EJ Curley & Co. Small Batch Bourbon is a 750ml, 95-proof (47.5% ABV) Kentucky bourbon shaped by Master Blender Ashley Barnes of The Spirits Group. Barnes, whose résumé includes time at both Buffalo Trace and Four Roses, brings considerable pedigree to this sourced small-batch release. The result is a light, elegant whiskey that leans heavily on honeyed florals and confectionery sweetness rather than brute barrel char.Quick Facts: ABV: 47.5% (95 Proof) | Origin: Kentucky, USA | No Age Statement | Blended by: Ashley Barnes, The Spirits GroupProduction & HeritageEJ Curley & Co. is a Kentucky bourbon brand that currently relies on sourced whiskey rather than distilling its own spirit. The company has announced plans to establish production at the original 1867 distillery site at Camp Nelson in Jessamine County, Kentucky, but as of now, the liquid is blended from undisclosed sources under the direction of Ashley Barnes. The mashbill has not been publicly disclosed. Barnes selects and marries barrels to achieve a profile described as refined and approachable, prioritizing floral sweetness and a smooth texture over heavy oak influence.Tasting NotesAroma: Wild honeysuckle and magnolia open the nose, quickly joined by floral peach blossom and earthy tobacco. A backdrop of wildflower honey ties the aromatics together with a gentle sweetness.Taste: The entry is soft and honeyed, with ripe peach arriving first and building through the mid-palate. Vanilla and caramel provide a sturdy backbone, while chocolate-caramel candy, almond-toffee, and sweet baking spices layer in at the peak. Dried dark cherries and sweet cream add depth without overwhelming the lighter floral character.Finish: Long and notably chewy, with honey persisting throughout as waves of orchard fruit and warm spice trade back and forth. The texture stays plush rather than drying, fading gradually into a gentle warmth.How to Drink EJ Curley Small BatchAt 95 proof, this bourbon drinks well neat or with a single ice cube, which opens up the floral aromatics without diluting the mid-palate sweetness. It also works effectively in cocktails that benefit from its honeyed, fruit-forward character. An Old Fashioned lets the peach and caramel notes shine against a simple sugar and bitters framework. A Gold Rush pairs the bourbon's natural honey character with lemon and honey syrup for a seamless match. A Paper Plane uses the bourbon's softer profile to balance the amaro and Aperol components without competing for attention.Best For Bourbon drinkers exploring small-batch sourced expressions from skilled blenders Gifting someone who favors softer, floral-leaning Kentucky whiskey over high-rye heat After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or dark chocolate Building a home bar shelf that highlights blender-driven bourbon alongside distillery-specific releases Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does EJ Curley Small Batch taste like? It leads with honeyed peach and floral sweetness, followed by chocolate-caramel, almond-toffee, and baking spice, finishing long and chewy with persistent honey and alternating fruit-spice notes.How does EJ Curley Small Batch compare to Russell's Reserve Single Barrel? Both are Kentucky bourbons in a similar proof range, and reviewers have noted overlapping flavor territory in the honeyed and fruit-forward registers. Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, produced by Wild Turkey at a slightly higher 110 proof, tends to deliver more barrel influence and intensity, while EJ Curley's blend skews lighter and more floral.Is EJ Curley Small Batch good for sipping neat? Yes — the 95-proof strength and refined, elegant profile make it a comfortable neat pour that does not require water, though a drop or two can further open the floral aromatics.Where is EJ Curley Small Batch made? The bourbon is blended and bottled in Kentucky using sourced whiskey; the brand is associated with the historic 1867 distillery site at Camp Nelson in Jessamine County, Kentucky, where future on-site production is planned.What foods pair well with EJ Curley Small Batch? Honey-glazed ham benefits from the bourbon's matching honey notes. Dark chocolate truffles complement the chocolate-caramel character. Peach cobbler mirrors the fruit profile. Smoked almonds echo the almond-toffee mid-palate. Mild, creamy cheeses like brie work well against the soft, sweet finish.What sizes does EJ Curley Small Batch come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle; no other size variants have been widely documented at this time.Is EJ Curley Small Batch worth the price? It positions in the mid-premium tier for Kentucky bourbon, and its appeal rests largely on Ashley Barnes's blending credentials and a distinctly refined, floral flavor profile that stands apart from many barrel-forward competitors at similar price points.Why EJ Curley Small Batch?The most compelling case for this bourbon comes down to who is behind the blend. Ashley Barnes's experience at Buffalo Trace and Four Roses — two of Kentucky's most respected operations — gives this sourced release a level of credibility that many non-distiller producers lack. The flavor profile itself is genuinely distinctive: rather than chasing the dark, tannic, barrel-proof trend, it commits to a lighter, honeyed, floral direction that rewards attention on the palate. For drinkers who find many bourbons in this range interchangeable, EJ Curley's Small Batch makes a legitimate argument for blending skill as a differentiator.
