Rowan's Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Soon after the end of the American Revolutionary War, John Rowan's parents moved from Pennsylvania to the western frontier in Kentucky County. At the time, Kentucky was still considered to be part of Virginia, and was overseen by a military governor named John J. Bowman.

Rowan was raised in Bardstown, and eventually studied law under Kentucky Attorney General George Nicolas. At the age of 26, Rowan was elected to the state's constitutional convention, and eventually served in the Kentucky State Legislature and United States Senate. In his honor, a small limestone-rich creek that eventually feeds into the Kentucky River was named Rowan's Creek.

Rowan's Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the slightly-younger brother of Noah's Mill. Much like Noah's Mill, Rowan's Creek is made by marrying together small batches of bourbon that are maturing in charred, American oak casks. The bourbons each contain unique mash bills, which provides Rowan's Creek with a distinctly layered flavor profile. After the bourbons have matured for approximately twelve years, they are brought to just over 100 proof with water from Rowan's Creek, and bottled by hand (each bottle is adorned with a label that includes a handwritten batch number).

Rowan's Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a spicy aroma that is balanced by hints of caramel, vanilla and dried pears. The aroma opens up to notes of cinnamon and oak on the palate, along with touches of charred wood, chili peppers, baking spices and dates. The finish, which is smooth and layered, ends with a warming touch of vanilla.

The bourbon earned the Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition twice, and earned a score of 93 points from Wine Enthusiast. In addition, it earned a score of 92 points from Whisky Advocate.