Introduction
I came across The Stanhope Kentucky Straight Bourbon during a recent tasting session that focused on lesser-known American bottlings. I hadn’t heard much about it beforehand—no big buzz, no over-the-top packaging—but that actually appealed to me. I’ve come to appreciate bourbons that let the whisky speak for itself, and that’s exactly the mindset I had going into this bottle. I was curious if it could deliver a memorable experience without leaning too heavily on gimmicks or branding.
Nose
Right off the pour, the aroma leaned sweet and inviting. Light caramel and toffee were the first notes that hit me—fairly classic—but what stood out was an underlying spiciness that came through a few seconds later. It wasn’t overly hot, but definitely had the rye-driven pepperiness that I tend to associate with certain Kentucky mash bills. I also got a hint of dried orange peel and a slight nuttiness, somewhere between walnut and chestnut. Overall, the nose wasn’t overly complex, but it was well-composed and pleasant to take in.
Palate
On the palate, the first sip confirmed some of what I’d picked up from the nose, especially the balance between sweetness and spice. There's a warm, buttery butterscotch note that opens things up, quickly followed by a spark of cinnamon and rye pepper. As it developed, I noticed some oak grip and toasted grain, which gave the structure a bit more firmness. The texture was medium-bodied—not syrupy but not thin either—and there was a slight aniseed edge that caught me off guard, in a good way. It added a subtle twist without overpowering the profile.
Finish
The finish had more depth than I expected. It started off warm and woody, gradually moving into drier territory with roasted chestnuts and a touch of unsweetened cocoa. The rye spice lingered throughout, but never felt too sharp or overpowering. I liked that the sweetness didn’t completely vanish—it left a faint brown sugar note behind that helped round things out. I'd call the length medium to long; it certainly stayed on the palate for a while and faded gradually.
Price and Value
I paid just under £50 for this bottle, which puts it in the mid-range for a bourbon of this style and bottling quality. Given the overall balance and the way the flavour developed in the glass, I’d call it fair value. It doesn’t have the fireworks of a high-proof limited edition, but it’s steady, reliable, and enjoyable—something I wouldn’t hesitate to pour for company or unwind with at the end of a long day.
Background
The Stanhope is produced in Kentucky, of course, though detailed information about the distillery's operations or mash bill isn’t widely circulated. From the taste and structure, I’d guess it's a blend incorporating both corn and a notable percentage of rye, which would align with the spice profile. Like most Kentucky straight bourbons, it’s spent at least four years in new charred oak barrels, though the exact age isn’t stated on the bottle. If you want a general idea of bourbon-making standards in Kentucky, there's a good overview on the Kentucky Distillers’ Association site. While The Stanhope isn’t on every shelf, it feels like a bottle that’s quietly carved out its niche.
Final Notes
Would I buy The Stanhope again? I would. It doesn’t try too hard to impress, but instead leans on solid craftsmanship and a balanced flavour profile. That makes it appealing for both casual sipping and more focused tasting moments.
Is it a good option for someone just starting to explore bourbon? I’d say yes—there’s enough classic bourbon sweetness for approachability, but also just enough spice and dryness to give it character.
When might I reach for this bottle? I find it works nicely in colder weather, thanks to those toasted and nutty notes, but I could just as easily pour it as a weekend evening wind-down, neat. It would also work with a single cube of ice for those who like to soften the edges a bit.
How does it compare to other Kentucky bourbons in the same price range? It holds its ground. It may not be as bold as something barrel-proof or as widely known as some of the bigger names, but it offers a more nuanced profile than a straight-up budget pour. That makes it worthwhile for anyone who’s keen to try something off the beaten path.