Bourbon Review: Duke Kentucky Straight Bourbon

, honey and heather notes add complexity, as smoke pulls forward through ginger and burnt sugar. The finish is medium in length and pleasantly full of vanilla flavors. This is a nice debut whiskey, with little to distinguish it from many others which share its similar price point. It lacks the fullness of flavor of say, Buffalo Trace, or the innovative profile of Mischief. It is more civilized than Bulleit, but far less sophisticated than Knob Creek. Subtle and not too sweet, this whiskey pairs well with potatoes dauphine, or an early season barbecue. I give it 81 points. Should you want to pick up a bottle, it is available online from a variety of retailers for an average price of $33. If one remembers The Duke as his image on the screen, of his swagger and power and iconic Americanism, then no bourbon has a hope of living up to his name. If one remembers The Duke as a generous friend and father, and successful American craftsman, then Duke Kentucky Straight Bourbon is right on the money.