Military Bourbon Review: Casey Jones Single Barrel

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History – In the days of Prohibition, a clandestine industry flourished amidst the American landscape, where secretive distilleries proliferated. Among these, one name shone brighter than the rest—Casey Jones. Nestled in the idyllic town of Golden Pond, Kentucky, Casey Jones Distillery became synonymous with top-tier moonshine, coveted even by notorious figures such as Al Capone. What distinguished Golden Pond’s moonshine was not only its ingredients but also the master craftsman behind it all—Casey Jones himself.

Born in the wake of World War I, Golden Pond grappled with economic hardships, leading its inhabitants to turn to moonshining as a means of survival. Amidst this backdrop, Casey Jones emerged as a legend. His skillful craftsmanship and innovative designs earned him a revered status in The Land Between The Lakes region. The quality of his stills was unmatched, recognized even by fellow moonshiners and law enforcement alike.

Casey Jones’s foray into moonshining began out of necessity, but his passion and expertise transformed it into an art form. Endowed with abundant resources like pristine water, corn, and sugar, Golden Pond provided the perfect environment for his endeavors. Each of Casey’s stills was a testament to his ingenuity and attention to detail. Insisting on using only copper, he refused to compromise on quality, eschewing cheaper materials like steel due to health concerns.

One of Casey’s most notable innovations in moonshining was his revolutionary cylindrical condenser, which streamlined the distillation process, resulting in higher-proof, better-tasting spirits in less time. Additionally, his square pot still design, also known as a coffin still, offered moonshiners portability and discretion, crucial qualities in their cat-and-mouse game with law enforcement.

Casey’s influence extended far beyond Golden Pond, with his stills gracing the hollows of The Land Between The Rivers. However, his moonshining exploits eventually caught up with him, leading to a two-year prison sentence. Upon his release, Casey retired, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship and innovation.

Nevertheless, the spirit of Casey Jones lived on through his grandson, Arlon Casey Jones, fondly known as AJ. Under AJ’s guidance, Casey Jones Distillery continued the tradition of handcrafted spirits, utilizing the same family recipe and techniques passed down through generations. The centerpiece of the distillery, a square copper pot still, served as a tribute to Casey’s ingenuity and remained the cornerstone of their operation.

Unwilling to rest on their laurels, Casey Jones Distillery embarked on a $2 million expansion, acquiring over 74 acres of additional property. This expansion enabled them to perpetuate their tradition of small-batch production, crafting spirits two barrels at a time. Furthermore, they proudly boasted a 1000-gallon hybrid pot still, affectionately named the Workhorse, alongside a 200-gallon grandfather still, the world’s sole industrial rectangle pot still.

In the modern era, Casey Jones Distillery stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of moonshining in Kentucky. Guided by the spirit of Casey Jones and the expertise of AJ, the distillery continued to produce exceptional spirits that honored their heritage and upheld the tradition of craftsmanship that had defined them for generations. Let’s raise a glass to that!

Value – This price is fair for a craft distillery.

Appearance – The bottle could use a little more love to it but having the mashbill right on the bottle is a great touch. It really helps the sipper understand the heart of the recipe.

Nose – Prune, Light Melon, White Wine and Custard

Palate – Full Mouthfeel, Tiramisu and Maple Syrup

Finish – Fresh Baked Bread, Charcoal and Gingerbread Cookie with a lingering 10 second burn.

Summary – In the rich tapestry of American history, Casey Jones Distillery emerges as a beacon of moonshining excellence, a legacy woven with craftsmanship, innovation, and a touch of rebellion. From its clandestine origins in the Prohibition era to its modern-day expansion, the spirit of Casey Jones lives on through the skilled hands of his grandson, AJ. With each bottle, they pay homage to their roots, offering not just a drink but a glimpse into a tradition spanning generations. As the nose entices with notes of prune and white wine, and the palate delights with tiramisu and maple syrup, one can’t help but savor the legacy within.

“With a finish reminiscent of fresh-baked bread and a lingering warmth, Casey Jones Single Barrel is very inviting”

– Andrew Workman

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 1

Appearance- 1-10 – 5

Nose- 1-20 –14

Palate- 1-20 – 12

Finish- 1-20 – 15

Value- 1-20 – 10