Jeptha Creed Red, White, & Blue Bourbon Whiskey Review.
Jeptha Creed Red, White, & Blue Bourbon Whiskey Review.
I received this spirit as a review sample from Jephta Creed, linked here. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.
Jeptha Creed Distillery, based in Shelbyville, Kentucky is what you want to hear when you see "craft distillery." Not only is Jeptha Creed family owned and operated, most of the grains are actually harvested from their own farms. On top of that it is a mother daughter duo at the helm and running the distillation process. Which, seeing more women get into the spirits world is just amazing. The big thing Jeptha Creed hones in on is the use of bloody butcher corn.
When it comes to "Red, White, and Blue" Bourbon release this is quite unique! To keep with the naming theme, Jeptha Creed is using three heirloom corns with the mash bill, one of those being that bloody butcher corn. Personally when done right, I lose the profile bloody butcher can bring in a bourbon.
Age Statement: 4 year.
ABV: 50%.
Mash bill: 25% Bloody butcher, 25% white corn, 25% Bruce’s blue heirloom corn, 20% malted rye, and 5% malted barley.
Area of Distillation: Shelbyville, Kentucky.
Appearance: Autumn leaves.
On the nose:
On the nose:
The aroma is not what you'd expect from a typical bourbon, and that’s a good thing. Instead of the usual caramel and vanilla bomb, it starts with a soft sweetness, almost like stewed or freshly peeled pears. A subtle floral note dances around a fleeting smokiness, reminiscent of mesquite or the faint scent of burning leaves on a crisp fall day. It’s earthy, sweet, and herbal all at once. The malted rye brings a light touch of spice and sweetness, and the complexity invites you to keep going back for more.
Taste:
This is where things really open up. Orchard fruits take the lead, apples, pears, and a hint of fig. There’s even a suggestion of cherry or plum, similar to the notes you'd find in a cherry-cask-finished whiskey, though this has no finish to speak of. The corn makes its presence known too, with a husky, dusty profile that feels intentional and mature, not youthful or green. Spice kicks in midway with black peppercorn, a touch of tobacco, and the soft leather note you'd expect from a more mature pour. A little dark chocolate and raspberry join the party, creating an almost confectionary moment before the spice and grain reassert themselves.
Finish:
Long, warming, and complex. There’s a subtle smokiness that lingers like a distant campfire, along with dried fruit, cracked pepper, and that ever-present earthy corn note. A whisper of vanilla and oak rounds it out, giving structure without overshadowing the grain-forward nature of the bourbon. It’s craft-forward in the best possible way.
Final Thoughts:
Jeptha Creed’s Red, White, and Blue Bourbon is a love letter to heirloom grain and thoughtful distilling. This isn’t just bourbon with a gimmicky name, it’s a deliberate showcase of red, white, and blue, heirloom corns, each playing a role in a layered and genuinely memorable pour. It’s sweet, smoky, spicy, and earthy, without any one element overpowering the others. For fans of craft bourbon looking to explore something different, this is a must-try. Jeptha Creed’s doing something special, and this might just be one of my favorite pours of 2025 so far.
Rating: A- (Amazing).
Cost: $69.99 for 750ml.
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Learn more about Jeptha Creed via the link here: https://jepthacreed.com/
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