Whiskey Row Cask Strength Bourbon Review (2025)

 

This is the third in a series of reviews for Whiskey Row Bourbon’s new core lineup. My review of Small Batch Triple Wood can be found here, and Bottled-in-Bond here.

 

Cask Strength whiskey is a fun, niche category. It goes by several other names: Barrel Proof, Barrel Strength, and Uncut. Like Small Batch, these terms have no legal definition; thus, they can mean just about anything.

 

In practice, Cask Strength, Barrel Proof, Barrel Strength, and Uncut mean that the whiskey is bottled at its undiluted proof, meaning no water has been added.

 

In reality, that’s not exactly true. Some brands shoot for a consistent bottling. It allows them to print up one label for the product line and then proofed to what the label suggests. Some countries have laws against exporting whiskies beyond a maximum proof. That’s not to suggest that all or even most Cask Strength offerings are diluted; it just means the brand can tinker with it without fear of misleading consumers.  

 

Today, I’m exploring Whiskey Row Cask Strength Bourbon.

 

“Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at Cask Strength is a showcase of the skill and expertise of legendary whiskey maker Steve Thompson who created Whiskey Row Bourbon in Louisville, Kentucky.

Having spent extra time in the barrel, its aroma flavor and color have been enhanced by the delicate barrel char that compliments the cask strength finish.

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at its higher proof allows you to ‘proof down’ bad adding water to the proof you personally desire or simply, sip it neat.” – Whiskey Row Bourbon

 

Before I #DrinkCurious, I must thank Kentucky Artisan Distillers for providing me with a sample in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review.

 

• Whiskey Type: Bourbon
• Distiller: Kentucky Artisan Distillery (DSP-KY-20004)
• Mashbill: Undisclosed blend of corn, rye, and malted barley
• Age: NAS (At least four years)
• Cooperage: Matured in new, charred oak barrels
• Alcohol Content: 55.5% ABV (111°)
• Price per 750mL: $69.99
• Availability: CO, GA, IL, KY, MI, NH, NY, TN. A global rollout, including Europe, will follow.

 

Appearance: I opted to sip this Bourbon neat from my Glencairn glass. The liquid was the color of rust. It formed a sticky, medium rim yet immediately released thick, tightly spaced, fast tears.

 

Nose: As I allowed the Bourbon to rest in the glass, my Whiskey Library was filled with its aroma. I identified dark chocolate, charred oak, agave, hazelnuts, leather, and caramel. When I drew the air through my lips, I discovered smoky toffee.

 

Palate: Whiskey Row’s mouthfeel was thick and creamy, and I noticed a distinct lack of heat. The first sip was incredibly bitter and off-putting. I took a second to take advantage of the palate shock.

 

Palate shock happens when your mouth, tongue, throat, and tastebuds encounter something for the first time. My strict rule of thumb is to never judge a whiskey on that first sip (good or bad).

 

There were flavors of dark roast black coffee, hazelnuts, and dried tobacco leaf on the front. My mid-palate found ripe cherries, caramel, and toasted almonds. I tasted charred oak, leather, and cocoa nibs on the back.

 

Finish: Coffee and oak tannins hit hard. There was some dark chocolate, hazelnuts, and tobacco leaf. The duration ran 1:24, placing it into the medium venue.  

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: The bitter coffee notes dominated my sipping experience. As many times as I approached it, it never subsided. I'd believe you if you told me this was a coffee-flavored whiskey.

 

So, I did what I usually do when I’m not a fan of Cask Strength whiskey: I used an eyedropper to add two drops of distilled water to it to see how it would be impacted.

 

I loved how the water displaced the esters. I gave my glass a gentle swirl. Notes of coffee, dark chocolate, oak, golden raisins, and rich caramel were on the nose. Drawing the air into my mouth brought milk chocolate.

 

The coffee on the palate mellowed. The water enhanced the oak, which became bone dry and stringy. The hazelnuts were more pronounced. Those were followed by tobacco, dark chocolate, and dandelion greens. Dandelion, caramel, oak tannins, and clove were on the finish and lasted 1:11, slightly longer than the neat pour.

 

Between the two, I much preferred the neat pour. However, of the three Whiskey Row core selections, I found the Cask Strength Bourbon to be the least enjoyable. I found that interesting, considering how much I relished the other two. You’ll want to try this one at a Bar before purchasing one to take home. Cheers!

 

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you to do so responsibly.