The Mckenna was one of those sleeper bourbons that we all hoped nobody finds out about. Age stated 10 year old bottled in bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon is simply not being sold by anyone else. There's absolutely nothing out there that can claim those stats even at higher prices. And you know what, it's SINGLE BARREL as well. So checking almost every geeky bourbon box. But ultimately this is just one of the very finest drinkers in the shop. While it doesn't have the smack you around power of its sibling the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, it offers so much supple and sumptuous sipping that it should be considered up there with Blanton's, Russell's and Four Roses as one of one of the pillars of single barrel goodness.

What used to be a staple on our shelf has moved into the unobtainable realm since McKenna 10 year won Best in Show at the SF spirits comp in 2019. Beating out every other whisky of any type this under the radar stalwart shot into the stratosphere of Bourbon circles everywhere. Tack the pandemic on top of that destroying supply chains (and the fact that it's a 10 year old BIB single barrel product) and you've got a recipe for infrequent stock drops and limited availability. Fortunately for K&L fans our excellent relationship with Heaven Hill has afforded a sizable allocation this holiday season and we've got it on an email offer for the first time in many many years. But accolades aren't as important as how it tastes - so let's taste. Deep chocolate in color the intensity of 10 years in new American oak stands out even before you pull the stopper. The nose is overtly sweet - vanilla, butterscotch, caramels, milk chocolate, and brown sugar. It's a rich and heady mix. The alcohol feels just right - at the 100 proof required to be bottled in bond it is robust, but not over the top. The palate shows more of the same big sweet flavors but adds in toasty oak spices and a very pleasant minty herbal note that offers balance. The finish is long and sweet without being cloying. It's a pleasure to have this back on the shelf for once. While the days of us buying this whisky a pallet at a time are long gone, this deal offers a glimmer of hope that we might soon return to a world where the top name staples of yesteryear are once again readily available!

It seems so crazy that we can even keep this bourbon in stock given its quality and 10 year age statement. It tastes great, checks all the boxes, good richness, texture, lots of toasty spice, caramel, charred oak tones. So what's up...? Too inexpensive...not "cool" enough yet...? Fine by me, this is a steal for people who care more about what's in the bottle and enjoying a good drink rather than those seeking only collectibles. Cheers to you!