpiking holiday coffee, hot chocolate, or chai without introducing artificial sweetness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a blind tasting comparing bourbon cream against Irish cream liqueurs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Nooku Bourbon Cream taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Nooku leads with caramel and vanilla from its two-year-aged bourbon base, supported by cinnamon and clove spice, real dairy creaminess, and a bittersweet dark chocolate finish. It tastes noticeably more like actual bourbon than most cream liqueurs because no sugar or neutral spirits are added.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Nooku Bourbon Cream compare to Baileys Irish Cream?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are whiskey-cream blends bottled at 34 proof, but the production philosophy differs significantly. Baileys uses Irish whiskey with added sugar, flavoring, and neutral spirits, while Nooku contains only Old Elk bourbon and dairy cream — resulting in a drier, more whiskey-forward profile with less residual sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Nooku Bourbon Cream good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the absence of added sugar means it drinks more like a light whiskey with cream texture than a dessert liqueur, making it comfortable to sip neat or slightly chilled without becoming cloying.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Nooku Bourbon Cream made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Nooku is produced at Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins, Colorado. The bourbon base is distilled and aged on-site before blending with fresh dairy cream.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Nooku Bourbon Cream?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement the bittersweet cocoa finish. Pecan pie mirrors the caramel and toasted-nut sweetness of the bourbon. Warm bread pudding with vanilla sauce echoes the vanilla and cream notes. Blue cheese creates a savory-sweet contrast with the caramel. Fresh berries, especially raspberries, cut through the cream richness with tart acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Nooku Bourbon Cream come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Nooku Bourbon Cream is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Nooku Bourbon Cream worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Nooku positions in the mid-range for cream spirits but punches above its weight given the two-ingredient, no-sugar-added production approach and multiple Gold Medal wins. For drinkers who find conventional cream liqueurs too sweet, it fills a gap that very few competitors address.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Nooku Bourbon Cream?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe two-ingredient formula — just bourbon and cream — is genuinely rare in a category dominated by products that rely on added sugar, neutral spirits, and artificial flavoring to build body. That simplicity earned Nooku a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a Gold Medal at the 2017 New York International Spirits Competition, and 86 points from the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge. The Old Elk bourbon base, with its high 34% malted barley mashbill, gives Nooku a malt-driven richness that sets it apart from both Irish cream liqueurs and other American bourbon creams. For anyone who wants real whiskey flavor in a cream format without sweetness doing the heavy lifting, this is the bottle that makes the case.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nooku","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837717377193,"sku":"30549","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Nooku-Bourbon-Cream__63518.jpg?v=1730491750"},{"product_id":"nooku-peppermint-bourbon-cream-750ml","title":"Nooku Peppermint Bourbon Cream 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNooku Peppermint Bourbon Cream 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 17% ABV bourbon cream spirit made with real dairy cream and natural peppermint flavoring at Old Elk Distillery in Colorado. Built on a bourbon base that uses four times more malted barley than traditional recipes, Nooku's parent line earned a Gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — though this peppermint variant is a distinct expression with its own character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 17% (34 Proof)  |  Origin: Colorado, USA  |  Bourbon Cream Liqueur  |  Distillery: Old Elk Distillery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOld Elk Distillery, based in Fort Collins, Colorado, produces the bourbon that forms the backbone of every Nooku expression. The base spirit is a two-year-old bourbon with a mashbill of 51% corn, 34% malted barley, and 15% rye — a grain bill notable for its unusually high proportion of malted barley, which Old Elk credits for added depth and smoothness. That bourbon undergoes a slow-cut proofing process significantly longer than industry standard before being blended with fresh dairy cream and natural peppermint flavor. Nooku distinguishes itself by containing no added sugar and no supplemental spirits — the only components are bourbon, real cream, and peppermint.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vanilla and peppermint arrive in roughly equal measure on the nose, with a clearly milky, creamy undertone supporting both. Hints of spicy toffee and a faint warmth from the bourbon round out the initial impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peppermint takes the lead on the palate, asserting itself as the dominant flavor. The body is creamy without being overly heavy, though the sweetness builds considerably through the mid-palate. Caramel and vanilla from the bourbon peek through, but peppermint remains front and center, pushing subtler notes of cinnamon and chocolate to the background.