Kentucky Owl’s Wise Whiskey Flight

Prepare to hoot with delight as you uncover three owl-some expressions full of whiskey history, innovation, and craftsmanship.

Founded in 1879 by Charles Mortimer Dedman along the Kentucky River, it thrived until Prohibition hit. Despite twists like a vanished whiskey stash and a fiery scandal, its legacy now soars once more. Revived by Dedman’s great-great-grandson in 2014, the brand crafts whiskeys that honor its history while appealing to modern whiskey lovers.

The Wiseman Kentucky Straight Rye ruffles feathers with its bold yet approachable nature. Crafted with a 95% rye mash bill, this Double Platinum and Double Gold award-winning spirit is renowned for its balance of richness and spice. Whether you’re a fledgling rye fan or a seasoned connoisseur, this rye proves complexity doesn’t have to crowd out charm.

With Kentucky Owl Takumi, Master Blenders John Rhea and Yusuke Yahisa joined forces to create a whiskey that harmonizes East and West. Each bottle carries the signature precision of Japanese artistry with the classic depth of Kentucky bourbon. It’s a wise choice for those who treasure innovation as much as tradition.

Finally, Kentucky Owl Maighstir is a masterful collaboration between bourbon and Scotch expertise. Built on a foundation of small grains and meticulous blending, this whiskey bridges the gap between two proud traditions. Sophisticated and layered, Maighstir was crafted to perch at the top of any whiskey lover’s collection.

This exclusive collection is perfect for wise sippers looking to spread their wings and explore the full range of bourbon innovation!

SMARTASS CORNER

1. During Prohibition in 1916, more than 250,000 gallons (or $40 million worth) of Kentucky Owl whiskey were seized, only to disappear after a mysterious warehouse fire. Rumor has it that organized crime stole the stash to supply speakeasies.

2. Rye whiskey predates bourbon in America, with its first recorded distillation in 1640 by Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (modern-day New York). It was the preferred spirit of Germanic settlers in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

3. Prohibition nearly wiped out rye whiskey production. Post-repeal, many distilleries moved production to Kentucky, where bourbon was more dominant.

4. Rye whiskey has seen a resurgence since the 1990s, driven by craft distilleries and a renewed interest in classic cocktails like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned.

5. To craft Kentucky Owl’s Takumi Edition, Master Blender John Rhea sent four Kentucky Straight Bourbons—aged 4, 5, 6, and 13 years—to Japan. Yusuke Yahisa from the Nagahama distillery reviewed them and created new blends, adding his signature Japanese whisky style to the mix.

6. Nagahama, founded in 2016, is Japan’s smallest whisky distillery, occupying just 26 square meters. The distillery’s pot stills are uniquely shaped, inspired by Arabic architecture, earning them the nickname “Arambic” stills.

7. To earn the title “Kentucky Straight Bourbon” or “Kentucky Straight Rye,” the whiskey must be distilled and aged entirely in Kentucky, made with at least 51% corn for bourbon or 51% rye for rye. Furthermore, it must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least two years, with no additives allowed, and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.*

8. The name “Maighstir” (pronounced “May-stir”) is a traditional Gaelic word meaning “Master.” It reflects the craftsmanship and mentorship behind this Kentucky Owl expression.