First Turn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a 100-proof Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey crafted by RD #1 Spirits in Lexington, Kentucky, aged 24 months and bottled at full flavor strength. This racing-inspired bourbon celebrates the tactical precision of thoroughbred racing, where excellence is measured in seconds and aged in years, delivering bold character that reflects the pulse and passion of the Bluegrass State.

Born from the heart of Kentucky's racing country, First Turn embodies the spirit of thoroughbred excellence where technique, style, and peak performance define every moment. RD #1 Spirits has crafted this bourbon as a tribute to the tactical precision required both on the track and in the distillery, where jockeying for position and distilling to the perfect profile demand unwavering dedication to craft and timing.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Honeyed vanilla, toasted oak, caramel corn, warm baking spices, subtle leather
• Palate: Bold grain character, cinnamon spice, butterscotch, dried orange peel, peppery rye notes
• Finish: Medium to long with lingering oak tannins, vanilla sweetness, warming spice

Product Details

Perfect For

• Derby Day Celebrations: Honor Kentucky's racing heritage with authentic Bluegrass bourbon
• Bourbon Enthusiasts: Explore craft distilling from Kentucky's emerging producers
• Neat Sipping: Full proof strength delivers bold, uncompromising flavor
• Cocktail Crafting: High proof stands up beautifully in classic bourbon cocktails

Frequently Asked Questions

What does First Turn Kentucky Straight Bourbon taste like?

First Turn delivers bold, full-proof bourbon character with honeyed vanilla and caramel sweetness balanced by warm baking spices and oak complexity. The 100-proof strength provides substantial body and intensity, with grain-forward notes complemented by cinnamon spice and a warming, persistent finish that showcases its Kentucky straight bourbon heritage.

Is First Turn good for cocktails or better neat?

First Turn excels both neat and in cocktails due to its 100-proof strength and robust flavor profile. Neat, it delivers full bourbon character with warming spice and oak complexity. In cocktails, the higher proof ensures the bourbon's personality shines through mixers, making it excellent for Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and other whiskey-forward drinks.

How does the 24-month age statement affect the flavor?

The 24-month aging period creates a bourbon with bright, grain-forward character and moderate oak influence. Unlike longer-aged bourbons, First Turn retains vibrant grain sweetness while developing essential vanilla and spice notes from the barrel. This younger profile emphasizes the distillery's technique and the quality of their distillate rather than relying heavily on wood aging.

What makes First Turn different from other Kentucky bourbons?

First Turn distinguishes itself through its racing-inspired heritage and connection to Lexington's thoroughbred culture, combined with RD #1 Spirits' focus on tactical precision in distillation. The 100-proof bottling strength and 24-month age statement create a bourbon that emphasizes distillation craft and grain character over extended aging, appealing to those who appreciate bold, authentic Kentucky bourbon character.

Is First Turn worth the investment for bourbon collectors?

First Turn represents solid value for bourbon enthusiasts interested in Kentucky craft distilling and racing heritage. While not a limited release, it offers authentic straight bourbon character from an emerging Kentucky distillery at full proof strength. For collectors focusing on Kentucky distillery stories and craft bourbon development, First Turn provides an accessible entry point into RD #1 Spirits' portfolio.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.