Old Medley Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is yet another in a string of labels from yesteryear that has been resurrected to take advantage of bourbon’s surging popularity. Reportedly distilled in Kentucky and bottled in California, the original generation of Old Medley was brought into the world by 5th generation master distiller Thomas Aquinas Medley following the repeal of Prohibition.
Medley’s grandson, present-day and 7th generation master distiller Charles W. Medley, established this limited 12 year old release to honor his late grandfather. The original namesake distillery, by the way, is now owned by spirits company Terressentia. You can learn more of the complicated Medley/Terressentia story here.
The NDP version of Old Medley’s mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley is fermented with a yeast strain which the family retains as a secret within the industry to this day. Before aging 12 years in new charred American oak barrels, Old Medley is twice-distilled through a copper pot still.
Bottled at 43.4% ABV (86.8 proof), this bourbon is in select markets with a suggested retail price of around $50 for a 750 ml. bottle. The label is a one-time release limited to 2,500 cases, making this a collector’s item for some regardless of the level of enjoyment carried within the bottle itself.
Getting the opportunity to stretch my legs and try whiskeys which would otherwise be unlikely to appear on my radar is just one the great pleasures I take from reviewing whiskeys. Old Medley would likely have passed me by had I not been assigned this label by my editor. I was immediately struck by the distinctive bottle, which is identical to that used by one of my all-time favorite bourbons, Elmer T. Lee. That alone meant my curiosity was piqued before I knew anything more about Old Medley.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Caramel amber with fairly strong legs.
Nose: Sweet vanilla, generous amount of alcohol, oak.
Palate: Sweet, although not as sweet as expected, caramel, decent amount of spice, a light creaminess to the overall flavor.
Trending Stories
Finish: Warm, quick, somewhat spicy finish. Not as harsh as the nose would suggest.
Conclusion:
I like to believe there is no right or wrong way to enjoy a whiskey, aside from responsibly and within reason. There will be many a collector who will be happy to appreciate this bourbon still sealed in the bottle due solely to its rareness. Still others will want to crack it open and see what exactly lies within. If you are of the opinion that whiskeys are best meant for drinking, I am pleased to report this one is quite enjoyable, regardless of its rareness.
That being said, Old Medley’s price point places the bourbon in competition with others that are far superior, in my opinion. However, some may be able to forgive its pricing due to the collectible nature of such a limited run of whiskey.
Score: 82/100
Latest News