Kentucky Owl Bayou Mardi Gras XO Cask is a limited edition 11-year-old Kentucky straight rye whiskey finished for more than a year in casks that held Bayou Rum's Mardi Gras XO. It is bottled at 102.8 proof.
The rye entered the rum barrels in March and stayed through two Kentucky summers, long enough for the Louisiana rum to leave a clear mark without overwhelming the spirit. The collaboration links Kentucky whiskey with the rum country of Louisiana, and the bottle's colourful Mardi Gras XO band nods to New Orleans' most famous celebration.
Kentucky Owl describes a nose of robust toasted rye bread smothered in farm-fresh sweet butter, with hints of cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. The palate brings rye spice with sweet butter and allspice, and the finish is smooth, the softness of butter and allspice giving way to a long, warming nutmeg coda. Breaking Bourbon's review found maple butter, dark cherries and vanilla bean, with sweet cream and honey on the palate and a rum influence that is prominent yet well integrated.
The bottle wears Kentucky Owl's classic owl label, marked 11 years and Limited Edition, and it is a prized find for rye lovers and Kentucky Owl collectors.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Toasted rye bread and sweet butter, with cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg.
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Palate: Rye spice with sweet butter and allspice.
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Finish: Smooth and soft, giving way to a long, warming nutmeg finish.
Specifications
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Producer: Kentucky Owl
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Style: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
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Expression / Batch: Bayou Mardi Gras XO Cask Finished Limited Edition
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Age: 11 years
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Proof / ABV: 102.8 proof (51.4% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Finished over a year in Bayou Rum Mardi Gras XO casks
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Region: Kentucky, United States
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or with a few drops of water to bring out the butter and spice; it also makes an outstanding rye Sazerac or Manhattan. Pair it with bananas foster, beignets or a medium cigar for a taste of New Orleans. It makes a fun and collectible gift for Mardi Gras.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mardi Gras XO cask finish?
The 11-year-old rye was finished for over a year in casks that held Bayou Rum's Mardi Gras XO.
How old is it?
The rye is 11 years old before its rum cask finish.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 102.8 proof, or 51.4% ABV.
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