A Small Batch Craft Whiskey Favorite Finally Arrives in California
Prohibition Craft Spirits “NULU Reserve” California Exclusive Barrel Proof Small Batch CA1 Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($64.99)
“…few single barrels can stand up to a well-crafted small batch in terms of balance and complexity. This gorgeous little Indiana batch is the perfect example.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

For some time now, our spirits buyers have had their eyes on the NULU line from Prohibition Craft Spirits out of Louisville, and they’ve awaited its arrival on the west coast with great anticipation. What they didn’t anticipate was the distillery’s offer of a unique small-batch bottling made specifically for California. Upon tasting a sample, spirits buyer David Othenin-Girard “just about bought the entire batch.” This expertly crafted blend of four- to six-year-old bourbons is a case study in complete profiles. That’s the beauty of the small batch. While the single-barrels offer a one-of-a-kind experience, often something is still missing. The small batches, however, give us a complete experience, and this beautiful, barrel-proof bottling goes to show exactly why we love them. Of course, small batch implies limited availability by definition, so bourbon enthusiasts will want to act quickly. Word travels fast in our market, so we don’t expect this gem to be around for long.

Prohibition Craft Spirits “NULU Reserve” California Exclusive Barrel Proof Small Batch CA1 Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($64.99)

Prohibition Craft Spirits is based in Louisville, KY and distills its own spirits while also sourcing from MGP in Indiana. Founded by Keith Hazelbaker, the little distillery in downtown Louisville has made a name for itself bottling cask-strength single barrels of high-quality bourbon distilled up north. The bar/distillery operation is located in the historic Highland’s neighborhood and has quickly become a destination for bourbon lovers looking to acquire their well-regarded single barrels. The only thing better than a great single barrel, though, is an incredible small batch. Marrying casks from 4 to 6 years old, PCS has crafted an incredibly balanced and complex batch of cask-strength, non-chillfiltered bourbon. It’s a truly hands on operation, and they’ve taken every care creating this exceptional little batch for the California market.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 10, 2021

I was really excited to see the NULU products making their way out to California, but when I found out that they’d be offering us a unique small batch, instead of the typical single barrel, I just about bought the entire batch. There’s no question that we fetishize the single barrel in our industry, and while they offer unparalleled uniqueness, few single barrels can stand up to a well-crafted small batch in terms of balance and complexity. This gorgeous little batch of Indiana bourbon is the perfect example. Let’s taste it. The color is yellow gold. The nose starts out a bit restrained before opening up considerably with just a few minutes in the glass. Aromas of sweet corn oil, caramel candy, toasted vanilla, and yellow fruit. Wonderfully supple on the palate, with an oily texture and some strong barrel spice coming through on the back end. It turns out to be a quite a big, spicy one with building pepper and clove heat. The richness keeps it in check, and altogether this is incredibly enjoyable bourbon!