The whiskey world is buzzing with the release of Kentucky Owl Batch #13, a limited-edition bourbon that marks the final creation of legendary Master Blender John Rhea. This latest expression from Kentucky Owl, a brand with deep roots and a knack for crafting standout spirits, hit shelves in July 2025, and it’s already turning heads among bourbon enthusiasts across the U.S. With only a small number of bottles available, Batch #13 is a fitting farewell from a man whose career has shaped the modern bourbon landscape.
A Master’s Last Stand
John Rhea, a name synonymous with bourbon excellence, crafted Batch #13 as his swan song before retiring. With nearly five decades in the whiskey industry, Rhea’s resume reads like a bourbon hall of fame. Inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2016, he spent 17 years on the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board and took the helm as Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender in 2021. His engineering background and MBA gave him a unique edge, blending science and artistry to create bourbons that resonate with drinkers.
Batch #13 is Rhea’s tribute to the craft he’s honed over a lifetime. He describes it as a celebration of blending, where diverse barrels come together to form something extraordinary. “I’ve had the honor of sampling some of the world’s finest bourbon barrels,” Rhea said in a recent statement. “This blend showcases how different barrels can create a special expression, balancing rich, mature notes with lighter, fresher ones.” It’s a bold promise, and Batch #13 delivers in spades.
The Blend That Defines Batch #13
What makes Batch #13 stand out? It’s a carefully curated mix of five different bourbons, with the backbone being eight- and nine-year-old barrels. These older, higher-rye bourbons bring a deep, rich character to the blend, offering bold flavors that linger on the palate. To balance this intensity, Rhea added younger, wheated bourbons that inject a burst of zest and freshness. The result is a whiskey that’s both complex and approachable, with layers of flavor that unfold with each sip.
Bottled at a robust 56.8% ABV (113.6 proof), Batch #13 is a high-proof bourbon that doesn’t shy away from intensity. The nose greets you with a rush of sweet vanilla and hints of chocolate, followed by bright notes of citrus, orange, and mango. On the palate, expect a rich interplay of caramel, vanilla, and spice, with the rye-driven depth tempered by the lighter, fruit-forward wheated barrels. It’s a whiskey that invites you to sit back, savor, and discover something new with every glass.
Kentucky Owl’s Storied Legacy
Kentucky Owl’s history is as rich as its bourbon. Founded in 1879 by C.M. Dedman in Bardstown, Kentucky, the distillery thrived until Prohibition forced it to close in 1916. The government seized roughly 250,000 gallons of the brand’s bourbon, storing it in a warehouse that mysteriously burned down shortly after. Some whisper that organized crime spirited the stock away to fuel speakeasies, adding a layer of intrigue to the brand’s legacy.
Fast forward to 2014, when Dedman’s great-great-grandson, Dixon Dedman, revived Kentucky Owl. Using sourced whiskeys, he created small-batch releases that quickly gained a cult following for their quality and craftsmanship. In 2017, Stoli Group acquired the brand, and under Rhea’s guidance, Kentucky Owl continued to produce sought-after bourbons that sell out almost as soon as they’re released. Batch #13 upholds this tradition, offering a whiskey that’s as collectible as it is drinkable.
Why Batch #13 Is a Must-Have
For bourbon lovers, Batch #13 is more than just a bottle—it’s a piece of history. As John Rhea’s final blend, it carries the weight of his legacy and the artistry of Kentucky Owl’s no-rules approach to blending. Unlike some distilleries that stick to strict formulas, Kentucky Owl embraces creativity, making each batch a unique expression. Batch #13’s mix of mature, rye-heavy bourbons and younger, wheated ones creates a flavor profile that’s both bold and balanced, appealing to seasoned sippers and newcomers alike.
Priced at $399 for a 750ml bottle
John Rhea’s Last Blend: Kentucky Owl Batch #13 Hits Shelves
Kentucky Owl has dropped its latest limited-edition bourbon, Batch #13, and it’s making waves across the U.S. This release is special—it’s the final blend crafted by Master Blender John Rhea before he hung up his whiskey thief for good. With a career spanning nearly 50 years, Rhea’s last pour is a bold, flavorful tribute to the art of bourbon blending. Available in limited quantities since July 2025, Batch #13 is a must for anyone who loves a good story in their glass.
