Rowan’s Creek
“Everyone’s a fruit and nut case”
Rowan’s Creek bourbon is part of the Willett Distillery (KBD) small batch boutique bourbon collection, which was first released in the 1990’s. Originally a 12 year old release and sourced whiskey. It has not had an age statement on it for many years but it is now distilled and bottled in house over the last few years. The Gents, using our renowned expertise (otherwise known as guessing) estimate the age of the juice to be around 8 years.
The name derives from the creek which runs through the distillery grounds. The creek itself is named after John Rowan, a 19th century politician and jurist from Kentucky. The wine bottle shape and overall design is, as you may expect, very similar to its sister bourbon - Noah’s Mill. We love the quirkiness and uniqueness of the proof level, 100.1% or 50.05% ABV. Unfortunately the mash bill is not released but it is clearly high rye bourbon, perhaps around about 25% of the overall recipe.
Large amounts of raisin immediately on the nose which seems to us to be a regular aroma from the KBD range. Very creamy with vanilla tones, faint whiffs of dark chocolate. It reminds Mav of the Dairy Milk fruit and nuts chocolate bar. A light and well disguised proof level. Aged oak on the palate alongside the high rye standard pepper and spice hit, with a nutty after-taste. A modest finish with notes of oak and sweet spice.
An above average bourbon but It does however still disappoint on a number of levels. It is one dimensional, not overly complex (which can be perfectly acceptable on many occasions) and it could be argued that it is overpriced for what it delivers. There are much finer bourbons available out there below the current asking price of this bourbon, so we wouldn’t outright recommend this to others on taste alone, but of course taste is personal and your taste profile may love it. Try it in a bar if you can or buy a sample before you invest in a bottle.
