Early Times Kentucky Whiskey 750ML

Early Times Kentucky Whiskey 750ML is a 40% ABV (80 proof) American whiskey aged a minimum of three years at the Early Times Distillery in Shively, Kentucky. This expression earned a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold at the International Spirits Challenge, making it one of the most decorated whiskeys in its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Shively, Kentucky, USA  |  Minimum 3 Years Aged  |  Distillery: Early Times Distillery

Production & Heritage

Early Times has deep roots in Kentucky whiskey-making, with its distillery located in Shively, just outside Louisville. The liquid is double distilled and aged for a minimum of three years in heat-cycled warehouses, where temperature fluctuations accelerate barrel interaction. What distinguishes Early Times from most Kentucky competitors is its use of previously used oak barrels rather than new charred oak — a choice that technically prevents it from carrying the "bourbon" designation under U.S. regulations, though it qualifies as bourbon in international markets. Early Times is also notable for being the only distillery to own its own cooperage, giving the production team direct control over how barrel character influences the final whiskey.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens somewhat reserved before revealing soft rose petal and almond notes with aeration. Hints of lime zest, new oak, and new leather emerge alongside a faint licorice candy quality.

Taste: The palate entry is gentle and smooth, with a soft, gum-like texture leading into toasted marshmallow and caramel candy at mid-palate. Faint traces of toffee, praline, pineapple, and orange slice linger beneath a youthful wood character, with rye spice and corn sweetness trading places throughout.

Finish: The finish is moderately short with a sweet, slightly resinous quality and a touch of residual warmth. Vanilla and light caramel echo briefly before fading.

How to Drink Early Times

Early Times is approachable neat or on the rocks, though a single large ice cube helps open up the more restrained aromatic notes. Its smooth, lighter-bodied profile and accessible price point also make it a practical cocktail whiskey. A Whiskey Sour benefits from the citrus and toffee notes that complement fresh lemon juice. An Old Fashioned works well here, as the vanilla and caramel character pairs naturally with bitters and a sugar cube. A Highball with quality ginger ale plays off the whiskey's rye spice and marshmallow sweetness for an easy, refreshing serve.

Best For

• Building a home bar with a reliable, award-winning everyday whiskey
• Batch cocktails for gatherings where quality matters but volume is high
• Introducing new whiskey drinkers to Kentucky-style spirits without intensity
• Casual weeknight sipping over ice after dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Early Times taste like? Early Times delivers a soft, smooth palate of toasted marshmallow, caramel candy, and light toffee, with a touch of rye spice and a youthful oak backbone. The finish is sweet and moderately short.

How does Early Times compare to Evan Williams? Evan Williams is a straight bourbon aged in new charred oak, giving it a bolder, deeper caramel and oak profile, while Early Times uses used barrels for a lighter, softer character. Both sit in a similar value tier, but Evan Williams tends to deliver more barrel-driven intensity at comparable proof.

Is Early Times good for cocktails? Early Times is an excellent cocktail whiskey due to its smooth, approachable body and balanced sweetness, which blends easily without overpowering other ingredients. It is especially well suited to classic mixed drinks like Old Fashioneds and Highballs.

Where is Early Times made? Early Times is produced at the Early Times Distillery in Shively, Kentucky, a suburb of Louisville in the heart of America's bourbon country. The distillery is distinctive for owning and operating its own cooperage on-site.

What foods pair well with Early Times? Grilled pork chops complement the whiskey's caramel and vanilla notes. Pecan pie echoes the praline and toffee flavors in the spirit. Mild cheddar cheese plays against its light rye spice. Smoked turkey sandwiches pair well with the soft oak character. Vanilla bean ice cream mirrors the sweetness for a simple dessert pairing.

What sizes does Early Times come in? Early Times Kentucky Whiskey is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, as well as 1L and 1.75L formats.

Is Early Times worth the price? Early Times positions firmly in the value tier of Kentucky whiskeys, and its Double Gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition suggests it punches well above its weight for everyday drinking and cocktail use.

Why Early Times?

Early Times occupies a genuinely unique position in Kentucky whiskey: it is one of the few major American whiskeys aged in used oak barrels rather than new charred oak, resulting in a lighter, more approachable profile that stands apart from bourbon-heavy competitors. The distillery's ownership of its own cooperage — the only one in the industry — gives the production team an unusual degree of control over barrel quality and flavor contribution. Double Gold recognition at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition validates what the liquid delivers at its price point. For drinkers seeking a smooth, versatile Kentucky whiskey without the heavier barrel char of straight bourbon, Early Times remains a category outlier worth knowing.