Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey — the name alone tells you this is a whiskey with something to prove. Bottled at 47.5% ABV, this sits comfortably above the 40% legal minimum for bourbon and just below cask strength territory, which is exactly where I like my small batch bourbons. That extra proof means you're getting more flavour delivery without needing to add water, though you certainly can if that's your preference.
Let's talk about what we know. This is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which means it's played by the rules: at least 51% corn in the mashbill, aged in new charred oak barrels, distilled to no more than 160 proof, entered the barrel at no more than 125 proof, and — crucially — aged for a minimum of two years in Kentucky. The 'Straight' designation on the label isn't just marketing; it's a legal guarantee of process. The 'Small Batch' label means the distiller has selected a limited number of barrels for blending, giving the blender more control over the final flavour profile compared to a standard release.
There's no age statement here, which is increasingly common in the bourbon world. I'd rather a distiller blend barrels of varying ages to hit a specific flavour target than slap a number on the label for the sake of it. What matters is what's in the glass, and at 47.5%, Never Say Die is clearly bottled with intention rather than just hitting a price point.
Tasting Notes
I'll be upfront — I'm not going to fabricate specific tasting notes I can't verify. What I can tell you is that a Kentucky Straight Bourbon at this proof point will lean into the classic bourbon profile. Expect the corn-driven sweetness that defines the category, balanced by the char and spice from new American oak. The higher-than-standard ABV should give this a fuller mouthfeel and more concentrated flavour than your typical 40% bottling. If you're used to drinking bourbon at 40-43%, this will feel noticeably richer.
The Verdict
At £61.95, Never Say Die sits in what I'd call the serious-but-accessible bracket. You're paying more than you would for a budget bourbon, but you're getting a considered small batch product at a meaningful proof point. The 47.5% ABV is a sweet spot — strong enough to stand up in cocktails without drowning, smooth enough to sip neat. For a Kentucky Straight Bourbon with genuine small batch credentials, the pricing feels fair. This isn't trying to be a unicorn bottle or a shelf trophy. It's a bourbon that wants to be drunk, and I respect that. A solid 7.6 out of 10 — it does exactly what it sets out to do, and does it well.
Best Served
This is a bourbon that earns its place in an Old Fashioned. At 47.5%, it has the backbone to hold up against the sugar and bitters without getting lost. Two dashes of Angostura, a barspoon of demerara syrup, a large ice cube, and an orange peel expressed over the top. The higher proof means the bourbon's character will push through the dilution as the ice slowly melts, giving you a drink that evolves over fifteen minutes rather than falling flat after five. If cocktails aren't your thing, try it neat first, then with a few drops of water — that 47.5% should open up nicely with just a splash.
