A Complete Multi-Day Review
First, the Thank You’s
Before getting into the glass, it’s worth acknowledging the people behind it.
A sincere thank you to Andre Regard and Damon Thayer, founders of Kentucky Senator Bourbon, for the opportunity and trust to review the inaugural Louisiana Senator release. When a brand puts a new series into someone else’s hands for evaluation, that carries weight — and responsibility. The intent here is to honor that trust with a thorough, honest, and disciplined review.
The Brand
Kentucky Senator Bourbon operates as a Non-Distiller Producer (NDP), sourcing or contract-distilling from multiple partner distilleries — currently eight.
Key points:
- All releases are Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- No cross-distillery or cross-season blending within a release
- Online sales to 42 states
- Current distribution: Kentucky, Washington D.C., Illinois, Florida
- Texas and Georgia expansion planned for 2026
This model puts the emphasis squarely on barrel selection and blending precision.
The Bourbon
Louisiana Senator Bourbon Series #1 — Huey P. Long
- Age: 8 Years
- Proof: 107
- Mash Bill: 78% Corn / 13% Rye / 9% Malted Barley
- Batch Size: 5 barrels
- Special Release: 1 single barrel for Canseco’s Market (Louisiana)
Part of a 3-year series:
- 2026: Rose Long (9-year)
- 2027: Russell Long (10-year)
Blended in collaboration with Denny Potter and Jane Bowie of Potter Jane Distilling.
The Long family remains the only father–mother–son trio in U.S. Senate history, giving the series a meaningful narrative anchor.
The Experience — A Structured 7-Day Evaluation
Day 0 — First Contact (Unboxing & Initial Neat Pour)
- Appearance: Balanced, rich color
- Legs: Long and persistent
- Nose: Immediately engaging
- Palate: Buttery smooth, slight sweetness, subtle fruit mid-palate
- Finish: Exceptionally long
Day 1 — Confirmation Pour (Neat)
- No deviation from Day 0
- Consistency validated
Day 2 — Format Testing (Neat vs. Rocks vs. Water)
Neat: Full expression, long finish, ideal format
Rocks: Profile collapses; slight bitterness
Water: Thins excessively; loses structure
Conclusion: Built to be consumed neat.
Day 3 — Time-in-Glass Evolution
- Strong initial pour with long (~5 min) finish
- Gradual, controlled diminishment over ~20 minutes
- No additional complexity unlocked
Insight: Starts near peak; slow decline rather than “opening up.”
Day 4 — Mash Bill Comparison
Comparison set:
- Louisiana Senator #1
- 78% Corn, 13% Rye, 9% Malted Barley (107 proof)
- Elijah Craig Single Barrel (SiB)
- 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley (94 proof)
- Knob Creek 9yr
- 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley (100 proof)
Findings:
- Elijah Craig SiB → bread-forward nose
- Knob Creek 9yr → balanced but flat
- Louisiana Senator #1 → fruit note + significantly longer finish
Conclusion: Mash bill similarity does not dictate sensory outcome.
Day 5 — Pairing Evaluation
Food: Pork Steak & Green Beans
- Complementary and elevated experience
Cigar: Oliva Serie O
- Neutral pairing; no enhancement
Day 6 — The Final Pour
Unfortunately, this is where the evaluation comes to a close — the bottle is done.
No analysis here. No breakdown of nose, palate, or finish. Just appreciation.
Sitting back and enjoying what’s left in the glass, this is one of those bottles you hate to see empty. Not because it surprised you late, but because it delivered exactly what it promised from the beginning and never let off.
- This is a bourbon you drink as-is
- One you don’t overthink
- One you wish you had just a little more of
And with that last sip, the focus shifts forward — to the next releases in the series and what else Kentucky Senator Bourbon has coming.
Final Assessment
Strengths
- Exceptional mouthfeel (buttery, viscous)
- Long, lingering finish
- Distinct fruit note
- High consistency across pours
Limitations
- Doesn’t benefit from dilution
- Minimal evolution in glass
- Cigar pairing is neutral
Verdict
Louisiana Senator Bourbon Series #1 — Huey P. Long is a purpose-built neat pour that prioritizes texture, finish, and balance over versatility.
It doesn’t try to be everything — and that’s exactly why it works.
Where many bourbons rely on mash bill familiarity, this one distinguishes itself through barrel selection, blending precision, and finish length.
Bottom Line
- Would I buy this again? → Absolutely YES
- Would I recommend it to others? → Absolutely YES
If this release is any indication of what’s ahead, the Louisiana Senator Series isn’t just a concept — it’s a trajectory worth following.
