Veteran Bourbon Review: King’s Straight Bourbon

Official Product Website

History – The founders of King’s Family Distillery possess a phenomenal resume. Justin King got his start in the whiskey game by being recruited by Tennessee’s first legal moonshine distillery as the Master Distiller. Cara King started her career with her family grain firm, a major supplier of Rye to the whiskey industry for over 60 years. They started their company in 2018 and have made strides ever since.

Value – I purchased this bottle for $42 and I believe it’s worth every penny.

Appearance – Slender and long. Not a terrible-looking bottle with a nice label. Light copper in color, that is bottled up with a cork.

Nose – Right from the rip, I am impressed with the smooth mix of oak, caramel, and raisin. Not one of the three overpowers the other. Phenomenal nose.

Palate – A quick hit of oak swirled in some sort of tobacco flavor that I can’t quite put my finger on. However, that does not last long because the burn of this 107-proof took off faster than a turkey in November. If you like the burn then you will love this.

Finish – After you get over the fiery palate. The finish lays down roots that are quite cooling to the tongue and throat with the help of oak, hints of honey, and vanilla. I do have to say the palate and finish kind of work together.

Summary – In summary, I found this company because they are in my neck of the woods per se being roughly an hour from me. They are fairly new, established in 2018. I was surprised by the product I reviewed. The palate did have a little too much burn for my liking but that’s just me. I purchased this bottle not knowing that most of the King’s Straight Bourbon bottles are 87-proof and this one is 107-proof which is probably why the palate had so much fire. I am curious about the difference and I have reached out to King’s Family Distillery for that reason.

“We have an upcoming distillery trying to make a name for itself, and I believe they are well on their way. Job well done with this one. I can’t wait to try the Tennessee Bourbon, Wheat bourbon, and their Ryes.”

–Eric Watkins

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 6

Appearance- 1-10 – 7

Nose- 1-20 – 15

Palate- 1-20 – 12

Finish- 1-20 – 14

Value- 1-20 – 16