Kings County Distillery has been one of the most interesting operations coming out of New York's craft scene, and this Single Barrel Bourbon is the kind of bottle that makes you pay attention. At 64.2% ABV, this is a barrel-strength pour that doesn't mess around — no water added after maturation, no dilution to smooth things out. What you're getting is exactly what came out of that single barrel, and I respect that honesty in a bottle.
For anyone unfamiliar, Kings County works with a relatively simple mashbill — New York grain, organic corn, and malted barley. That straightforward grain bill, combined with their smaller pot stills, tends to produce a spirit with more character per sip than a lot of the bigger Kentucky operations. Craft distilling at this level is about intensity and individuality. Every single barrel release will taste a little different, and that's the whole point.
Now, let's talk about that proof. 64.2% is not a casual sipper straight out of the bottle — unless you're built differently, in which case, fair play to you. At barrel strength, this bourbon is going to deliver a serious hit of flavour concentration. The corn-forward mashbill should give you that classic sweetness, but at this proof, expect it to come wrapped in a good amount of heat and spice. A few drops of water will open this up significantly, and I'd actually recommend experimenting — add water gradually and taste as you go. You'll find a sweet spot where the intensity balances out and the bourbon really starts talking to you.
Tasting Notes
I don't have formal tasting notes to share on this particular barrel, and honestly, with single barrel releases, any notes I'd give you would only apply to the barrel I tasted. That's the nature of these releases — each one is its own conversation. What I can tell you is that Kings County's bourbon profile generally leans into rich, full-bodied territory with plenty of grain character. At this ABV, expect amplified intensity across the board.
The Verdict
At £125, you're paying a premium, but you're also getting something genuinely unique. This isn't a mass-produced bourbon — it's a single barrel, barrel-strength release from one of New York's most respected craft distilleries. The 64.2% ABV means there's a lot of whiskey in this bottle in terms of pure flavour density. For bourbon enthusiasts who want something outside the usual Kentucky roster, Kings County consistently delivers character and craft. I'm giving this an 8 out of 10 — it's a confident, full-throttle bourbon that rewards the drinker who takes the time to explore it properly. The price is fair for what you're getting: an uncut, unfiltered snapshot of a single barrel with genuine personality.
Best Served
Pour it neat in a Glencairn and add water incrementally — start with three or four drops and work up from there. At 64.2%, you've got room to play. If you want to mix, this barrel strength makes a phenomenal Old Fashioned. Use a good demerara syrup, two dashes of Angostura, and an orange peel — the high proof stands up to dilution from the ice and still punches through with flavour. It's one of the best uses for a barrel-strength bourbon in a cocktail, and at this concentration, you'll taste every penny of that £125.
