King of Kentucky 17 Year Old, Cask #51, 2025, 69.6%

The appeal here is the way dark sweetness and oak sit alongside fruit rather than crowding each other out. Cherry and brown sugar carry from the nose into cherry cola and stewed apple on the palate, while seasoned oak and spice bring a firmer edge. The stated 69.6% ABV is a notable strength, though the notes give no further detail about how it shapes the palate. The long, warming finish sounds especially appealing.

Reviewed by crumpled.fox

Nose

Deep brown sugar, Seasoned oak, Molasses, Chestnut, Aged leather, Cherry

Palate

Cocoa powder, Syrup-soaked raisin, Cinnamon syrup, Brown sugar, Cherry cola, Stewed apple

Finish

Long, warming, oak-driven, Lingering dark-fruit sweetness, Spice