Cream of Kentucky is a small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon — not a rye, despite where you may find it on a list — and it is poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Structured, richly flavored and elegantly composed, it is a connoisseur’s bourbon and a refined pour to settle into over dinner along Boston Street.
About the Distillery
Cream of Kentucky is a storied name first introduced in the late nineteenth century, once one of America’s leading bourbon brands and famously illustrated by Norman Rockwell in its heyday. It has been revived by Jim Rutledge, the celebrated master distiller behind decades of work at Four Roses, under his J.W. Rutledge label. Drawing on carefully chosen, well-matured Kentucky bourbon stocks, the revived Cream of Kentucky reflects a lifetime of distilling judgment — the kind of provenance Grappa is glad to pour.
Style & Mash Bill
This is a high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon, built on a corn-led mash with a generous proportion of rye and a measure of malted barley. That elevated rye content gives the bourbon a spice-forward, structured character, while the corn base keeps it rich and rounded. Released in small batches from selected barrels, it carries the depth and polish of well-aged whiskey.
Tasting Notes
Expect a deep, inviting nose of dark fruit, vanilla and toasted oak, layered with caramel and a lift of rye spice. The palate is rich and structured, weaving dried cherry, brown sugar and baking spice through a backbone of oak. The finish is long and warming, with lingering spice and oak — a serious, satisfying bourbon best enjoyed slowly.
What to Pair It With
Its dark fruit and oak make it a superb companion to our American Wagyu steaks, while its rye-edged spice plays beautifully against our Sicilian meatballs or a charcuterie board. Browse the full dine-in menu to complete the meal.
How It’s Served at Grappa
Cream of Kentucky is poured neat or on the rocks at $21.
FAQ
Where is it from?
It is a Kentucky straight bourbon, a historic brand revived by master distiller Jim Rutledge under his J.W. Rutledge label using carefully selected Kentucky bourbon stocks.
What does it taste like?
It is rich and structured, with dark fruit, vanilla and toasted oak on the nose, then dried cherry, brown sugar and baking spice over a backbone of oak on a long, warming finish.
Is it a rye or a bourbon?
It is a bourbon. Cream of Kentucky is a high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon, so while its generous rye content gives it a spicy edge, the corn-led mash makes it a bourbon rather than a rye whiskey.
When you’re ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.
