Kentucky Owl The Wiseman is a blend of four Kentucky straight bourbons and the first permanent release from master blender John Rhea, bottled at 90.8 proof (45.4% ABV).
The Wiseman marked a turning point for Kentucky Owl: the first release under Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member John Rhea, offered at a more approachable proof and as a year-round expression. It blends Kentucky Owl's 4-year-old wheated and high-rye bourbons with 5½-year and 8½-year-old Kentucky-sourced bourbons, balancing soft wheat with spicy high rye. It won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2022 and 2023, Gold at the 2023 TAG Global Spirits Awards and the 2023 Ascot Awards, and 95 points from Tasting Panel.
Green apple candy, cinnamon stick, buttered popcorn and sage lead the nose, and the palate delivers a classic bourbon profile of caramel, toffee, oak, berry and spice.
The ornate blue-and-gold owl label makes it a handsome gift.
Bourbon must be made in the United States from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak containers, and straight bourbon must be aged at least two years. Those rules give bourbon its characteristic sweetness, with caramel and vanilla drawn from the charred barrels.
Straight bourbon must age at least two years in new charred oak.
Wheated bourbon brings softness; high-rye bourbon brings spice.
Serve it neat in a Glencairn glass.
A splash of water opens up the caramel and berry.
Pour it over a large ice cube for slow sipping.
It is a great gift for bourbon fans.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Green apple candy, cinnamon, buttered popcorn.
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Palate: Caramel, toffee, berry.
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Finish: Oak and spice.
Specifications
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Brand: Kentucky Owl
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Master Blender: John Rhea
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Style: Blend of four Kentucky straight bourbons
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Age: Bourbons aged 4 to 8½ years
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Proof / ABV: 90.8 proof (45.4% ABV)
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Region: Kentucky, USA
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or on the rocks, or stir an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. It pairs with apple pie, smoked pork or salted caramel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the blend?
Four Kentucky straight bourbons, including wheated and high-rye.
Who blended it?
Master blender John Rhea.
How does it taste?
Caramel, toffee, oak, berry and spice.
Explore more in our Bourbon collection.