A Blender’s Farewell
John Rhea isn’t just a name in bourbon—he’s a legend. Inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2016, he brought his engineering smarts and a knack for whiskey to Kentucky Owl as Master Blender in 2021. With 17 years on the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board and a lifetime of tasting some of the finest barrels around, Rhea’s expertise is unmatched. Batch #13 is his parting gift, a blend that shows off everything he’s learned about making great bourbon.
Rhea calls Batch #13 his tribute to the craft. “I’ve tasted some of the best bourbon barrels out there,” he said in a recent statement. “This blend brings together different barrels to create something special, balancing rich, heavy notes with lighter, fresher ones.” It’s a whiskey that reflects his decades of know-how, designed to leave a lasting impression.
What’s in the Bottle?
Batch #13 is a mix of five different bourbons, leaning heavily on eight- and nine-year-old barrels. These older, rye-heavy bourbons give the whiskey a deep, robust backbone—think bold, rich flavors that stick with you. To keep things lively, Rhea added younger, wheated bourbons that bring a bright, fresh kick. The result is a bourbon that’s layered and complex, with something new to discover every time you pour.
Clocking in at 56.8% ABV (113.6 proof), Batch #13 isn’t shy. The nose hits with sweet vanilla and a touch of chocolate, followed by bursts of citrus, orange, and mango. When you sip, expect caramel and spice to dance around, with the rye’s depth playing off the wheated barrels’ lighter, fruitier notes. It’s strong but smooth, perfect for sipping neat or with a splash of water to open it up.
The Kentucky Owl Story
Kentucky Owl’s roots go back to 1879, when C.M. Dedman started the distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. It was a success until Prohibition shut it down in 1916. The feds seized about 250,000 gallons of bourbon and stored it in a warehouse that later burned down under suspicious circumstances. Some say the mob swiped it to fuel speakeasies, adding a bit of outlaw lore to the brand.
In 2014, Dixon Dedman, C.M.’s great-great-grandson, brought Kentucky Owl back to life. Using sourced whiskeys, he created small-batch bourbons that became instant hits, selling out fast and earning rave reviews. Stoli Group bought the brand in 2017, and with Rhea at the helm, Kentucky Owl kept its reputation for crafting top-tier, hard-to-get whiskeys. Batch #13 continues that tradition, blending history with modern know-how.
Why You’ll Want Batch #13
Batch #13 isn’t just another bourbon—it’s a piece of bourbon history. As Rhea’s final blend, it carries the weight of his legacy and Kentucky Owl’s commitment to doing things differently. Unlike brands that stick to rigid recipes, Kentucky Owl gives its blenders freedom to experiment, making each batch a one-of-a-kind experience. Batch #13’s mix of mature, rye-driven bourbons and younger, wheated ones creates a whiskey that’s bold yet balanced, complex yet easy to enjoy.
At $399 for a 750ml bottle, it’s a splurge, but for collectors and bourbon fans, it’s worth it. Available at select retailers and online through Reserve Bar and Flaviar, these bottles won’t last long. Kentucky Owl’s batches have a habit of disappearing fast, and with Rhea’s retirement adding extra buzz, Batch #13 is likely to become a collector’s item.
Where Kentucky Owl Goes From Here
With Rhea stepping away, Kentucky Owl faces a new chapter. The brand’s history shows it’s no stranger to change, from surviving Prohibition’s fallout to its modern revival. Stoli Group’s backing and a new distillery in the works in Bardstown signal big things ahead. For now, Batch #13 stands as a high note in the brand’s story—a whiskey that honors the past while delivering a taste worth savoring.
Whether you’re sipping it by the fire or saving it for a special occasion, Batch #13 is a bourbon that tells a story. Grab one while you can, and raise a glass to John Rhea’s remarkable run.
For more details, check out kentuckyowlbourbon.com.