A multi-toast, low-proof bourbon that trades intensity for approachability—and mostly wins.
About H.K. Young
“By meticulously selecting and blending whiskeys finished in our unique toasted barrels, each crafted to enhance specific notes, we create distinctive batches that showcase the extraordinary flavors and aromas toasted barrels provide.”
– H.K. Young
“Three bourbon enthusiasts walk into a bar…” – it sounds like the start of a bad joke but instead, it’s essentially the way C.G. (Cole) Hanna, Spencer Kilijian, and Tyler Young started H.K. Young — and they are certainly a far stretch from anything remotely resembling a joke.
They exploded onto the scene in 2025 with a singular question, “What’s next?” paired with a singular purpose: to source only quality Kentucky Bourbon and finish it exclusively in secondary toasted barrels.
They aren’t the only company doing toasted barrel finishes, but they are the only ones custom-designing each toasted barrel with Independent Stave Company to match each mashbill and blend type they bottle.
Stats
- Age: 6-7 year
- Proof: 91.4 (45.7% ABV)
- Mashbill: 78% Corn │ 10% Rye │ 12% Malted Barley
- Origin: Bardstown Bourbon Company – Bardstown, Kentucky (sourced, custom mashbill)
- Finish: Blend of three ISC Barrel types —heavy toast American oak, custom spice toast char #1 American oak and medium toast char #1 hybrid oak (American/French)
- Release: Wide release, ongoing
- MSRP: $64.99 (H.K. Young)
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Dusty brown sugar leads, followed by cinnamon sugar apple crisps and a gentle wave of nutmeg. There’s a noticeable toasted influence — marshmallow just starting to char, vanilla bean ice cream melting into warm oak. A slightly potpourri-leaning spice sits on top, but it stays pleasant rather than perfumed.
- Palate: Light-bodied, but not hollow. Soft maple syrup sweetness upfront, then milk chocolate and dried fruits start to fill in the mid-palate. It’s approachable and easy, with just enough spice to keep it from drifting into flat sweetness.
- Finish: Shorter, but it does its job. Spiced apple cider, light tobacco, and baking spices roll through quickly, with caramel and a hint of dark cherry trailing behind. The sweetness lingers longer than expected, leaving a soft, warm impression.
- Presentation: One of my favorite bottles aesthetically — minimalistic but expressive label, a unique silhouette, an oversized wooden topper, and one of the most understated, effective logos out there.
This is a bourbon that knows exactly what it is. The nose brings the most personality — spice-forward with that toasted-barrel signature — while the palate leans sweeter and more relaxed. The finish doesn’t try to stretch beyond its reach, but it leaves enough behind to feel complete.
At 91.4 proof, it drinks easy (I find myself thinking about when I used it for a bourbon snow slushie often…).
Maybe a little too easy if you’re looking for depth or structure, but that’s not really the point here. This is a “pour without thinking too hard” bottle that still offers enough nuance to keep you interested and one that makes a killer toasted marshmallow old fashioned.
Distinctiveness
The triple-toast approach (heavy toast, custom spice toast, hybrid oak) does show up — especially on the nose. That slightly potpourri spice note won’t be for everyone, but it does separate this from more standard low-proof profiles and has been consistently one of my favorite low proof pours over the last year.
“This is a bourbon that knows exactly what it is.”
Transparency
H.K. Young represents the kind of NDP transparency I wish was more common.
The front label does a lot of the heavy lifting—age, proof, single barrel designation, state of distillation, and finish type are all clearly stated. Flip to the back, and it goes a step further, outlining the exact type of toasted barrel used.
What’s not printed—the source distillery and mashbill—is still available if you ask. The company is open about sharing that information (within legal bounds), even allowing single barrel pick groups to pass it along to their members.
That last part matters. In a space where most NDPs might quietly disclose sourcing to a pick group — but ask that it stays private — H.K. Young’s approach feels notably more open.
Value
At $64.99 (and under $60 with code BourbonBishop10%), this sits in a comfortable range for a Bardstown-sourced 6–7 year bourbon with a more distinct finishing approach and blend of barrel types — something you won’t find in any of their current releases.
For comparison, Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Origin Series typically comes in at 6 years old, sub-100 proof, and around $44.99. This asks a bit more, but also brings more layering through its toasted barrel construction.
You’re not getting depth or power, but you are getting a well-constructed, easy-sipping bourbon with enough character to justify the price.
Not a full-on bargain pour — but a solid, repeatable buy for the right drinker.
Buy this if you:
- You want a flavorful low-proof daily drinker
- You enjoy toasted barrel influence
- You prioritize a complex, spice-forward nose over finish length
Skip if you:
- You’re chasing high proof or bold intensity
- You dislike spice-forward or slightly floral aromas
- You need a long, structured finish to stay engaged
Coming Soon
H.K. Young Toasted Wheated Cask Strength Single Barrel
An exclusive Toasted Wheated Cask Strength bourbon—possibly the highest proof H.K. Young has released, and potentially the last single barrel of its kind.
For those who prefer numbers, here’s the full score breakdown:
- Nose: 4.5 / 7
- Palate: 4 / 7
- Finish: 4.25 / 7
- Presentation: 6 / 7
- Distinctiveness: 4 / 7
- Transparency: 6.5 / 7
- Value: 5.5 / 7
Bourbon Bishop Rating: 4.96 / 7 – Angelic
Good to great. High value for the price.
| Score | Descriptor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 | Hell No | Drain pour. Seriously undrinkable. |
| 1.1–2 | Purgatory | Bad, but could be worse. Only in extreme cases. |
| 2.1–3 | Only Earthly | Just okay. Best used as a mixer. |
| 3.1–4 | Bliss | Passable sipper. Works well in cocktails. |
| 4.1–5 | Angelic | Good to great. High value for the price. |
| 5.1–6 | Divine | Top-shelf. Must-buy for fans of the style. |
| 6.1–7 | Holy Heaven | Out-of-this-world. A true unicorn. |
Use Code “BourbonBishop10%” for 10% off on the H.K. Young Store
Disclosure: This bottle was provided to me free of charge for review and brand ambassador purposes. All opinions are my own.
Looking for more whiskey reviews? Browse my latest reviews here.
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