Review: Old Louisville Bourbon 11 Years Old

Old Louisville Whiskey Company is a tiny non-distilling producer operated by Amine and Beth Karaoud. Over the past few years, the Karaouds have developed a reputation for bottling quality whiskey distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana by you-know-who. Everything bottled by Old Louisville has matured for at least 7 years. The brand offers batched and single barrel whiskeys, including their newest single barrel sporting an age statement of 11 years.

Old Louisville Whiskey Co. Single Barrel Straight Bourbon 11 Years Old was distilled in Lawrenceburg on May 8, 2013 and bottled in early September 2024. Old Louisville’s Barrel OL-4 boasts a total maturation of 11 years and 4 months. The first 10 years of aging occurred in Indiana and the remainder occurred at the Old Louisville Whiskey Co. facility in Louisville, KY. The Karaouds selected bourbon from Indiana with a mashbill comprised of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barely. Staying true to bourbon coming out of Lawrenceburg, the bourbon entered the barrel at 120 proof. This particular bourbon was matured in char level #3 barrels constructed by Independent Stave Company. Over the 11 years and 4 months of maturation, the proof dropped to 106, and it was bottled uncut and unfiltered.

Old Louisville Whiskey Co. has a history of releasing fantastic single barrels, but at a premium price. The 11-year-old series comes with a hefty price of $150. Does this well-aged bourbon meet the expectation of the asking price? Let’s get to it.

Following more than 11 years of aging, the nose is bursting with character. Rich and pungent molasses immediately wafts upward, followed by vanilla extract. Well-ripened black plums add to the bouquet, followed by mild cinnamon. Allowing the glass to sit for a few moments, red licorice completes the nosing experience. The composite nosing experience delivers on expectations from an Indiana bourbon with more than 10 years of age on it.

The palate opens with fruity notes as more well-ripened black plums present in combination with burnt orange peel. Transitioning to the midpalate, a lovely cinnamon note joins with a mild tobacco note. Old Louisville presents an enticing arrangement of fruit and tannins that coats the mouth with a thick viscosity.

Old Louisville’s age continues to make itself known on the finish as it offers notes of toasted pecan and cocoa powder. Toasted coconut and cinnamon finish the experience.

I’ve experienced numerous whiskeys bottled by Old Louisville and all have been quite pleasant, but this particular single barrel has definitely been the most balanced and complex of the lot. However, previous offerings from this brand that I’ve tried have also come with a younger age statement. Old Louisville currently has around 50 barrels available, sporting a minimum age statement of 11 years old. When it comes to spending $150 on any bottle, consumers have a lot of quality options. Old Louisville Whiskey Co. is a safe purchase at $150 that will not come with buyer’s remorse.

106 proof.

A / $150 / oldlouisvillewhiskey.com

The post Review: Old Louisville Bourbon 11 Years Old appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.