Bourbon

Bourbon Review: Kentucky Senator John Sherman Cooper Bourbon

We review Kentucky Senator John Sherman Cooper Bourbon, a classic Kentucky whiskey aged eight years in new American oak.

OVERALL RATING

8
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Kentucky Senator John Sherman Cooper Bourbon review

Tasting Notes

About:

Aged for eight years in new American oak, 53.5% ABV, mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, SRP $134.99/ 750ml bottle.
Appearance:
This is moderate amber in color with a lovely rose gold undertone.
Nose:
Initially, the bourbon is fruit-forward yet refined with notes of Mission figs and juicy watermelon. Gentle spice and tea notes are also evident, with aromas of black tea, hibiscus, and star anise. There are aromas of sugar cookies, sea salt caramels, toasted cedar planks, and a floral note like rosehips. With time, it develops an intriguing and refreshing note like lemongrass. Its malty character begins to show through. This is very pleasant and promising.
Palate:
The palate is rich and viscous with a fiery burn. The fruit flavors become more tropical, with notes of pineapples and bananas. It’s sweet and malty like amber ale. I still pick up notes of hibiscus tea with buckwheat honey, pink peppercorns, and sea salt. There are notes of red licorice and Italian plums on the finish. Water helps to cool the fieriness. It also brings out cracked black pepper and fruit salad note. This seems to be barrel strength or close to it, so add ice or water to taste.
Finish:
Comments:
The aromatics are fantastic. I love the interplay between floral, tea, and spice. I went back and forth on scoring this review because the ABV seems a touch off balance when tasted neat. In these days of complex political rancor, it’s nice to find a Kentucky Senator that only requires a dash of water or an ice cube to appeal to a broad base.

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.

Suzanne Bayard

Suzanne Bayard struck out to the West Coast with her now husband almost a decade ago to explore the intersection of wine and policy in its world-class wine regions. She manages a Portland, OR bottle shop by day as the wine buyer and newsletter editor. She is also the Director of the Deep Roots Coalition, an organization of 30 Willamette Valley wineries that educate on and promote dry farming and sustainable practices. She joined the Whiskey Wash to explore two other passions: writing and whiskey.

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