A little background
Casey Jones Distillery celebrates its 10th anniversary with the limited-edition Founder’s 10th Anniversary Blend, a testament to a decade of craft and tradition. Available exclusively at the Hopkinsville distillery for $99.99 per 750ml bottle, this cask-strength whiskey (103.6 proof) is distilled on AJ’s iconic square pot copper still, aged to perfection, and skillfully blended.
The mash bill honors AJ’s moonshining roots, incorporating cane alongside traditional grains like corn, rye, and malted barley. This unique blend combines the bold balance of 50% corn and 50% cane from Barrels #200 and #234 with the nuanced depth of Barrel #160, featuring 96% corn, 3% rye, and 1% malted barley. The result is a smooth, full-bodied whiskey with a rich flavor profile that reflects the ingenuity and heritage of Casey Jones Distillery.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Dark Gold
Nose
Brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, brown butter, black cherry, clove, orange taffy, candy corn, and pecans.
Palate
Cherry, blackberry, cinnamon, clove, caramel, and espresso.
Finish
Leather, pecans, cinnamon, cocoa, espresso, and caramel.
In closing
Casey Jones Distillery Founder’s 10th Anniversary Blend is a bold and memorable whiskey that showcases the distillery’s craftsmanship and heritage. While the nose brings a delightful mix of sweetness and spice, the palate follows with rich fruit, caramel, and espresso notes, leading to a pleasantly long finish with hints of leather, cocoa, and salted caramel. At 103 proof, it drinks hotter than expected, with a noticeable warmth and a slightly drying finish. Though it lacks some complexity and layered depth, the candy-like sweetness and satisfying mouthfeel make it an enjoyable pour. As my first experience with Casey Jones whiskey, it left a strong impression and is a worthy celebration of their 10th anniversary.
NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Casey Jones Distillery. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.