Kentucky Owl Bourbon is the real deal! Originally founded by Charles Mortimer Dedman in 1879, it continued operations until prohibition became law in 1916. At this point, the government seized some 250,00 gallons of Kentucky Owl, taking it away for safekeeping. Yeah right!

A hundred years later, the great, great-grandson of C.M Dedman revived the family business and set about blending a bourbon worthy of the Kentucky Owl name. Six years of rigorous research and experimentation lead to the first new whiskey to carry the Kentucky Owl name and since 2017 a series of unique batches have been produced to much acclaim. With the launch of The Wiseman, the next stage of the Kentucky Owl story takes flight.

The Wiseman Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the perfect blend of four Kentucky straight bourbons, masterfully blended to show their individual taste contributions. Caramel, allspice, and citrus notes fill the nose. These lead to similar tastes across the tongue, as the allspice fades, the longer finish presents with caramel and hints of oak. Great for cocktails or sipping neat. Serve with a decadent chocolate cake.

Available at the LCBO.

The Night Owl Martini

Ingredients

  • 1.5oz THE WISEMAN™ Bourbon
  • 1oz espresso
  • 0.75oz coffee liqueur
  • 2 dashes of chocolate bitters

Method

Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice, then shake well for 1 minute. Pour into a coupe. Garnish with espresso beans

Owl Smash

Ingredients

  • 1.5oz THE WISEMAN™ Bourbon
  • 1oz lemon juice
  • 0.75oz simple syrup
  • 6-8 mint leaves

Method

Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice, then shake well for 1 minute. Double fine strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with mint sprig.

Wise Chai New Fashioned

Ingredients

  • 1.5oz THE WISEMAN™ Bourbon
  • 0.75oz lemon juice
  • 0.5oz simple syrup (or honey)
  • 3 blackberries, muddled
  • Sprig, rosemary (optional)

Method

Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice, then shake well for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass, over ice. Top with soda.

Awards

Double Gold Medal winner at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Also available – Kentucky Owl Straight Rye Whiskey, a traditional Rye made with a mash bill of 95% Rye. A spicy nose progresses to the taste, filling the mouth and tickling the tastebuds. The long finish starts as fresh rye bread and moves slowly toward buttered cinnamon toast, ending with just a hint of English walnut.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.