Legent Bourbon is a straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey that’s designed to hit you with some spice and a kick that will help you unwind after a long day’s work. On the other hand, if you have a few glasses, you can easily enter party mode with Legent Bourbon.
We just want to come out and say this right away: while the company says it’s Kentucky bourbon, it’s actually not the case. Bourbon can only touch oak barrels, and Legent Bourbon incorporates ex-sherry and wine casks, which makes it more of a specialty blend of bourbon. We just want you to keep this in mind before moving forward.
Legent Bourbon is finished in wine and sherry casks that give it a unique flavor profile and aroma when you compare it to other bourbons that come from the region. his helps the flavor stand out for people who can taste the subtle flavor differences in different types of bourbon.
That said, it’s important to understand more about a type of liquor before you purchase it, especially when it’s from a brand you might have yet to be heard of. The good news is that we’re here to review Legent Bourbon and cover how it tastes, who it’s for, and why you should or shouldn’t pick up a bottle.
Read on for our Legent straight bourbon whiskey review.
A Quick Look at Legent Bourbon
If you’re in a hurry, you can still learn quite a bit about a straight Kentucky bourbon by looking at the flavor, value, and overall rating. Learn more about Legent in our chart below.
| Overall Rating | 4 stars |
| Flavor | 4 stars |
| Value | 4 stars |
| Tasting Notes | Spicy, smooth, oak, smoky |
| Classification | Bourbon |
| Distillery | Beam Distilling Co. |
| Proof | 94 proof |
| Aged | Five years |
| MSRP | $40-$45 |
Pros And Cons of Legent Bourbon
Knowing the basic facts about Legent Bourbon is a great place to start. However, it’s also important to understand the pros and cons of bourbon. We summarize these key facts below, so if anything jumps off the page at you, you don’t have to waste any time.
| Pros | Cons |
| Combines two famous bourbon types, Kentucky and Japanese | Not actually a Kentucky straight bourbon |
| Delicious sweet flavor and powerful spices | Deceiving marketing |
| Produced by a reputable brand |
What Is Legent Bourbon
Legent Bourbon is a type of straight Kentucky bourbon that’s combined with some unique Japanese Whiskey. It’s made by Beam Distilling Company and begins its life as a Kentucky straight bourbon, as the namesake implies. From there, it’s combined with casks from Shinji Fukuyo to get the final blend of the bourbon.
One thing that we noticed is that according to the mash bill, this wouldn’t be bourbon at all, let alone Kentucky straight bourbon. Instead, it’s just a new and unique type of whiskey. We love the taste of this whiskey, but it’s important to note that the marketing is deceiving here, which is a big negative for us.
Overall, the purpose of this bourbon is to combine Kentucky bourbon with Japanese whiskey, and the result is fantastic. The flavors are pronounced and more diverse than what you’d find in other bourbons. Plus, there is a delicate sweetness that you’ll get when you smell and taste your first glass. This sweetness is followed up by the classic bourbon spice that people love.
In many ways, it's like Big House Bourbon, but this isn't a Big House Bourbon review, so we’ll stick to keeping things Legent.
Is Bourbon Legent Real Liquor
Yes, Bourbon Legent is a real liquor. However, it’s not a real bourbon. Jim Beam is a reputable brand, so their choice to label this liquor as a type of bourbon is baffling. We get the appeal, but the company was better off being honest. Legent Bourbon is not bourbon; it’s just a type of whiskey.
What Does Legent Bourbon Taste Like?
Did you know that most of your sense of taste comes from your sense of smell? For this reason, it’s important to know what Legent Bourbon smells like before we jump right into its flavor profile. When it comes to smell, it has a wine scent that’s exacerbated by a fruity smell – most people report that the fruity smell closely resembles grapes or cherries. Some citrus notes can also be found with this liquor. Aside from the fruity wine scent, it also has an aged oak aroma that seeps through. It’s more of a gentle oak smell, which is a pleasant surprise.
When it comes to flavor, Legent Bourbon tastes like a marriage between wine and bourbon. You’ll taste hints of wine and bourbon but with a little bit of spice. The bourbon flavor resembles a charred oak taste that’s paired with a sweet caramel charm, while the wine flavor is close to a sweet berry flavor. In fact, some people even found that it has a lemon meringue-like taste.
The last thing to note is the peppery spice. Every bourbon should have a touch of spice that warms the soul, and you’ll be happy to know that Legent Bourbon has exactly that.
What Is the Alcohol Content of Legent Bourbon?
