The J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery has unveiled its Small Batch Classic Bourbon, a release that carries significant historical weight for the distillery and the Mattingly family. The launch was purposefully scheduled for August 21st, coinciding with what would have been the 201st birthday of John Graves Mattingly, the pioneering distiller whose legacy the brand seeks to honor.
This new release marks a key milestone for the distillery as it is the first flagship bourbon under the J. Mattingly 1845 label. Unlike previous offerings from the distillery, which were custom blends crafted for specific occasions, retailers, or special guests at the distillery, the Small Batch Classic Bourbon is designed to be a consistent offering. Bourbon enthusiasts can expect to find this product regularly available in select stores and online, establishing it as a year-round staple in the distillery’s lineup.
One standout feature of the Small Batch Classic Bourbon is its use of the distillery’s signature double-staving™ process. This technique involves adding additional charred staves to the barrel, providing the whiskey with more surface exposure, which in turn enhances both flavor and color. The resulting bourbon is a blend aged for six and a half years and is bottled at a bold 119 proof, making it a strong contender for those who appreciate robust, full-bodied whiskies.
Harry Richart, President of J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery, emphasized that this release represents the distillery’s “house style,” which serves as a foundation from which all future custom blends will be derived. In his words, this new offering is the “anchor” for their brand, setting a standard that all their other products, including personalized blends, will align with.
Critical reception of the Small Batch Classic Bourbon has been highly favorable. Renowned whiskey critic Jim Murray, author of the Whiskey Bible, awarded it an impressive score of 96. He described the bourbon as “extraordinary for a 6-year-old” and praised the double-staving process for elevating the whiskey to a level typically seen in much older bourbons. Murray highlighted the bourbon’s complexity, noting that it has the depth of a whiskey three times its age due to the additional charring from the double staving. He also pointed out that the timing of this blend’s release was crucial, suggesting that any further aging might have tipped the balance from brilliance to overindulgence.
Priced at $110 for a 750 mL bottle, the Small Batch Classic Bourbon offers a premium experience for whiskey aficionados. The bourbon is available for purchase directly from the distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, as well as through select retailers and online platforms, with shipping options to 46 states. This accessibility, combined with the carefully crafted flavor profile, positions the Small Batch Classic Bourbon as a must-try for those who appreciate high-quality, well-aged spirits.
For the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery, this release isn’t just another product; it’s a celebration of their history, an acknowledgment of their roots, and a statement of their commitment to quality and consistency in the evolving world of bourbon. With this launch, the distillery has not only paid tribute to its founder but has also set a new benchmark for what can be expected from their offerings in the years to come.
About J. Mattingly
J. Mattingly is a small-batch, craft bourbon brand known for its highly curated and often experimental releases. Operated by the Bourbon 30 Spirits distillery in Georgetown, Kentucky, J. Mattingly has gained a reputation among whiskey enthusiasts for offering uniquely crafted, one-of-a-kind bottles. The brand is particularly notable for its focus on personalized and custom blends, allowing customers to experience a truly tailored bourbon.
J. Mattingly's process emphasizes creativity and customization, offering whiskey fans the opportunity to either purchase from a wide range of limited-edition releases or participate in creating their own custom blend. The brand is known for producing small batches, often with unique names and labels, which appeal to collectors and connoisseurs alike. Each release tends to be carefully crafted with distinctive flavor profiles, created by experimenting with different mash bills, barrel finishes, and blending techniques.
The customization process is one of J. Mattingly’s standout features. Customers can visit the distillery and work alongside the team to select barrels, determine the proof, and design the flavor profile of their own bottle. This hands-on experience offers a personalized touch rarely found in the industry, making J. Mattingly a popular choice for those seeking a bespoke whiskey experience.
The brand’s offerings often feature bold, rich flavors with complex notes that range from deep caramel and vanilla to dark fruits, spices, and toasted oak. The limited availability of each batch adds to the exclusivity and desirability of J. Mattingly bourbons, making them sought-after by collectors.
In addition to its focus on custom blends, J. Mattingly has built a strong community of whiskey enthusiasts. The brand frequently engages with its fan base through social media, special events, and exclusive releases, fostering a loyal following among those who appreciate its artisanal approach.
Overall, J. Mattingly is a unique brand in the bourbon world, combining the traditional craftsmanship of Kentucky whiskey with a modern, customer-centric approach. Its dedication to small-batch production, customization, and bold flavor experimentation has positioned it as a distinctive player in the craft bourbon scene.
