Kentucky Bourbon Distillers Rowan's Creek
50.05% ABV - Kentucky, USA
Nose: The nose here has wood, bitter wood, bitter melon. Beneath that I find some nondescript fruit, citrus, and leather… with spices—clove-dusted cinnamon sticks? And a hint of peanuts? The proof tickles.
Taste: Wood and spices hit me first but they are relatively soft and offer a bit of complexity. Chewy. If I’m not mistaken I’d say there is a high rye content in this bottle. Light vanilla and the nondescript fruits and citrus again. This wood/rye spice is quite dominant.
Finish: Ends quite quickly… there is nothing revolutionary here. See above: wood, fruits, and citrus.
I have a special affinity for Rowan’s Creek, or "Roan’s Creek" as it was introduced to me… we first tasted this in none other than Louisville, Kentucky! (I suppose that tasting it in Bardstown, where it is bottled, would have been more interesting.) I bought this bottle quite a long time ago, and I remember that we waited until we drove through St. Louis to buy it from Total Wine because it was remarkably cheaper than Kentucky pricing. I also have a fond memory drinking Rowan’s Creek at a restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand… staying for an extra dram to wait out the rain.
Now that I’ve spent a lot more time with it I realize that it’s not the most amazing pour, especially when drinking it side-by-side other bourbons. I’m tasting this one next to a bottle of Eagle Rare Single Barrel Select and I prefer that. Sipping neat? Sure. But I think Rowan’s Creek would be better served on the rocks or punching through in a Manhattan cocktail… in fact, I think I’m going to go search for an ideal vermouth now!
Details: DSP-KY-48 (Willet). Batch No. 18-43.
Tasted 02 December 2021. (Posted 10 November 2022.)
