K. Luke is back for their first set of releases of 2024. I have to say, of all the batches they've done these just may be my favorite yet. \xa0 Jonathan and Jennifer Maisano are blending some fantastic whiskey, from their barrel strength offerings to their toasted products and most recently dipping their feet in a wine finished blend. Today, we're back with Batch 8 Bourbon and Batch 2 Toasted Bourbon. If you've long been a fan of the K. Luke bourbons, you can expect much the same quality but, in my opinion, their most balanced batch of bourbon to date. When it comes to toasted bourbons I see consumers generally fall into two camps: they love the campfire toasted oak vibes or they stay away from them. This is one of those bottles I'd say you wouldn't exactly know it was toasted unless someone told you. Where the finishing shines, compared to the bourbon, is in the finish and it's fantastic mouthfeel.\xa0 \xa0 If there was every a time to be introduced to K. Luke, now is the time. \xa0 K. Luke Bourbon Batch 8 \xa0 I’m in love with the nose on this one. Warm, rich yet soft vanilla tones, soft ripe peaches, plum, dried cherry, and continually developing brown sugar sweetness. This is a slow and steady growing nose, but perhaps one of the most balanced noses on a K. Luke bourbon to date.\xa0 \xa0 The palate is aged oak, toasted vanilla and chocolate ganache. The spice I’ve noticed more prominently in other batches is much more intertwined this one. The floral and stone fruit bouquet I’ve also noticed jump out more in other batches is refined and controlled here, adding nuance and depth.\xa0 \xa0 If you’ve enjoyed K. Luke before, this is perhaps their most refined blend yet.\xa0 \xa0 K. Luke Toasted Bourbon Batch 2 \xa0 Much more fruit on the nose than I expected. Strawberry, cherry pie, plum, and then continuing with light leather, spiced vanilla, and softly charred wood. \xa0
The palate is a plethora of sugar browning notes. Heavy Demerara syrup, subtle toffee, creamy vanilla… just a slightly toasted creamy sweet bomb. If you enjoy mouthfeel, this one clings for days.Fruit notes not as present here, if anything dried fruits underneath the sweeter sugar notes.\xa0
\xa0 The finish is where the toasted element shines: nuanced baking spices (not drying), charred oak, and slightly drying wood tannins.\xa0 \xa0 \xa0 About:\xa0After tasting thousands of barrels over the past decade owners Jonathan and Jennifer Maisano decided it was time to create their own brand to share their love of whiskey and family with you. K.LUKE is a tribute to both of their children Kaitlyn and Lucas, please enjoy this Bourbon with Family and Friends as much as they do. \xa0 | 
