Sweeten’s Cover Kennessee Bourbon Review
In-Depth Review
What does Andy Roddick, Peyton Manning, and golf have to do with whiskey? I can already hear you thinking – “uh oh - here comes another celebrity whiskey”- and you’re not wrong to feel that way. It’s true - Sweeten’s Cove is better known for being a famous Tennessee golf course than a whiskey brand. But in a world of clashing cultures and celebrity endorsements, this one should come as no surprised.
In 2020, a group that includes Andy Roddick (former #1 tennis player in the world) and Peyton Manning (former NFL quarterback) teamed up to blend the world of golf and whiskey. Having bought Sweeten’s Golf Course in 2019, they discovered an unusual tradition – every player at Sweeten’s Cover would take a shot of whiskey before their first golf swing. As Peyton Manning described it:
"It became fundamental to the experience. People would bring a bottle, leave a bottle, share a bottle. All of us were so struck by that unique legend and so we said, 'We need our own whiskey' and the journey to create Sweetens Cove Spirits was born then and there."
Since then, they partnered with Master Blender Marinna Eaves to build the Sweeten’s Cove bourbon brand into a non-distilling producer focused on limited releases. But with their last big special release coming in 2022, I’m left wondering if this celebrity backed brand was just a flash in the pan or if there is a good product here worth building around. With very limited releases in 2021, and 2022, Sweeten’s Cove has been quiet as of late. Their latest release isn’t nearly as limited – and is a blend of Kentucky and Tennessee whiskies – leading to the moniker “Kennessee”. It rings in at a healthy 110.7 proof and is finished with toasted maple sugar wood. Let’s dive into this marriage of Kentucky and Tennessee to find out if this is finally a celebrity backed whisky worth seeking out!
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 55.35%
Cask: New oak finished with toasted sugar maple wood
MSRP: $55
Distillery Name: Sweetens Cover Spirits Co (Non-Distilling Producer)
Review Date: 11/4/24
Color: Medium Caramel
Nose: Starts off with strong notes of new oak, spearmint, and fresh cut green grass. There’s loads of ethanol and vanilla bean that mixes well with notes of Kettle corn and mint chocolate chip ice cream. And while it can come off as a bit hot, it’s a good solid, nose.
Palate: First sip gives way to lightly buttered popcorn, classic caramel, vanilla and toasted oak. Underneath lies a strong minerality that gives a nod to the George Dickel Tennessee components. It remains bright and lively – but can feel a bit brittle at times with all that minerality. The mouthfeel is good – as is its relatively high heat.
Finish: A warm and comforting medium length finish with a strong lingering sweetness from fresh cut apples, spun sugar, and more toasted wood.
Final Thoughts: After spending a bit of time with Sweeten’s Cove Kennessee bourbon, I can easily say that this is one of the better marriages between Kentucky and Tennessee whiskies. While it won’t blow your socks off, it offers a solid drinking experience with a great proof that will completely justifies it $55 price. Even at 110.7 proof, it proves to be easy to drink but isn’t perfect. It’s minerality can be distracting, as can the hotness on the nose. Despite those issues, it’s a classic profile that never strays too far into that Dickel character. It rewards those who sit with it and let the flavors develop and would be a great gifting whiskey for the golf fan in your life who wants a bit of oomph from their glass.
Score: 86
