Jesse James Outlaw Kentucky Bourbon is a bold, small batch, high proof bourbon from Preservation Distillery in Bardstown, the town widely known as the Bourbon Capital of the World. Part of Preservation's Outlaw series, this Jesse James edition wraps a serious craft bourbon in a playful Wild West wanted poster theme, nodding to the legendary 19th century outlaw and even winking at the Willett bourbon family in its label story. Preservation is a cult, family run operation known for prestige whiskey released in the tiniest of batches, and Jesse James is no exception. It is a genuinely Kentucky bourbon, pot distilled and aged entirely in the state rather than sourced and blended from elsewhere, built on a wheated recipe that swaps the usual rye for wheat to give a softer, rounder grain character. The whiskey carries a seven year age statement, with batches drawing on barrels aged roughly seven to eight years, and it is released in microbatches of around three barrels, so each one is a unique snapshot that will not be repeated. Bottled at a robust 109.4 proof, it pours a deep amber and opens with an enticing nose of caramel, toasted oak and vanilla bean lifted by dark cherry and warm baking spice. The palate is rich and savory, layering toffee, cinnamon, browned sugar, roasted nuts and seasoned oak with subtle stone fruit, while the wheated mash bill keeps everything smooth despite the strength. The finish is long and warming, with lingering spice, caramelized sugars, charred oak and gentle fruit. Because it is a small batch bottling, exact proof can vary slightly from batch to batch. Sip it neat to appreciate its oak forward structure, or add a few drops of water or a single ice sphere to open the fruit and vanilla.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Jesse James (Outlaw Kentucky Bourbon) |
| Distillery |
Preservation Distillery, Bardstown, Kentucky |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon (wheated, small batch) |
| Mashbill |
Wheated bourbon |
| Age |
7 Years (batches ~7 to 8 years) |
| Batch |
Small batch (~3 barrels) |
| Maturation |
New charred American oak; pot distilled |
| ABV |
54.7% |
| Proof |
109.4 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber.
Nose: Caramel, toasted oak and vanilla bean with dark cherry and warm baking spice.
Palate: Toffee, cinnamon, browned sugar, roasted nuts and seasoned oak with subtle stone fruit.
Finish: Long and warming with lingering spice, caramelized sugars, charred oak and gentle fruit.
FAQ
Who makes Jesse James Outlaw Kentucky Bourbon? It is produced exclusively by Preservation Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, and should not be confused with the unrelated Jesse James Spirits brand.
What proof is it? It is bottled at 109.4 proof, or 54.7 percent alcohol by volume. As a small batch bourbon, exact proof can vary slightly between batches.
What is the mash bill? It is a wheated bourbon, using wheat rather than rye as the secondary grain for a softer, rounder character.
Is it sourced whiskey? No. It is pot distilled and aged entirely in Kentucky by Preservation, not blended from sourced stock.
How should I drink it? Neat to appreciate the oak structure, or with a few drops of water or a single ice sphere to open the fruit and vanilla.
Where can I buy Jesse James Outlaw Kentucky Bourbon 7 Year online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
