This is a "historic bourbon," aged 15 years and titled Legends of the Wild West and featuring 19th century frontiersman and US army officer Kit Carson on the label. This is almost certainly a Kentucky Bourbon Distillers bottling, although the font style used for the Kit Carson is indicative of the company now known as Preservation Distillers.
Preservation is owned by the Allied Lomar in California, who's other products include Very Olde St Nick, Rare Perfection, Wattie Boone and the Vintage Bourbon and Rye bottles. They have been sourcing bourbon and bottling it for several decades, and they are instantly recognisable from their uniform use of the same cursive script-style typeface. Marci Palatella was Julian Van Winkle III's agent in the Japanese market for many years, and their early bottlings were contracted to him at his Old Commonwealth distillery.
The Van Winkle partnership with in the early 2000's ended this agreement however, with the production of bottles such as this moved to Willett distillery, where they were bottled by its owners, Evan Kulsveen's Kentucky Bourbon Distillers. The stills at Willett were silent at this point and KBD were sourcing most of their whiskey from Heaven Hill.
Preservation Distillers have opened their very own distillery in Bardstown Kentucky in 2018, which will produce around 3-4 barrels of pot distilled bourbon per day.
Founded by a group of passionate enthusiasts with a deep reverence for the lore of the Wild West, the distillery's story is one of adventure, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Inspired by the rugged landscapes, legendary outlaws, and fearless pioneers of the American frontier, the founders embarked on a journey to create spirits that capture the essence of this iconic era.
Every bottle that bears the Legends of the Wild West label is a testament to the distillery's unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. From hand-selecting the finest grains to employing time-honored distillation techniques, each step of the production process is infused with a sense of reverence for the craft.
The distillery's flagship offering, Legends Reserve Bourbon, is a true embodiment of the Wild West spirit. Aged to perfection in charred oak barrels, this bourbon boasts a rich complexity and smooth finish that pays homage to the bold characters and untamed wilderness of the frontier.
In addition to its signature bourbon, Legends of the Wild West Distillery also offers a range of artisanal spirits, including rye whiskey, moonshine, and small-batch releases that showcase the creativity and innovation of its master distillers.
Beyond its commitment to crafting exceptional spirits, Legends of the Wild West Distillery is deeply rooted in its community, supporting local initiatives and preserving the heritage of Kentucky's distilling tradition for generations to come.
As the sun sets over the rolling hills of Kentucky, Legends of the Wild West Distillery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American frontier, inviting adventurers and aficionados alike to raise a glass and toast to the legends of old.