Medley Bros Bourbon 750ML

Medley Bros Bourbon 750ML is a 102-proof (51% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon in a 750ml bottle, produced under the oversight of the Charles Medley Distillery. What distinguishes this expression is the direct involvement of Charles Medley himself — a 50-year industry veteran who personally selects every barrel and decides when the bourbon is ready for bottling.

Quick Facts: ABV: 51% (102 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Minimum 4 Years Old  |  Distillery: Charles Medley Distillery

Production & Heritage

The Medley family's history in American whiskey stretches back generations, with Charles Medley representing decades of hands-on distilling knowledge. The bourbon is contract distilled — reportedly by Heaven Hill Distillery — using a grain-forward mashbill of 77% corn, 13% malted barley, and 10% rye. It is aged a minimum of four years in toasted, char level 3 barrels sourced from Independent Stave Company. The relatively low rye content and specific barrel char program contribute to a sweeter, more corn-driven flavor profile, while the 102-proof bottling strength delivers the whiskey without excessive dilution. Charles Medley's role as the final arbiter of barrel quality gives each release a level of personal curation uncommon at this price tier.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with rich toffee and vanilla bean before moving into milk chocolate and creamed corn. A subtle thread of dried orange peel and mint adds complexity underneath the dominant sweetness.

Taste: On entry, caramelized pineapple and roasted corn set a sweet, toasted foundation. The mid-palate shifts toward ripe pear and cinnamon spice, with oak tannins and clove emerging at the peak. At 102 proof, there is noticeable warmth but not harsh heat — the corn-heavy mashbill keeps the texture relatively smooth.

Finish: Medium-long, with apple fruit leather, grilled peach, and lingering orange peel. The toasted barrel influence shows up late as a gentle char bitterness that balances the residual caramel sweetness.

How to Drink Medley Bros

At 102 proof, this bourbon rewards a small splash of water or a single large ice cube, which opens up the fruit notes and softens the cinnamon spice. It also stands up well neat for those who enjoy a higher-proof sipper. In cocktails, the proof and flavor profile make it a strong candidate for: an Old Fashioned, where its toffee and orange peel notes align naturally with the classic bitters-and-sugar template; a Bourbon Sour, where the caramelized pineapple sweetness balances citrus juice without becoming thin; and a Gold Rush, where the honey syrup amplifies the bourbon's existing vanilla and corn sweetness at a proof that holds its own against dilution.

Best For

• Exploring bourbon from a legacy Kentucky distilling family
• Building a home bar with a versatile, higher-proof mixing bourbon
• Side-by-side tastings comparing corn-forward versus high-rye mashbills
• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast something outside the mainstream brand lineup

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Medley Bros taste like? Medley Bros delivers a sweet, corn-forward profile with prominent toffee, caramelized pineapple, and vanilla, balanced by moderate cinnamon spice and toasted oak. The 102-proof strength adds warmth without overwhelming the palate.

How does Medley Bros compare to Wathen's Single Barrel? Both brands are produced under the Charles Medley Distillery umbrella, but Wathen's Single Barrel is positioned as the premium expression with single-barrel selection, while Medley Bros is a batched product at a lower price point. The two share a similar flavor DNA rooted in a corn-heavy mashbill, though Wathen's tends toward a more refined, singular barrel character.

Is Medley Bros good for cocktails? Yes — its 102-proof strength means it holds up well in stirred and shaken drinks without getting lost behind other ingredients. The sweet, fruit-forward profile makes it especially effective in classic bourbon cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Whiskey Sours.

Where is Medley Bros made? Medley Bros is a product of the Charles Medley Distillery in Kentucky, though the bourbon is contract distilled, reportedly by Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Charles Medley personally oversees barrel selection and bottling decisions.

What foods pair well with Medley Bros? Smoked pork ribs complement the bourbon's caramel and toasted oak notes. Pecan pie echoes the toffee and vanilla sweetness. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts nicely with the corn-driven richness. Grilled peaches with brown sugar mirror the fruit notes found in the finish. Dark chocolate with sea salt highlights the milk chocolate and orange peel aromas.

What sizes does Medley Bros come in? Medley Bros Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Medley Bros worth the price? Medley Bros positions itself as a value-tier bourbon that punches above its weight, particularly given the 102-proof bottling strength and minimum four-year age statement. For drinkers seeking a higher-proof Kentucky bourbon outside the major distillery portfolios, it represents solid value in the entry-level to mid-range segment.

Why Medley Bros?

In a bourbon market dominated by massive corporate portfolios, Medley Bros represents something increasingly rare: a product guided by a single individual with five decades of distilling experience. The specific combination of a 77% corn mashbill, char level 3 toasted barrels from Independent Stave Company, and a minimum four-year maturation creates a flavor profile that leans into sweet, fruity territory while carrying enough proof to stand up in any application. The hands-on barrel selection by Charles Medley adds a layer of quality control that is unusual for bourbons at this price point. For anyone looking to explore Kentucky bourbon beyond the well-known names, Medley Bros provides a credible, well-constructed entry point with genuine family heritage behind the label.