Legent Bourbon has a high alcohol content compared to some other types of whiskey and even liquor. It has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 47%, so expect a healthy buzz after your first glass. Legent Bourbon is a batch-based liquor, so the ABV might not always be consistent.
Is Legent Bourbon Good
Legent Bourbon is excellent for the price. While the marketing is deceiving, that doesn’t take away from the unique flavor profile that you can’t find in bourbon or Japanese whiskey alone. Therefore, it’s one of our favorite options for sipping purposes.
The only time it wouldn’t be good is if you want a Kentucky straight bourbon because this is not one. Still, we recommend giving it a try because its price point is amazing.
Is Bourbon Legent the Best Liquor?
Bourbon Legent is not the best liquor you can buy, but that doesn’t mean it’s the worst liquor you can buy. It’s only aged for five years, so right out of the gate, it won’t be as smooth as some older whiskeys. Still, it's up there with some of the best whiskeys, like Woodford Reserve.
Additionally, it’s not a Kentucky straight bourbon, so any other Kentucky straight bourbon will be better if that’s what you’re looking for. This also applies if you want something that more resembles Japanese whiskey. Still, we appreciate the risks it takes and the bold flavor that it introduces.
How Is Legent Bourbon Packaged?
Legent Whiskey is bottled in bottles that say “Legent Bourbon.” There is also a dedicated website for the brand that will tell you more about the specifics of the product. That said, it usually comes in a 750ml bottle and has “Legent” written in big letters across the face of the bottle. It also has the company’s logo above the name, so you can recognize it on the shelf.
While Legent Bourbon has its own website and product page, it’s worth noting that it’s a Jim Beam whiskey product.
How Should You Drink Legent Bourbon?
Legent Bourbon is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, according to Legent’s website. When we tasted Legent Bourbon, we also found that it’s great neat or on the rocks. That said, we also found that it’s delicious when made into an Old Fashioned with an orange slice and some sugar. Drinking it this way brings out some of the more potent flavors.
How Much Does Legent Bourbon Cost?
Legent Bourbon isn’t an expensive whiskey, even though it’s a specialty blend. On average, expect to pay around $50 for a bottle when you order online or visit your local liquor store. When it comes to ordering shots or drinking them from a glass at a bar, expect to pay around four to five dollars per serving. If you want it in a glass with rocks, expect to pay about $10-$12 or $12-$15 if you want it neat. You can also order a double if you’re feeling bold, but that might cost upwards of $20.
Cost also depends on where you’re located because of tax laws in different states. Also, if you get it online, you might find it on sale compared to the average prices in liquor.
Where Can You Buy Legent Bourbon?
Legent Bourbon can be found in a few places. If it’s in your area, you can find it at your local liquor store. It’s a more recent blend of whiskey, so we recommend calling ahead to see if your store carries it; you might have better luck at big chains like the Wine Guy.
In some cases, you can also find Legent Bourbon online. It may be available with online retailers or liquor delivery services in your area.
Legent Bourbon is also available at bars. Ask your bartender if they have a bottle, and you purchase it as a shot or in a glass. If you can't find Legent Bourbon, you can always opt for an alternative like Basil Hayden.
Is Legent Bourbon a Good Gift?
Legent Bourbon is one of our favorite options if you’re looking for a gift that you can give to a bourbon drinker. It’s a great way to help them get outside their comfort zone, especially if they’re stubborn and only want bourbon.
For example, we know someone who snatched a bottle up for someone who refused to drink anything other than Bulleit Bourbon. When they took a sip and enjoyed it, they were promptly told that it was a unique type of whiskey and not even a bourbon, so it helped them expand their flavor profile.
Where Are Alternatives to Legent Bourbon?
Legent Bourbon is a great liquor, but it’s not for everyone. If you want a specific bourbon, you’re better off getting an actual bourbon, especially if that’s the flavor you want. Some other great alternatives include Jim Bean’s other whiskey blends and some Japanese whiskey options if that’s the flavor you’re in the mood for.
Don’t even want a dark liquor anymore? Give a clear liquor like Vodka or Tequila a try; we like Grey Goose and José Cuervo to start with.
Dare to be Different with Legent Bourbon
Legent Bourbon is a unique take on whiskey that pairs the sweetness of Japanese whiskey with the spice of Kentucky bourbon. If you’re looking to expand your horizons and get out of your comfort zone, we always recommend giving this bourbon a shot. It won’t taste like anything you’re used to because of the wine casks, but who knows, maybe you’ll like it.
You’ll never know until you try it, so step out of your bourbon comfort zone and try it today.
