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New Era “Dark Wonders at Mammoth Cave” Bourbon Review

Can a pandemic hobby turn into an exceptional cask-strength bourbon? Discover how New Era Whiskey's bright, summery Nature's Crossing delivers surprising tropical notes.

OVERALL RATING

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Tasting Notes

About:

New Era Whiskey, a Lexington-based company known for limited releases unveiled its first retail collection featuring three cask-strength bourbons named after Kentucky state parks. The collection includes Nature’s Crossing at Natural Bridge (115 proof), Dark Wonders at Mammoth Cave (113.8 proof), and Magic Moonbow at Cumberland Falls (115 proof). Each eight-year-aged bourbon carries a suggested retail price of $99 per 750ml bottle and will be available exclusively in Kentucky stores starting September 6.

“These three barrels are exceptional, and I’m thrilled to share them with bourbon fans across the state,” said co-founder Zane Brammell.

New Era Whiskey emerged from the pandemic when Brammell, a healthcare worker seeking stress relief, discovered bourbon collecting. He founded a single-barrel club in 2022 before expanding into a full brand with co-founder Matt Hobbs in 2024. The company is also donating $3,000 to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund to assist flood victims from the April 2025 disasters.

The move to retail distribution marks New Era’s transition from exclusive club releases to broader market availability, though distribution remains limited to Kentucky for this initial launch.
Appearance:
Amber – Caramel
Nose:
Banana foster, cereal grain, tree moss.
Palate:
Lemon zest, guava fruit, melon, green apple, currant, geranium, cedar/pine.
Finish:
Clove, Szechuan pepper corns (numbing sensation) with smoke/tar and a citrus undertone.
Comments:
This is a summer drink! Bright, airy, with a sharp, short aftertaste. This whiskey will follow nicely from a hot day as you drift into a warm evening. it would pair well following a lightweight dinner, like white fish or a vinaigrette salad.

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.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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