DSR – VA – 027: Ironclad The Old Kernel Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company/Distillery: Ironclad Distillery Company
Location: Newport News, Virginia
Mash Bill: 70% Pungo Creek Mills Heirloom Corn, 10% Wheat, 10% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley
Age Statement: Bottled-In-Bond; Aged at least 4 years
Proof/ABV: 100 Proof/50% ABV
Color and Viscosity: Ironclad’s The Old Kernel Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon boasts a rich auburn hue in the bottle. Once poured into the glass, its color softens into a warm tawny shade, catching the light with inviting golden-amber undertones. When swirled, the whiskey has a medium viscous line that clings to the inner surface of the glass, slowly forming into dense, well-defined droplets. These droplets take their time to descend, gradually dredging down the sides.
Purchase Price: $76.99 for 750 ml bottle. Limited Release.
Bottle Label Information:
Front Label
THE OLD KERNEL
STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
MADE WITH PUNGO CREEK MILLS HEIRLOOM CORN
DISTILLED BY IRONCLAD DISTILLERY CO.
NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA
Rear Label
IRONCLAD
In 2007, farmer Bill Savage purchased a bushel of heirloom Indian corn from a man whose grandfather had been growing it since 1870 on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. While grinding the corn to make chicken feed, Savage realized it made a unique, sweet-smelling cornmeal. So, naturally, they made it into cornbread. It beat any Southern’s best. Luckily, Savage has shared his old, old kernels with us to distill into a one-of-a-kind bourbon that will certainly go down with history.
Neck Tie Information
Bottled-In-Bond
Aged a Minimum of Four Years
Barreled Jul 08 19| Bottled Sept 18 24
Distillery Background
Ironclad Distillery Co.
There is no denying that the state of Virginia is soaked in history. The state is home to the settlement of Jamestown (1607), boasts the title of being one of the original 13 colonies, and is the birthplace of 8 U.S. Presidents. Virginia is so rich in history that one can read for a month straight and still not scratch the surface on its history.
One chapter in the state’s history occurred on March 9, 1862 just outside of the city of Hampton Roads. On this day, two naval vessels, the C.S.S. Virginia and the U.S.S. Merrimack, would battle for four hours, to a draw, in what is now referred to as the “Battle of the Ironclads”. (To read more about this famous battle, head on over to US National Park Service.)
It is from this Civil War battle in Virginia that the Ironclad Distillery takes its name. Established in 2015 by Stephen King (father), Owen King (son), and Kara King (daughter), Ironclad Distillery is located within eyesight of this battleground in the historic S.W. Holt & Co. Warehouse in downtown Newport News. The distillery has come a long way in a short amount of time. Ironclad Distillery began production in 2015, hitting Virginia ABC stores in late 2016 then going on to win a bronze medal in the 2017 American Distilling Institute Awards.
Other Ironclad Distillery Products:
- Ironclad Bourbon Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
- Ironclad Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Ironclad Bourbon Finished in Sweeter Creations Maple Syrup Casks
- Ironclad Bourbon Finished in AR’s Hot Southern Honey Casks
- Ironclad Bourbon Finished in Missouri Toasted Oak Cask
- Ironclad Bourbon Finished in Flying Fox Winery Cask
Tasting Notes
Tasting Date/Vessel: January 25, 2025 – Neat in Glencairn Glass; Few Drops of Distilled Water
Nose
Christian: In the bottle, Ironclad’s The Old Kernel Straight Bourbon Whiskey exudes sweetness. Notes of fresh tobacco, brown sugar, vanilla, and a touch of buttercream icing permeate the surrounding air. Just sniffing the bottle causes my mouth to water and my taste buds to clamor for what’s to come. In my Glencairn glass, this whiskey retains its bottled sweetness. The nose is incredibly buttery with touches of sweet yellow corn, warm cornbread, and fresh pastry dough. A soft swirl allows the aroma of honey to be accompanied by a light floral component. Finally, the influence of the barrel and a kiss of black cherry round out this experience. Adding a drop of distilled water to this pour draws out additional sweetness. Fresh dark honey, rich caramel, and dark brown sugar are all pronounced.
Mike: Straight from the bottle, this Ironclad expression presents delicate hints of light honey, gradually evolving into rich maple syrup, accompanied by subtle undertones of soft leather and gently toasted oak. Once poured into the glass, the aroma intensifies, enveloping the senses with an almost confectionery sweetness. The honeyed presence becomes more pronounced, mingling with the bold alcohol spice characteristic of a 100-proof whiskey. As it opens up, the unique Ironclad character we’ve come to know and love shines through—an intriguing touch of coastal minerality, possibly from the influence of the surrounding brackish waters. It lends a subtle saline edge that balances the rich sweetness, adding an extra layer of complexity to the nose.
