Review of PaPaw's Ridge Kentucky Straight Bourbon

 

I have never really understood why brands create pseudo-distilleries. Is it because there is a non-distilling producer (NDP) that is trying to be cute? Is it due to a distillery selling substandard casks to an NDP, and it wants to distance itself as far as possible from them? Is it to protect some secret mashbill? Is it a tax shelter? Shrug. Who knows?

 

Both large, legacy, and small craft distilleries do this. Personally, I find it annoying. Transparency is a big deal with me. While I respect and honor non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and I understand wanting to keep proprietary information close to one’s vest, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.   

 

Today I’m reviewing PaPaw’s Ridge Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which is distilled by The Rut’N Strut Distillery out of Shelbyville. It took me almost no time to discover that it’s a registered limited liability company for Jeptha Creed Distillery, which has been around since 2014.

 

PaPaw’s Ridge was first produced in 2025 and marketed in Florida before gaining nationwide distribution this past March. This bit of information makes me wonder if Jeptha Creed had to produce something under The Rut’N Strut Distillery’s name to keep it?

 

Regardless, I happen to like Jeptha Creed. It has a good track record with me. Founded by Joyce and Bruce Nethery in 2013, Jeptha Creed was meant to be handed down to their children, Autumn and Hunter. Joyce serves as the Master Distiller; Autumn is the Marketing Manager. Bruce grows grains, and Hunter is the beekeeper who provides honey for the various spirits produced. The distillery was built on the family cornfield in Shelbyville County, Kentucky.

 

Made from a mash of 80% yellow corn, 10% rye, and 10% malted barley, PaPaw’s Ridge is named for Roy “PaPaw” Nethery, the family patriarch who was affable, funny, and appreciated the simple things in life.

 

“PaPaw’s Ridge is more than just another Kentucky bourbon; it’s a tribute to the man who taught us that the best moments in life are rooted in good company and simple quality. Expanding nationally is an exciting next step for us because more people across the country can experience the whiskey and the family story behind it. We’re proud to share our legacy on a broader scale.” - Autumn Nethery, Founder of PaPaw’s Ridge

 

PaPaw’s Ridge is packaged in 750mL - 43% ABV (86°), and has a suggested price of $39.99. It is available in 40 states and on its online store.

 

Anyway, I have in front of me an affordable, relatively mid-proofed Bourbon. Is it any good? We’ll discover the answer once we #DrinkCurious. First, I must thank PaPaw’s Ridge (errr… Jeptha Creed) for providing me with a sample in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review.

 

• Whiskey Type: Bourbon
• Distiller: The Rut’N Strut Distillery (Jeptha Creed Distillery)
• Age: At least four years
• Mashbill: 80% yellow corn, 10% rye, and 10% malted barley
• Cooperage: New, 53-gallon charred oak barrels
• Alcohol Content: 43% ABV (86°)
• Price per 750mL: $39.99

 

Appearance: I used a Glencairn glass to explore PaPaw’s Ridge neat. The Bourbon looked like liquid butterscotch; it formed a massive rim with widely spaced, thick, fast tears.

 

Nose: I left PaPaw’s Ridge alone for 15 minutes so it could breathe. My olfactory sense plucked corn, mild cinnamon, baked apples, brown sugar, and deeply charred oak. As I pulled the vapor through my lips, I tasted rich caramel.

 

Palate: With the first sip, I encountered an almost watery mouthfeel, yet the Bourbon seemed arid with dry leather and oak. I took a second and discovered flavors of corn, leather, and dark chocolate on the front of my palate. Oak returned on my mid-palate, and it seemed quite green. Candied apples joined that. I found clove and rye spice on the back.  

 

Finish: Here’s where PaPaw’s Ridge finally came to life. Flavors of walnuts, caramel, leather, black tea, rye spice, cinnamon, and green oak were present for a full 1:27.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: I found that PaPaw’s Ridge drank closer to 90°, with a combination of bitterness, sweetness, nuttiness, and spiciness on the finish. I can see (and taste) where Jeptha Creed wanted to keep this a no-nonsense pour; however, it went overboard with that. The only attention-getting aspect was my trying to figure out that strange finish. Beyond that, it was quite unremarkable.

 

Would I buy PaPaw’s Ridge? No. Would I order it at a public establishment? If I’d never tried it, yes, because that’s the whole #DrinkCurious lifestyle. Would I order it twice? No.

 

Boring doesn’t translate to low-quality. You should try this one at a Bar first. There are more interesting Bourbons out there, including those made by Jeptha Creeed. 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.