Dustin Gandoff
K. Luke Small Batch Straight Bourbon (Batch 2):
Don’t judge a book by its cover, as K.Luke Small Batch has more to offer than you might expect. Since 2014, Jonathan Maisano has selected 350 barrels for his store, Maisano’s Fine Wine and Spirits. During that time, he says he has tasted more than 1,400 barrels and felt like it was finally time to create his own brand based on his skill of picking barrels. He is also a first level certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. K.Luke is a brand created by Jonathan and his wife, Jennifer, and named after their two children Kaitlyn and Lucas. While picking a single barrel is much different than blending barrels together, Maisano makes the transition nicely.
Nose:
Apple | Caramel | Butterfinger | Butterscotch | Oak
Palate:
Honey | Brown sugar | Golden raisin | Touch of lime | Well rounded
Finish:
Baking spices | Black pepper | Seasoned oak | Touch dry | Medium length
Overall:
K.Luke Small Batch Batch 2 opens with an enjoyable mingling of apple, caramel, and Butterfinger candy. It’s gentle and soft, yet flows from the glass without too much coaxing. The palate seems unassuming at first, but quickly reveals a joining of honey, brown sugar, golden raisin, and lime. As unique as it sounds, the flavors come together quite well, and in turn, develop into a well-rounded and smooth sipper. The finish gently veers from the palate ever-so-slightly, and introduces baking spices, black pepper, and seasoned oak. While the sip is more straightforward than not, its flavors work very well together, and its smooth and well-rounded body delivers a rather enjoyable and satisfying sip.
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: K.Luke Spirits
Distillery: Sourced from undisclosed distilleries in Kentucky and Indiana
Release Date: October 2022
Proof: 100
Age: NAS (Aged at least 4 years per TTB regulations)
Mashbill: A blend of high rye and low rye mashbills
Color: Walnut
MSRP: $80 (2023)
Time, he has chosen only ten barrels for his own label.
K. Luke Small Batch Straight Bourbon (Batch 2) may seem unassuming at first glance, but don’t let its humble packaging fool you. Jonathan Maisano’s selection process for this bourbon has resulted in a truly exceptional blend. With only ten barrels chosen for his own label since 2014, this bourbon is a rare and special find. Don’t be surprised if it exceeds your expectations.
Time with the purchase of every four barrels, Jonathan
I tried the K. Luke Small Batch Straight Bourbon and was pleasantly surprised by its flavor and complexity. Despite its unassuming appearance, it offers a unique taste and smoothness. Would definitely recommend giving it a try!
Time, he has delivered some incredible single barrels and small batches, including his own small batch bourbon.
I am not a bourbon connoisseur, but I have heard great things about K.Luke Small Batch Straight Bourbon. The fact that each batch is hand-picked and carefully crafted by Jonathan Maisano adds a personal touch to the bourbon. I am excited to try it out for myself and see if it lives up to the hype!
Short span, four have been chosen for K.Luke.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the complexity and smoothness of K. Luke Small Batch bourbon. With only four barrels being selected in a short span, it truly is a special and unique blend worth trying.”