Mouth
Christian: The Old Kernel offers a nice viscous mouthfeel that gently coats the tongue and the top of the throat. A nice sweetness dances on your tongue as freshly ground cornmeal arrives first. As I continue to sip on this whiskey, I notice delicate notes of sweet berries, a delicious combination of raspberry and blackberry, combined with toasted brown sugar, rich caramel, and simple syrup. Finally, this whiskey has that familiar uniqueness (in a positive way) that we have come to really appreciate from Ironclad products. The distilled water makes the mouthfeel here silky smooth. The flavor profile remains sweet with the rich brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, and syrup standing out. The berry notes seem to have now taken a back seat.
Mike: The Old Kernel by Ironclad makes an immediate impression with a pleasant burst of heat that lands at the back of the throat, asserting its 100-proof character without overpowering the palate. The mouthfeel is rich and velvety, coating the tongue with a syrupy, almost creamy texture that lingers. Maple-like flavors take the lead, offering a deep, caramelized sweetness before a subtle wave of bitterness gently follows, adding balance. As the flavors evolve, notes of creamed corn emerge, bringing a soft, buttery warmth that melds seamlessly with the rich depth of brown sugar. On the back-end, a pleasant peppery kick develops, with a scratchy black pepper heat that adds an extra layer of complexity and lingers just long enough to keep things interesting.
Finish
Christian: Ironclad’s The Old Kernel Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a mild short finish that masks its 100-proof. A balanced warm heat builds slowly in the throat before developing deep within the chest. The finish offers so many berry notes. This is reminiscent of a warm fruity dessert at an upscale restaurant. Copious amounts of sweet chocolate, custard, raspberry and blackberry sauce play with your taste buds. As the flavors continue to develop, light hints of honey and charred oak barrel char add so much depth and character to the fruity dessert! The distilled water allows the finish to be a little bit more pronounced in your throat. The berry flavors are still present, but not as noticeable. Flavors within the finish lean more towards a milk chocolate and toffee candy bar. Still very tasty and sweet.
Mike: The finish on The Old Kernel by Ironclad is surprisingly short for a Bottled-In-Bond, 100-proof bourbon. There’s an initial punch of heat that hits the back of the throat, quickly dissipating as it fades into a faint, barely noticeable warmth in the lower chest, leaving behind a subtle cinder-like sensation. The finish is noticeably dry, but not unpleasantly so, adding a level of crispness to the experience. A pronounced leather flavor emerges, earthy and smooth, with a delicate touch of caramel sweetness and a hint of green apple, providing a unique contrast. A whisper of rye spice lingers on the back-end, gently rounding out the profile with a mild, warming complexity.
Our Rating
Final Thoughts
Christian: We have really enjoyed the offerings we have tried in the past from Ironclad Distillery Co. The Old Kernel Straight Bourbon Whiskey is no exception. Many times when you read about an “heirloom” grain or ingredient uncovered from a time long past, the hype surrounding its influence on the bourbon doesn’t match the taste. That is not the case with this whiskey. In The Old Kernel, Ironclad has produced a fantastic, unique, flavorful, sweet straight bourbon whiskey that takes the taster on a decadently sweet journey. The nose, palate, and finish complement each other in a balanced and delicious drinking experience–fresh raspberries and blackberries, homemade caramel, vanillas, and brown sugar. This one doesn’t leave me wanting a whole lot more. Easily the best bourbon whiskey we have had in 2025! Cheers!
Rating: 4.25 Rickhouses
Mike: The Old Kernel by Ironclad is a bourbon that really stands out and offers something unique. From the rich color to the syrupy mouthfeel, it delivers a sweet, smooth start with maple and buttery creamed corn flavors, followed by leather and a hint of rye spice. But what makes it truly memorable is the signature “funk”—that briny, mineral-like quality that comes from the brackish waters near the distillery. It adds an unexpected savory depth that perfectly balances the sweetness, giving the bourbon a coastal, earthy vibe. While the finish is shorter than you might expect from a 100-proof Bottled-In-Bond, it leaves behind a dry, crisp warmth that sticks around just long enough. For anyone looking for a bourbon that’s bold and different, The Old Kernel is definitely worth a try—it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that makes you appreciate the layers of flavor with every sip.
Rating: 4.0 Rickhouses
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