Cream Of Kentucky Bourbon 750ML

Cream Of Kentucky Bourbon 750ML is a 100-proof (50% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon selected under the guidance of legendary distiller Jim Rutledge. Rutledge spent 21 years as master distiller at Four Roses before lending his palate and sourcing expertise to this label, lending immediate credibility to the project's "double-rich" flavor promise.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Style: Straight Bourbon  |  Mashbill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley  |  Guided by: Jim Rutledge

Production & Heritage

Cream of Kentucky is a sourced bourbon, meaning the distillate is produced at an undisclosed Kentucky distillery and then hand-selected by Jim Rutledge for bottling. Rutledge's four-plus decades of bourbon experience—most notably his tenure at Four Roses from 1992 to 2015—inform the blending and selection process. The mashbill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley skews toward a grain-forward, slightly spicy profile, and the bourbon is bottled at a robust 100 proof without chill filtration claims, letting the barrel character come through with authority.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with honeyed pome fruits—think ripe pear and baked apple—before shifting into orange blossom and maraschino cherry. Deeper investigation reveals layers of vanilla, cola, roasted peanuts, and a subtle citrus lift.

Taste: Entry is notably smooth for 100 proof, with an immediate wave of crème brûlée sweetness and ripe banana. The mid-palate develops into honeycrisp apple and blood orange, while soft oak tannins and a nutty caramel undertone build complexity toward the peak.

Finish: Medium-long and warmly honeyed, with lingering sweetness balanced by gentle oak spice. The caramel and cola notes persist, tapering into a dry, lightly tannic close.

How to Drink Cream of Kentucky

At 100 proof, this bourbon holds up well neat but also opens nicely with a few drops of water, which coaxes out the fruit and floral aromatics. On the rocks, the honeyed sweetness becomes more pronounced without losing structure.

• Old Fashioned: The crème brûlée and orange blossom character plays beautifully against a sugar cube and Angostura bitters.
• Gold Rush: Honey syrup and fresh lemon amplify the bourbon's existing honeyed fruit notes for a seamless pairing.
• Bourbon Sour: The 100-proof backbone cuts through citrus and egg white without losing its caramel depth.

Best For

• Fans of Four Roses exploring Jim Rutledge's independent selections
• Bourbon collectors seeking well-made sourced releases with a storied pedigree
• Hosting a bourbon tasting flight focused on Kentucky's diverse distilling styles
• An after-dinner sipper alongside rich desserts like bread pudding or pecan pie

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cream of Kentucky taste like? Cream of Kentucky delivers a sweet, fruit-forward profile dominated by crème brûlée, honeycrisp apple, and maraschino cherry, all supported by soft oak and caramel. The 100-proof strength adds warmth without harshness.

How does Cream of Kentucky compare to Four Roses Single Barrel? Both share a sweet, fruity disposition—unsurprising given Jim Rutledge's deep history with Four Roses—but Cream of Kentucky leans more heavily into honeyed, dessert-like richness. Four Roses Single Barrel, bottled at the same 100 proof, tends toward more prominent baking spice and floral rye character from its own proprietary yeast strains.

Is Cream of Kentucky good for sipping neat? Yes—despite its 100-proof strength, the bourbon drinks smoothly with enough sweetness and fruit complexity to reward slow, deliberate sipping without any mixer or dilution.

Where is Cream of Kentucky made? The bourbon is sourced from Kentucky distilleries and selected by Jim Rutledge, the former longtime master distiller of Four Roses in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The exact source distillery has not been officially disclosed.

What foods pair well with Cream of Kentucky? Grilled stone fruit like peaches or nectarines echo the bourbon's fruit-forward profile. Aged cheddar or Gruyère complement its caramel and nutty notes. Pecan pie mirrors the honeyed sweetness, while smoked pork belly provides a savory contrast to the cola and vanilla undertones. Dark chocolate with sea salt draws out the oak spice on the finish.

What sizes does Cream of Kentucky come in? Cream of Kentucky is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Cream of Kentucky worth the price? Cream of Kentucky positions in the mid-premium tier for sourced Kentucky bourbon. Jim Rutledge's name and palate add genuine provenance, and the 100-proof bottling strength delivers solid value relative to lower-proof competitors in the same price range.

Why Cream of Kentucky?

The defining draw here is Jim Rutledge's involvement. Few people in American whiskey have a more respected palate or a longer track record of selecting exceptional barrels. Cream of Kentucky channels that expertise into a sourced bourbon that punches above its weight class at 100 proof, delivering a rich, dessert-like sweetness that the brand aptly calls "double-rich." For drinkers who admire the fruity, approachable style Rutledge cultivated during his two decades at Four Roses, this expression represents a direct continuation of that philosophy under a different label.