Whiskey Review/Tasting: Ridgemont Reserve

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Kentucky, United States.
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Aged for 8 years, indicating a significant oak influence due to the extended aging period for a bourbon.
Age Statement: 8 years old.
Color: Described as a wonderful dark amber.
Clarity and Bottle Design: The bottle underwent a name and design change from Ridgewood Reserve to Ridgemont Reserve due to a lawsuit from the proprietors of Woodford Reserve. The current design and name were chosen to avoid confusion and legal issues, with a focus on commemorating Kentucky's history.

Balance of Flavors: The bourbon is described as complex, with a balance between softness at the tip of the tongue and a silky or velvety texture on the sides of the mouth.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its fruitiness, with flavors reminiscent of cherries or peaches, and a background of honey and oakiness. The American oak influence is present but not as strong as European oak.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique flavor profile, influenced by its 8-year maturation, sets it apart from the average Kentucky straight bourbon.

Interesting Stories: The bourbon commemorates the year 1792, when Kentucky became the 15th state to join the United States. It is also the official toast bourbon for the yearly Kentucky Bourbon Festival, highlighting its significance within the bourbon community.

Historical Context: The name and spirit of the bourbon pay homage to Kentucky's rich heritage and its pivotal year of statehood. The bourbon is produced in the heart of Bourbon County, emphasizing its deep roots in the region's distilling history.

Opinions and Quotes: Horst Luening, the master taster, praises the bourbon for its complex flavor profile and recommends it as worth purchasing, especially given its status as one of the few bourbons from the Barton Distillery. He advises moderation and suggests buying a single bottle initially to ensure satisfaction with the batch's flavor.

Ridgemont Reserve is a premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon, aged for 8 years.
It has a dark amber color and a complex flavor profile with a notable oak influence.
The bourbon commemorates Kentucky's statehood in 1792 and is the official toast bourbon of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.
It underwent a name and design change due to a lawsuit from Woodford Reserve.
Recommended for those who appreciate a complex, aged bourbon with a rich heritage.

Bourbon Enthusiasts: Individuals with a deep appreciation for bourbon history and craftsmanship will enjoy the rich heritage and complex flavor profile of Ridgemont Reserve.
Connoisseurs Seeking Unique Flavors: Those looking for a bourbon that offers a balance of fruitiness, oakiness, and spiciness will find Ridgemont Reserve intriguing.
Collectors: Given its unique story and the limited availability from the Barton Distillery, collectors may find Ridgemont Reserve a valuable addition to their collection.
Festival Goers: Attendees of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival or those who celebrate Kentucky's bourbon culture may particularly appreciate this bourbon as a commemorative spirit.