Early Times Kentucky Whiskey 375ML

Early Times Kentucky Whiskey 375ML is a double-distilled, corn-forward American whiskey bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a convenient 375ml format. This expression earned a Grand Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Gold at the International Spirits Challenge — notable recognition for a whiskey positioned at an everyday price point.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Aged Minimum 3 Years  |  Distillery: Early Times Distillery (Sazerac Company)

Production & Heritage

Early Times traces its origins to 1860 and is currently distilled at the Early Times Distillery in Shively, Kentucky, now under the ownership of Sazerac Company. The distillery operates its own cooperage, making its barrels in-house — a distinction few Kentucky distilleries share. The whiskey is double distilled from a mashbill of 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley, then aged a minimum of three years in used oak barrels rather than new charred oak. That barrel choice is the defining production detail: under U.S. regulations, aging in used cooperage disqualifies the spirit from being labeled straight bourbon, which is why it carries the "Kentucky Whiskey" designation instead.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet corn and caramel dominate the nose, followed by a layer of vanilla and subtle berry fruit. Whisky Advocate identifies additional hints of lime, new oak, new leather, and licorice candy.

Taste: The entry is soft and smooth, with vanilla leading into mid-palate notes of toffee and praline. As it develops, faint tropical touches of pineapple and orange slices appear, along with a gentle caramel sweetness that reflects the high-corn mashbill. The texture is well-rounded and approachable, without harsh edges.

Finish: Medium-short, with lingering vanilla and mild oak. A light sweetness persists, fading into a clean, dry close.

How to Drink Early Times

Early Times is a versatile mixing whiskey that also holds up on the rocks or with a splash of water for casual sipping. Its soft, vanilla-rich profile makes it a reliable foundation in classic cocktails. A Whiskey Sour benefits from its sweet corn character balancing the citrus. It works well in a Highball, where the light body and clean finish pair naturally with soda water or ginger ale. For a richer drink, try it in an Old Fashioned — the toffee and vanilla notes complement bitters and a sugar cube without overwhelming the glass.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar for everyday cocktail mixing
• Sampling a Kentucky whiskey without committing to a full-size bottle
• Tailgating, camping, or travel-friendly occasions requiring a smaller format
• Introducing someone to American whiskey at a low-risk entry point

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Early Times taste like? Early Times delivers a corn-forward, vanilla-dominated flavor profile with secondary notes of toffee, praline, and faint tropical fruit. The palate is soft and smooth with no significant burn at 80 proof.

How does Early Times compare to Benchmark? Both sit in the value tier of Kentucky whiskeys, but Early Times is aged in used oak barrels while Benchmark (produced by Buffalo Trace) is a straight bourbon aged in new charred oak, giving Benchmark a bit more char and oak spice by comparison. Early Times tends to be smoother and more vanilla-forward, while Benchmark leans slightly drier.

Is Early Times good for cocktails? Early Times is widely regarded as a strong cocktail whiskey, particularly for drinks like Highballs, Whiskey Sours, and Old Fashioneds where its mild vanilla and caramel notes blend seamlessly with other ingredients.

Where is Early Times made? Early Times is distilled at the Early Times Distillery located in Shively, Kentucky, a Louisville suburb that has been a center of Kentucky whiskey production for generations. The distillery is currently owned and operated by the Sazerac Company.

What foods pair well with Early Times? Grilled burgers or smoked pulled pork complement the corn-forward sweetness. Pecan pie or bread pudding echo the toffee and caramel notes. Mild cheddar cheese works well against the vanilla, and roasted peanuts bring out the whiskey's subtle nuttiness.

What sizes does Early Times come in? Early Times Kentucky Whiskey is commonly available in 375ml, 750ml, 1L, and 1.75L formats, making it accessible for everything from trial pours to large-format home bar stocking.

Is Early Times worth the price? Early Times positions squarely in the entry-level value tier of American whiskey, and within that segment it delivers above expectations — particularly given its Grand Gold award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For mixing or casual sipping, it represents solid quality for its price range.

Why Early Times?

The defining story of Early Times is the used-oak barrel aging that separates it from the bourbon field. That single production decision yields a softer, more vanilla-driven whiskey than most competitors at this price, and it earned Grand Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition to prove the approach works. The distillery's ownership of its own cooperage adds a layer of quality control uncommon in value-tier whiskey. For anyone looking for a dependable, cocktail-ready Kentucky whiskey — especially in a portable 375ml bottle — Early Times delivers a credentialed option that punches above its weight class.