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Kentucky Senator 8 Year Bourbon Release # 4

July 24, 2023 · By Matthew Evans · 8.8 / 10
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Whiskey Consensus Score
8.8 /10
Excellent
Score Breakdown
Nose
8.8
Palate
8.8
Finish
9
Complexity
8.9
Value
8.5
Consensus Score
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Nose
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8.8
/ 10
Our Verdict
Excellent

Kentucky Senator Batch 4 is aged 8yrs in oak barrels and bottled at 107 proof with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley.

The Good

  • Well Integrated
  • Classic Bourbon

The Bad

  • Price
Kentucky Senator 8 Year Bourbon Release # 4

A Little Background

Kentucky Senator Bourbon stands out with its genuine fusion of rich history and unwavering dedication to offering the most exceptional Kentucky Bourbon whiskey. The roots of the Kentucky Senator brand trace back to its original distillation and bottling at Crigler & Crigler in Covington, Kentucky, and later at Double Springs Distillers, Inc. in Bardstown.

Today, the brand’s revival is spearheaded by Andre Regard and Damon Thayer, who are passionately committed to rejuvenating this classic Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey to its former glory. With their individual and distinctive backgrounds in the world of Bourbon, they bring a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to the management team.

The 4th Batch of Kentucky Senator hit the shelves in the summer of 2023 and is named after U.S. Senator John Sherman Cooper of Somerset in Pulaski County. Kentucky Senator Spirits will distribute approximately 1,000 bottles of this 2023 limited edition small batch Bourbon, to be sold with a suggested retail price of $135 USD.

Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Location: Undisclosed Kentucky Distillery
Age: 8 Years
Proof / ABV: 107 / 53.5%
Retail Price: $135 USD

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Gold

Nose

Classic bourbon nose. Fruity. Cherry, lime, vanilla, cola, caramel, and oak.

Palate

Bananas, juicy orange, lime, dried cherry, light cinnamon, vanilla, pecan, and caramel.

Finish

Medium/long. Cherry, lingering cinnamon, white pepper, banana, vanilla, and oak.

In closing

Kentucky Senator Batch 4 utilized the same mash bill as both Batch 2 and Batch 3. With each of the three batches getting progressively older, the quality has progressed as well. Batch 4 is a very well-integrated classic Bourbon with nice sweetness and good balance of fruit, spice, and age throughout. Although a bit pricey at $135 USD, Kentucky Senator Batch 4 is a very solid pour and a fantastic tasting experience.

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

Kentucky Senator 8 Year Bourbon Release # 4

107 Proof
8.8

Nose

8.8/10

Palate

8.8/10

Finish

9.0/10

Complexity

8.9/10

Value

8.5/10

The Good

  • Well Integrated
  • Classic Bourbon

The Bad

  • Price
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Bourbon Kentucky Senator Review

Every bottle on Whiskey Consensus is evaluated across five categories on a 1–100 scale. The five scores are averaged to produce a final overall score out of 10.

Nose
Aroma, complexity & first impressions
Palate
Flavor, balance & mouthfeel
Finish
Length, character & quality
Complexity
Depth, layers & evolution in the glass
Value
Quality relative to retail price
Score Rating What It Means
9.5 – 10.0ExceptionalOne for the history books
9.0 – 9.4OutstandingA benchmark expression
8.5 – 8.9GreatSeek this bottle out
8.0 – 8.4Very GoodAbove average in every way
7.5 – 7.9GoodWorth your money
7.0 – 7.4Above AverageA solid everyday pour
6.5 – 6.9AverageUnremarkable but drinkable
6.0 – 6.4Below AverageHard to recommend
5.5 – 5.9Hard PassBetter options at this price
0.0 – 5.4AvoidNot worth your time or money
Matthew Evans
About the Author
Matthew Evans
Whiskey Reviewer · Whiskey Consensus  · 537 posts

Matthew is the founder and visionary behind Whiskey Consensus. What began as a project to explore the Instagram platform and share a love for whiskey has evolved into so much more. Professionally, Matthew works in digital marketing as a solutions engineer and sales leader, bringing innovative strategies to the table. Outside of work, Matthew is an avid runner, as well as a car and watch enthusiast. He is also deeply committed to giving back to the community through various volunteer responsibilities.

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