Burnt Tavern Bourbon Review (7 Year, 105 Proof)

Burnt Tavern Bourbon
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 105 proof
MSRP: $70
Review by Ray Marcano

Please enjoy our Burnt Tavern Bourbon Review by Ray Marcano!

Burnt and Rebuilt Twice

Burnt Tavern Bourbon is produced by William Berkele Distillery in Garrard County, Kentucky. In 1794, Rev. James Smith and his family built a travelers’ rest along Zanes Trace, in what is now Bryantsville, Kentucky. The tavern was destroyed by fire and rebuilt twice, becoming known as Burnt Tavern. During its time, it served as a respite for travelers, frontiersmen, and locals alike. In 1868 William Berkele founded his distillery on land he purchased near the site of the legendary Burnt Tavern and began production of handmade sour mash whiskey.

The Brand is Reborn

In 2020, new ownership began restoring both the tavern and the distillery, with Burnt Tavern Bourbon becoming its first modern release in 2025. After aging in traditional bourbon barrels, the whiskey is double-barreled in two unique, slowly toasted and charred secondary barrels. In these barrels, the bourbon is said to develop additional layers of burnt sugar, caramel, vanilla, oak, and subtle wood smoke before bottling, according to the brand.

Details – Burnt Tavern Bourbon Review

• Distillery: William Berkele Distillery
• Location: Garrard County, KY
• Expression: Burnt Tavern Bourbon
• Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Age: 7 Years
• Proof: 105
• Mash Bill: N/A
• MSRP: $70
• Finished: Double-barreled in slowly toasted and charred secondary barrels

Tasting Notes – Burnt Tavern Bourbon Review

Let’s taste it:

🛏 Rested: 15 minutes in a Glencairn glass

👉🏻 Nose: Sweet caramel, vanilla, floral notes, brown sugar, oak
👉🏻 Taste: Caramel cream, cinnamon, vanilla, toffee, Banana’s Foster
👉🏻 Finish: Rye, clove, pepper, vanilla, oak

Summary

As I poured Burnt Tavern Bourbon into the glass, I was taken aback by the amber color and thickness of the pour. I got an immediate whiff of sweetness before I brought the glass to my nose, and when I did, I thought, “This will be fun.” And it was. The caramel and vanilla provided a quick scent of a good cream soda. The sweetness continued on the palate, with predominant notes of caramel and toffee. The banana came through at the end, and it gave me the taste of Banana’s Foster, traditionally made with brown sugar, cinnamon, nuts, butter, and vanilla. The strong and long spicy finish provides just enough heat.

Conclusion – Burnt Tavern Bourbon Review

Here’s the best I can tell you. I immediately ordered one bottle and will likely go back for more. We’re used to bourbons with the standard profile, but Burnt Tavern turns that on its head. The sweetness followed by the spice is a winning combination. It’s no wonder it won the Gold Medal and Straight Bourbon of the Year from the USA Spirits Ratings in 2025. It’s also an early contender for a 2026 Bourbon Resource Award (see the 2025 winners here).

Have you tried Burnt Tavern Bourbon? What do you think? Cheers!🥃

We hope you have enjoyed our Burnt Tavern Bourbon Review by Ray Marcano! Ray publishes a free monthly newsletter, The Bourbon Resource. You can subscribe here. You can also read some of Ray’s other reviews: Augusta Buckner’s 13-Year Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon Review (HAZMAT) and Town Branch Overproof Kentucky Straight Whiskey Review.

Note: This sample was graciously provided by the the Brand for Ray’s review. He appreciates it!

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