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Everything you need to know about Old Crow Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Old Crow, Kentucky Region, USA. Founded in early 1800s.
Old Crow is one of the historic names in Kentucky bourbon whiskey. The brand dates back to the early 1800s and is closely associated with Dr. James C. Crow, a Scottish chemist and distiller who helped shape modern bourbon production methods.
Crow worked at distilleries in Kentucky during the 1830s and 1840s and became known for improving the consistency and quality of bourbon. One of his most important contributions was the use of the sour mash process, which helps control fermentation and is still widely used in bourbon production today.
During the 19th century, Old Crow became one of the most respected bourbon brands in America. It was even known to be a favourite whiskey of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant.
Today the brand continues to exist as an accessible Kentucky bourbon produced by Beam Suntory, with production associated with the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky.
Taste Profile
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 |
 |
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Sweet |
Spicy | Oaky / Woody |
Old Crow bourbon follows a classic Kentucky flavour profile. Sweet notes of caramel and vanilla appear early, followed by gentle oak and warming spice.
The whiskey is typically light to medium-bodied, with hints of honey and toasted wood in the finish. Compared with some modern premium bourbons, Old Crow is designed to be simple, smooth, and approachable.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Caramel / Toffee |
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Vanilla |
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Honey |
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Oak / Wood Spice |
Most Recognisable Bottles
Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon
The standard expression widely available in the United States.
Old Crow Reserve
A slightly richer version that was released in limited markets.
Historically, Old Crow was also bottled in older age-stated versions that were highly regarded in the 19th century.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Old Crow Whisky at Jim Beam Distillery
Address: 526 Happy Hollow Road, Clermont, Kentucky 40110, USA
 Open in maps |
 www.beamdistilling.com |
 +1 502 543 9877 |
Visitor Centre & Opening Times
Visitors can explore the brand through the Jim Beam Distillery visitor experience.
Typical opening hours
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Daily
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Around 09:00 – 17:00
Tours usually cover bourbon production and the history of several Beam brands.
Ownership History
Historic Distiller
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Dr. James C. Crow (1800s)
Later Ownership
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Various Kentucky distilling companies
Current Owner
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Beam Suntory
The brand remains part of the Jim Beam portfolio today.
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
Old Crow is one of the oldest historic bourbon brands, originally associated with Dr. James C. Crow, a Scottish chemist who worked as a distiller in Kentucky during the early 19th century.
Dr. Crow is widely credited with helping to formalise the sour mash process, a technique still used in modern bourbon production. His whiskey gained a strong reputation in the mid-1800s and was reportedly a favourite of several prominent figures, including U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant.
The Old Crow brand changed ownership multiple times over the years and is now owned and produced by Beam Suntory.
Production
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Category: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
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Producer: Beam Suntory
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Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery, Clermont, Kentucky
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Mash Bill: Corn, rye, and malted barley
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Distillation: Column still followed by a doubler
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Barrels: New charred American oak
Today the whiskey is produced as part of the Beam portfolio and positioned as an accessible, traditional bourbon.
Whisky Style
Old Crow bourbon typically shows:
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Sweet corn base
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Vanilla and caramel
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Light oak
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Mild rye spice
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Smooth, straightforward finish
The profile is lighter and more approachable compared with some higher-proof premium bourbons.
Key Expressions
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Old Crow Bourbon – Core and most widely available expression
Historically there were other variants, but the brand today is focused on the standard bourbon bottling.
Significance
Old Crow played a major role in the early development of Kentucky bourbon. The techniques associated with Dr. James C. Crow, particularly the sour mash process, influenced how bourbon is produced today.
Although the brand is now positioned as a value bourbon, its historical contribution to American whiskey production remains significant.
Old Crow Whiskey to Buy
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