Cream of Kentucky 11.5 Year Old

A high-quality revitalization of a historic Bourbon, perfectly composed and aged 11.5 years.

Whiskey legend Jim Rutledge has had a storied career. He is famous for rescuing the Four Roses from bottom-shelf oblivion by bringing quality and integrity back to the brand after Diageo sold it to Kirin. Well, Jim “retired” a few years ago, but he had been hinting on a few private projects that he was working on. Word began to spread late last year when eagle-eyed fans spotted his application for label approval at the US Treasury office (responsible for liquor taxation). Soon after, his website went live and he has launched a trio of products so far: High Plains Whiskey, J. W. Rutledge Whiskey, and a revitalization of the famous Cream of Kentucky brand.

The label “Cream of Kentucky” was first used for premium Bourbon in 1888. That operator closed when Prohibition took effect. It was reintroduced after Prohibition by the Schenley Company and did rather well for a while. But the “Whiskey Recession” of the 1960s shuttered the brand once again. Jim Rutledge has resurrected the brand with a focus on quality, delivering an 11.5 year old Straight Bourbon served at a powerful 51% ABV. Jim is very open that the Spirit for this release was sourced, and there is an agreement that the distillery remain anonymous. But the paperwork and educated speculation suggest Kentucky Artisan Distillery (makers of Jefferson’s).

Smartass corner:
Back during its hay-day, the famous American artist Normal Rockwell painted ads for Cream of Kentucky.

*This bottle is a collector's item, we will not be able to entertain any refunds or exchanges.

**Individual orders limited to one item per person, as we wish to give everyone the opportunity to participate.

***Any kind of transit damage is insured and will be reimbursed.