Rowan's Creek is a small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon from the Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, bottled at 100.1 proof (50.05% ABV).
Made at Willett from barrels between five and fifteen years old, Rowan's Creek has earned serious recognition for its layered, handcrafted character, including multiple Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2005, 2011 and 2012) and 93 points from Wine Enthusiast.
Bringing your nose to the glass, you find caramel and vanilla layered over herbal and floral notes. The mouthfeel starts oily but finishes dry. On the palate are sweet caramel and vanilla dusted with florals, and the finish brings oak and a lingering spiciness.
Its hand-lettered label and tall bottle make it a classic gift for bourbon lovers.
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.
Bardstown, Kentucky, is known as the Bourbon Capital of the World, and the Willett family has been part of its whiskey history for generations.
A small batch bourbon is blended from a limited number of barrels, chosen for a consistent profile.
Just over 100 proof, it has the weight for a robust Old Fashioned and opens nicely with a few drops of water.
Kentucky straight bourbon must be aged at least two years in new charred oak, and Rowan's Creek draws on barrels far older than that.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Caramel and vanilla over herbal and floral notes.
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Palate: Sweet caramel and vanilla, dusted with florals.
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Finish: Oak and lingering spice.
Specifications
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Producer: Willett Distillery, Bardstown, Kentucky
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Style: Kentucky straight bourbon, small batch
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Barrels: 5-15 years old
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Proof / ABV: 100.1 proof (50.05% ABV)
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Region: Kentucky, USA
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or with a splash of water, or mix an Old Fashioned. It pairs with steak, pecan pie or dark chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes it?
Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.
What is the proof?
100.1 proof (50.05% ABV).
Has it won awards?
SFWSC Gold medals and 93 points from Wine Enthusiast.
Explore more in our Bourbon collection.
