For the ninth day of the 30 Days of Bourbon, I’m exploring Old Jett Brothers, another brand in the Neeley Family Distillery portfolio. The resurrection of this historic brand is something Royce Neeley, proprietor and master distiller, is deeply passionate about. Originally founded in Carrollton, Kentucky, Old Jett Brothers was a pre-Prohibition distillery known for its quality bourbon. The original Old Jett Brothers distillery was about ten miles from where the Neeley Family Distillery sits today. That’s one reason Royce felt a personal connection to bringing the brand back to life. This project allows him to explore not just the brand’s history, but new ways to innovate with bourbon.
For Royce, Old Jett Brothers is a canvas for pushing boundaries, offering a wide variety of finishes that bring different characteristics to each expression. Today, there are eight different finishes available, including Jamaican and Barbados rum, toasted French oak, Madeira, and Sauternes. Each finish brings its own layer of complexity, and today’s pour, the Jamaican Rum Finish, is a prime example of what this approach can do.
This expression starts with a five-year-old, triple pot distilled Kentucky bourbon from Neeley Family Distillery. The bourbon then spends 28 months finishing in a Rolling Fork Rum double pot distilled Jamaican rum barrel. The extra aging in rum barrels gives this bourbon a rich molasses sweetness and tropical fruit notes that add depth and balance.
On the nose, you’ll find aromas of caramelized sugar, dried tropical fruit, and a hint of spice. The palate offers rich vanilla, toasted oak, and molasses, with a subtle smokiness rounding it out. The finish is long, with lingering brown sugar and a touch of warmth that leaves a lasting impression. It’s hard to pick a favorite from the Old Jett Brothers line, but this one is a strong contender.
While Old Jett Brothers isn’t available through widespread distribution, you can find these bottles at the Neeley Family Distillery. Royce Neeley’s passion for resurrecting this historic label shines through in every bottle, and with each unique finish, there’s always something new to discover. If you have the chance to visit the distillery, don’t pass it up—because this is a bourbon you won’t find just anywhere. It’s a deep connection to both tradition and modern craftsmanship that’s well worth the trip.
Distiller: Neeley Family Distillery
Mash Bill: Undisclosed
Age: 5 years (Triple pot distilled)
Finish: 28 months in Rolling Fork Rum double pot distilled Jamaican rum barrels
Proof: 120.8 (60.4% ABV)
Availability: Distillery-exclusive
