Kentucky Owl Dry State 100th Anniversary 1920-2020 Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml

Kentucky Owl Dry State is one of the most historically resonant and collector-worthy limited releases in American bourbon history, produced to mark the 100th anniversary of Prohibition, which transformed the United States into a "Dry State" on January 17th, 1920. The expression is named in direct reference to the federal amendment that brought down the original Kentucky Owl Distillery, founded by Charles Mortimer Dedman in 1879, whose entire stock was confiscated by federal agents under mysterious circumstances at the start of Prohibition. A century later, his great-great-grandson Dixon Dedman revived the brand, and for the centennial, assembled a blend from Kentucky Owl's oldest and finest casks, ranging from 12 to 17 years in age, to create the most complex and age-forward expression in the brand's history. Bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof) and limited to just 2,000 bottles worldwide, each individually numbered, Dry State is presented in a handsome dark mahogany-stained wood presentation box with laser-engraved Kentucky Owl branding and signed by master blender Dixon Dedman. A bottle for collectors, historians, and anyone who understands what bourbon meant to Kentucky before, during, and after Prohibition.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Rich maple amber with deep copper tones, reflecting the oldest casks in the blend

Nose: Spice cake, toasted oak, caramel corn, brown sugar, and a hint of elderflower, complex and inviting with the maturity of the 12 to 17 year component casks evident throughout.

Palate: S'mores, orange zest, chewy caramel, golden syrup, dark corn syrup, and light toffee, with the Kentucky Owl house style of bold sweetness and structure showing at its most age-forward. The 100 proof strikes an ideal balance between presence and approachability.

Finish: Long and coating, with toasted oak, caramel, a lingering warmth, and a gentle pepper note that honors both the age of the casks and the historical weight of the occasion this release commemorates.

FAQ

What is the story behind Kentucky Owl Dry State?
The original Kentucky Owl Distillery was founded by Charles Mortimer Dedman in 1879. His entire stock was confiscated by federal agents at the start of Prohibition in 1920, putting an end to the business. One hundred years later, his great-great-grandson Dixon Dedman revived the brand and created Dry State to mark the centennial of that Prohibition era, drawing from the oldest and finest casks available to produce the most historically significant Kentucky Owl release ever made.

How limited is this release?
Only 2,000 bottles of Dry State were produced worldwide, each individually numbered. With most having sold through since the 2020 release, surviving bottles are now genuinely scarce. This is a once-in-a-generation milestone release that cannot be reproduced.

What is the age of the bourbon inside?
Dry State is a blend of Kentucky straight bourbons ranging from 12 to 17 years old, making it the oldest and most age-forward blend Kentucky Owl has ever produced. The combination of multiple aged components creates a complexity that no single age statement could achieve.

Does it come with the wood presentation box?
Yes. The bottle is presented in its original dark mahogany handmade wood box with laser-engraved Kentucky Owl branding and signed by Dixon Dedman as shown.

Where can I buy Kentucky Owl Dry State online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.