JW Kelly Old Milford Single Barrel Bourbon

JW Kelly Old Milford Single Barrel Bourbon is a double-oaked, cask-strength bourbon born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and distinguished by an extended finishing process that sets it apart from standard single-barrel releases. Each barrel is hand-selected from stock aged five to eight years, then transferred into a new American oak barrel for an additional eight to twelve months of maturation before being bottled at 109 proof. This secondary barrel pass deepens the wood influence and amplifies the bourbon's natural complexity, giving every single-barrel selection its own character. Chicago whiskey drinkers looking for a high-proof bourbon with extra oak integration will find the layered profile rewarding. The JW Kelly brand was reborn in 2016, drawing on Chattanooga's distilling heritage while embracing a modern, handcrafted approach to barrel selection and finishing. The double-oak technique—transferring mature whiskey into fresh American oak for a final rest—allows tannins, vanillas, and caramel notes to bloom without the harsh astringency that can plague younger, over-oaked spirits. Because every barrel is chosen individually and finished separately, no two bottles are identical; the proof remains constant at 109, but the flavor arc shifts with each cask. The brand bottles by hand in small batches, ensuring each release reflects the personality of its specific barrel rather than a blended house profile. On the palate, expect bold oak and baking spice up front—cinnamon, clove, charred wood—with waves of caramel, dark honey, and dried fruit building behind the heat. The 109-proof strength carries flavor without overwhelming; a few drops of water open up toasted pecan, vanilla custard, and a subtle tobacco-leaf note on the finish. This is a bourbon for sipping neat or with a single ice cube, especially alongside grilled steak, smoked brisket, or a square of dark chocolate. The double-oak treatment makes it an ideal fireside pour or a centerpiece for a whiskey flight showcasing finishing techniques. Available for pickup at our Lincoln Park bottle shop at 1128 W Armitage Ave, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.