Town Branch Imperium MMXXV Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

A little background

Town Branch Imperium MMXXV Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a limited annual release from Town Branch Distillery, bottled at 105 proof (52.5% ABV) and offered at an SRP of $119.99. The 2025 edition is built on a 50% wheated bourbon base and 50% Kentucky straight bourbon stocks, combining barrels aged between 5.5 and more than 8 years. The mash bills incorporated in this release include 72% corn, 15% rye, and 13% malted barley from both pot-still and column-still bourbon, along with a wheated recipe of 70% corn, 22% wheat, and 8% malted barley. With only 219 cases produced, Imperium MMXXV remains one of the distillery’s most limited offerings and showcases the annual selection of its highest-performing barrels.

Town Branch Distillery operates as part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only combined brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Founded within a brewing heritage dating to 1890 and revitalized in 1999 by Pearse Lyons, the operation spans multiple generations of expertise in brewing, distilling, and cooperage. The distillery produces Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt, and several specialty spirits, while also supplying barrels for the company’s renowned Kentucky® Barrel-Aged Beer program. This integrated approach supports a diversified portfolio and reflects the company’s longstanding commitment to Kentucky bourbon tradition and barrel-aging craftsmanship.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Light Gold

Nose

Honeycomb, orange, lemon jelly bean, lime, eggnog, cinnamon, licorice, and bubble gum.

Palate

Orange jolly rancher, vanilla, baking spice (cinnamon, clove and nutmeg), and spice.

Finish

Butterscotch, walnut, honey, oak, and lingering spice.

In closing

Town Branch Imperium MMXXV Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey delivers a distinctive and evolving profile that truly rewards a bit of patience. The nose opens with layered sweetness and citrus, the palate moves into vibrant fruit and baking spice, and the finish eases into warm butterscotch, oak, and nutty character. It may feel slightly tight at first, but giving it a few minutes to breathe brings out noticeably more depth and harmony in the glass. For enthusiasts who enjoy a bourbon that shifts and develops as it opens up, Imperium MMXXV offers a compelling, flavor-forward experience that reflects Town Branch’s focus on thoughtful blending and careful barrel selection. Give this whiskey some time; it will open up and evolve into something delicious.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Town Branch Distillery. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.