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is sweet and lingering, with a rich, coating texture that clings to the palate. A bold bourbon warmth resurfaces at the tail end alongside residual peppermint coolness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Nooku Peppermint\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServed chilled and neat, the peppermint and cream come through with full intensity — pouring over ice tempers the sweetness and opens up the bourbon's caramel backbone. At 17% ABV, this is a versatile mixer that slots easily into dessert-style cocktails.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeppermint White Russian:\u003c\/strong\u003e Replace standard cream with Nooku Peppermint for a minty, bourbon-driven twist on the classic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpiked Hot Chocolate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stir into rich hot cocoa — the mint and cream integrate seamlessly with chocolate, adding bourbon warmth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEspresso Martini:\u003c\/strong\u003e Swap out or supplement coffee liqueur to introduce peppermint and dairy richness alongside espresso's bitterness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHoliday entertaining and seasonal cocktail menus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping as a standalone dessert pour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to fans of flavored whiskey or cream liqueurs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a bourbon-based alternative to a cream liqueur collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Nooku Peppermint taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Nooku Peppermint is peppermint-forward with a creamy, moderately sweet body backed by caramel and vanilla notes from the underlying bourbon. It drinks closer to a rich peppermint milkshake than a traditional whiskey, given its 17% ABV and dairy cream base.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Nooku Peppermint compare to Baileys Irish Cream?\u003c\/strong\u003e Baileys uses Irish whiskey as its spirit base, while Nooku Peppermint is built on a Colorado bourbon with a high malted barley mashbill, giving it a distinctly American grain character. Nooku also claims no added sugar and no supplemental spirits, whereas Baileys incorporates both sugar and additional flavorings in its formulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Nooku Peppermint good for cocktails?\u003c\/strong\u003e Its creamy body and pronounced peppermint flavor make it a natural fit for dessert cocktails, spiked hot drinks, and any recipe calling for a cream liqueur with a minty twist. The bourbon backbone provides enough structure to hold up alongside coffee, chocolate, and vanilla mixers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Nooku Peppermint made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Nooku Peppermint Bourbon Cream is produced at Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins, Colorado. The bourbon base is distilled and aged on-site before being blended with fresh dairy cream and natural peppermint flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Nooku Peppermint?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement the mint and bourbon warmth. Brownies or chocolate lava cake amplify the dessert character. Vanilla cheesecake provides a neutral canvas for the peppermint to shine. Candy cane bark or peppermint cookies create a layered seasonal pairing. Salted caramel desserts echo the bourbon's caramel notes while balancing the sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Nooku Peppermint come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard widely available format is 750ML, which is the most common size found at retail.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Nooku Peppermint worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Nooku Peppermint positions as a mid-range cream spirit that justifies its pricing through its bourbon pedigree — the Old Elk base spirit, with its distinctive high-malt mashbill and no-added-sugar formulation, gives it a legitimate craft distinction over mass-market cream liqueurs. For drinkers who value real dairy cream and actual bourbon provenance over a generic spirit base, it represents solid value in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Nooku Peppermint?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Nooku from the broader cream liqueur field starts with its foundation: a genuine two-year-old Colorado bourbon built on 34% malted barley — a ratio that dwarfs the industry norm and contributes a richer, more grain-forward base. The commitment to real dairy cream with no added sugar or supplemental spirits gives it an ingredient transparency rare in this category. The original Nooku Bourbon Cream's Gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition speaks to the quality of the underlying formula, even as this peppermint expression charts its own, more seasonally driven course. For anyone seeking a bourbon cream with genuine distillery credentials and an unambiguous peppermint punch, this expression delivers a straightforward, ingredient-honest option.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nooku","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837732188329,"sku":"30898","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Nooku-Peppermint-Bourbon-Cream__44111.jpg?v=1730492369"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/nooku.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}