Five Nine Bourbon 750ML is a 9-year aged, high-rye Kentucky bourbon bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Awarded 90 points by Tastings.com in 2021, this expression from one of Kentucky's oldest operating distilleries delivers a richly layered profile driven by its 21% winter rye mashbill and extended maturation in heavily charred oak. Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 Proof) | Origin: Daviess County, Kentucky | Age: Minimum 9 Years | Distillery: Owensboro Distilling Co. Production & Heritage Owensboro Distilling Co., designated DSP-KY-10, traces its roots to 1885 in Owensboro, Daviess County, making it the tenth-oldest distillery in Kentucky. Five Nine uses a high-rye mashbill of 70% locally grown Kentucky corn, 21% winter rye, and 9% malted two-row and six-row barley, distilled with Kentucky limestone-filtered water. The bourbon matures for a minimum of nine years in new American oak barrels with a No. 4 (or "alligator") char — the deepest standard char level — which draws intense caramel and toasted oak character from the wood over nearly a decade of aging. Tasting Notes Aroma: Rich caramel and toasted oak arrive first, followed by cherry, spiced toffee, and dark chocolate. The high rye content pushes baking spice forward, giving the nose real depth beneath the sweetness. Taste: The entry is round and sweet with cornbread and warm grain, transitioning through a crisp, dry medium body at the mid-palate. Layers of vanilla, maple, and French toast develop as baking spice builds, anchored by bold, concentrated caramel throughout. Finish: Rich and lingering, with maple sweetness gradually giving way to warm spice and toasted oak. The finish carries a pleasant dryness that invites the next sip without overpowering. How to Drink Five Nine Nine years of aging and a 90-proof bottling make this bourbon well-suited for neat sipping or with a single large ice cube, which opens up the maple and vanilla notes without diluting the rye spice. A few drops of water can further soften the oak tannins for those who prefer a gentler approach. In cocktails, Five Nine's bold caramel backbone and dry spice make it a strong candidate for an Old Fashioned, where the deep oak and toffee character stand up to bitters and sugar. It performs well in a Boulevardier, with the rye spice cutting through the bittersweet Campari and vermouth. For a simpler serve, try it in a Bourbon Highball with quality ginger ale — the maple and cornbread sweetness pairs naturally with ginger's warmth. Best For Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values age-stated, small-distillery bourbon After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cigar Building a Kentucky bourbon collection beyond the mainstream labels Introducing experienced drinkers to high-rye bourbon with extended aging Frequently Asked Questions What does Five Nine Bourbon taste like? Five Nine Bourbon has a bold, caramel-forward profile with pronounced baking spice, maple, and French toast sweetness, balanced by a dry, oak-driven finish. The 21% winter rye in the mashbill adds warm spice that keeps the sweetness in check. How does Five Nine compare to Bulleit Bourbon? Both are high-rye Kentucky bourbons, but Five Nine carries a minimum 9-year age statement and uses 21% winter rye, while Bulleit uses approximately 28% rye and carries no age statement on its standard expression. The additional aging gives Five Nine a deeper oak and caramel character, whereas Bulleit tends toward a spicier, more citrus-forward profile. Is Five Nine Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes — the nine years of maturation smooth out the 90-proof heat considerably, and the layered caramel, vanilla, and baking spice profile rewards slow, contemplative sipping neat or with a single ice cube. Where is Five Nine Bourbon made? Five Nine Bourbon is produced by Owensboro Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Daviess County, Kentucky. The distillery, designated DSP-KY-10, was founded in 1885 and is recognized as the tenth-oldest distillery in the state. What foods pair well with Five Nine Bourbon? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the bourbon's caramel and oak complement smoky, charred meat. Pecan pie or bread pudding, which echo the maple and French toast sweetness. Dark chocolate truffles, which mirror the cocoa and toffee on the nose. Sharp aged cheddar, whose tang contrasts nicely with the bourbon's sweetness. Cornbread with honey butter, reinforcing the grain-forward character. What sizes does Five Nine Bourbon come in? Five Nine Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size. Is Five Nine Bourbon worth the price? Five Nine positions as a premium bourbon thanks to its 9-year age statement, 100% Kentucky-sourced grain, and small-distillery pedigree. Within the age-stated bourbon category, a minimum of nine years in No. 4 char barrels from one of Kentucky's oldest distilleries represents strong value compared to many similarly aged competitors. Why Five Nine? What sets Five Nine apart in a crowded bourbon landscape is the combination of a genuine 9-year minimum age statement, a high-rye mashbill using entirely Kentucky-grown corn, and deep No. 4 char barrels — details that many larger producers at similar price tiers simply don't offer. Owensboro Distilling Co.'s nearly 140-year history in Daviess County predates the vast majority of today's operating Kentucky distilleries, lending real provenance to the bottle. The 90-point score from Tastings.com confirms what the specs suggest: this is a concentrated, well-aged bourbon that punches above its weight. For drinkers who seek substance over marketing flash, Five Nine delivers a compelling argument rooted in time, grain, and oak.
