Cream Of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon 750ML

Cream Of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon 750ML is a 100-proof (50% ABV) small batch Kentucky straight bourbon revived under the direction of legendary master distiller Jim Rutledge. Rutledge, who spent over four decades at Four Roses — much of that time as master distiller — brought this historic label back to life through the J.W. Rutledge Distillery, lending it immediate credibility among bourbon enthusiasts.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, United States  |  Small Batch Bourbon  |  Distillery: J.W. Rutledge Distillery

Production & Heritage

The Cream of Kentucky name dates back to 1888, when it was originally introduced by I. Trager & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio. The brand earned a reputation for what was described as a "double-rich" flavor profile before eventually fading from the market. Jim Rutledge revived it as a small batch sourced bourbon built on a mashbill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley — a grain bill that leans into rich sweetness while the rye component adds structure and spice. The 100-proof bottling strength preserves the full intensity of the barrel character without chill filtration dulling the complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with honeyed pome fruits — think ripe pear and baked apple — before drifting into orange blossom and a subtle layer of toasted oak. There is a gentle vanilla sweetness underneath that ties the aromatics together.

Taste: The entry is rich and immediate, with crème brûlée sweetness giving way to Dutch process cocoa powder at mid-palate. Layers of cinnamon, ripe raspberries, and banana develop as the bourbon opens up, while hints of honey crisp apple and white peach add brightness. The rye in the mashbill emerges as a warming spice that prevents the sweetness from becoming one-dimensional.

Finish: Medium-long, with deep honeyed notes that linger alongside soft oak and baked red apple. A trace of toasted grain and cinnamon warmth carries the experience to a clean, satisfying close.

How to Drink Cream of Kentucky

At 100 proof, this bourbon rewards neat sipping — the higher bottling strength means a few drops of water open up the cocoa and fruit notes without thinning the body. It also holds its own over a single large ice cube as the dilution gradually reveals new layers. For cocktails, try it in an Old Fashioned, where the honeyed sweetness and cocoa depth pair naturally with bitters and orange peel; a Kentucky Mule, where the rye spice and baked apple notes stand up against ginger beer; or a Boulevardier, where the bourbon's richness and 100-proof backbone balance the bitterness of Campari and sweet vermouth.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon collector who values heritage brands with authentic backstories
• Side-by-side tastings comparing high-rye mashbill bourbons at barrel-proof strength
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert courses featuring chocolate or stone fruit
• Adding depth to a home bar's bourbon shelf at a distinctive proof point

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cream of Kentucky taste like? Cream of Kentucky leads with crème brûlée sweetness and Dutch process cocoa, layered with cinnamon, ripe raspberries, banana, and honey crisp apple. The finish is honeyed and warm with lingering soft oak.

How does Cream of Kentucky compare to Four Roses Small Batch? Both carry Jim Rutledge's influence — he served as Four Roses master distiller for decades before creating Cream of Kentucky. Cream of Kentucky is bottled at a higher 100 proof versus Four Roses Small Batch's 90 proof, and its 72% corn mashbill delivers a noticeably richer, more dessert-forward profile compared to Four Roses' floral and spice-driven character.

Is Cream of Kentucky good for sipping neat? Yes — the 100-proof bottling strength carries substantial flavor without being harsh, and the complex layering of honey, cocoa, and fruit rewards slow, attentive sipping.

Where is Cream of Kentucky made? Cream of Kentucky is produced in Kentucky, United States, under the J.W. Rutledge Distillery label. The brand is a sourced small batch bourbon selected and blended under the direction of master distiller Jim Rutledge.

What foods pair well with Cream of Kentucky? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and honey notes. Pecan pie mirrors the bourbon's toasted sweetness. Smoked pork belly matches its rich body and oak influence. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness with savory depth. Crème brûlée echoes the dessert-like qualities found on the palate.

What sizes does Cream of Kentucky come in? Cream of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon is available in the standard 750ML bottle size.

Is Cream of Kentucky worth the price? Cream of Kentucky positions as a mid-to-upper-shelf bourbon that draws its value from the pedigree of Jim Rutledge's palate and the brand's 1888 heritage. At 100 proof with genuine complexity, it delivers strong value relative to other craft-positioned small batch bourbons in its tier.

Why Cream of Kentucky?

What separates this bourbon from the crowded small batch field is the singular authority behind it: Jim Rutledge is one of the most decorated and respected master distillers in American whiskey, and Cream of Kentucky represents his personal vision outside the constraints of a major distillery. The 1888 heritage is not mere marketing — the original brand genuinely earned the "double-rich" reputation that Rutledge set out to honor. The 72/18/10 mashbill at 100 proof creates a bourbon that balances dessert-like sweetness with enough rye backbone to stay engaging across multiple pours. For drinkers who care about the person behind the barrel selections, few bottles carry a more credible name.