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Whiskey Review: Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2020)

We review Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2020), made in Kentucky according to the traditional Sour Mash process and with a substantial amount of rye in the mash bill.

OVERALL RATING

8
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Tasting Notes

About:

A small batch of 1759 bottles have been released with a 45.6% ABV and price of around $80. It is made in Kentucky according to the traditional Sour Mash process, with a substantial amount of rye in the mash bill.
Appearance:
Light amber color to the whiskey.
Nose:
The front of the nose catches caramel and dried apricot. Further whiffs reveal vanilla, ripe pear, a hint of oak and a bit of clove.
Palate:
Shank’s has a pleasant buttery front that is accompanied by a prickly heat that hangs on for just the right amount of time. Spicy notes of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg bring home a nostalgic fall flavor that is accented by the rich flavor of warm raisins. The back end has a welcome oak flavor that highlights the carefully aged barrels that were hand-picked for this distilling. The substantial amount of rye used in this distilling is what shapes the drier, earthier tone and keeps the sugars in check.
Finish:
Comments:
Like a cozy blanket on your tongue, this whiskey warms and comforts in all the right ways that you would expect from a well-balanced whiskey. It is a shame that this is not on the regular line up for the Michter’s label, but I am glad that dug deep when looking into what their legacy is built on.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

John Dover

John Dover, creator and writer of the acclaimed "Johnny Scotch" series, draws inspiration from his immersive experiences as a professional musician and his extensive travels across the US. His Jazz Noir world intertwines with his music, culminating in collaborations such as the "Johnny Scotch Vignettes" with Thomas Barber, blending high-energy fusion with spoken word.

John's latest ventures include "Johnny Scotch #4" illustrated by Dan Schaefer, and the novella "A Song for Charlie." Alongside his music career, he continues to expand the "Johnny Scotch" universe through short stories and comic books.

Beyond "Johnny Scotch," John is a recognized horror writer, contributing to anthologies such as "Tales from the Braided Pony," "Monsters 'N' Things," "100 Word Horrors," and the forthcoming "Tenebrous Tales." He's also a regular entertainment writer for Mythmachine.com.

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