Kentucky Owl Bourbon Whiskey St. Patrick's Edition
Kentucky Owl Bourbon Whiskey St. Patrick's Edition is Kentucky bourbon with an Irish soul — a 100-proof (50% ABV) straight bourbon in a 750mL bottle, blending Kentucky straight bourbons aged 4 to 11 years. Released February 2022, it pairs Kentucky Owl Master Blender John Rhea with Louise McGuane — Ireland's first modern whiskey bonder and founder of J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey — applying the Irish "bonding" tradition: blind-tasting individual casks and blending through "Irish eyes." The four-grain blend layers wheated bourbons (sweetness, citrus), higher-rye bourbons (spice, fruit), and rare older stocks (caramel, vanilla) — and the emptied barrels were shipped to Ireland for McGuane's future Irish whiskey releases. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 100 proof (50% ABV) — 750mL
- Age: blend of Kentucky straight bourbons, 4–11 years (no single age statement)
- Blend: four-grain — wheated + higher-rye + older straight bourbons
- Origin: Bardstown, Kentucky — John Rhea × Louise McGuane (J.J. Corry) collaboration
- Release: February 2022 limited edition
Bonded Through Irish Eyes
Irish whiskey bonders historically bought and blended casks from many distilleries; McGuane brought that exact discipline to Kentucky — tasting barrels blind, building the blend cask by cask. The result drinks like a conversation between two whiskey cultures, finished with the poetic touch of sending the barrels home to Ireland. See more from Kentucky Owl or browse Del Mesa's bourbon shelf.
Tasting Notes
Sweet caramel, honey, and gentle baking spice on the nose; caramel, butterscotch, frosted cinnamon roll, chocolate orange, candy floss, and bright forest fruit on the palate; a medium-long finish of black pepper, toasted oak, and vanilla pod (retailer consensus).
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a splash — 100 proof carries flavor without heat. It makes a memorable old fashioned for anyone who thinks they've had every bourbon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an Irish whiskey?
No — it is Kentucky straight bourbon. The Irish connection is Louise McGuane's bonding/blending method, not the spirit's origin.
Who collaborated on it?
John Rhea (Kentucky Owl) and Louise McGuane, Ireland's first modern whiskey bonder and founder of J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey.
What is the proof?
100 proof (50% ABV).
Two whiskey traditions, one bottle — order Kentucky Owl St. Patrick's Edition online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
