Early Times Kentucky Whiskey 1.75L

Early Times Kentucky Whiskey 1.75L is a versatile 80-proof (40% ABV) American whiskey blended from bourbon and used-barrel-aged whiskey in a large-format 1.75-liter bottle. This expression earned a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, validating its reputation as a dependable, everyday Kentucky whiskey with broad mixing and sipping appeal.
Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Style: Kentucky Whiskey (NAS)  |  Producer: Sazerac Company
Production & Heritage
Early Times traces its name back to the 1860s and spent decades under Brown-Forman’s stewardship before the brand was acquired by Sazerac Company in mid-2020. The whiskey is built on a mashbill of 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley — identical to a classic bourbon grain bill. What distinguishes it from bourbon under U.S. regulations is that a portion of the spirit matures in previously used oak barrels rather than exclusively in new charred oak, so it carries the broader “Kentucky Whiskey” designation instead. That used-barrel component tempers the aggressive wood tannins found in many young bourbons, producing a noticeably softer, more approachable character.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Caramel and vanilla lead immediately, followed by soft oak and a dusting of cinnamon. Beneath that initial sweetness sit biscuity, almost bready cereal notes and a faint suggestion of melon rind.
Taste: The entry is gentle and grain-sweet, with caramel and vanilla coating the tongue before a mid-palate wave of cinnamon and soft oak moves in. As it develops, light peanut and cocoa notes emerge alongside a persistent bready quality that keeps the sweetness grounded.
Finish: Medium in length with a clean, relatively dry close. Lingering caramel, vanilla, and mild baking spice fade gradually without any harsh tannic bite.
How to Drink Early Times
Neat or on the rocks, Early Times delivers a straightforward, uncomplicated pour — a splash of water opens the caramel and vanilla notes without thinning the body. Its gentle profile and value-friendly large format make it an outstanding cocktail workhorse:
Whiskey Sour — the natural caramel sweetness balances citrus beautifully without requiring excess simple syrup.
Highball — light body and clean finish pair well with soda water or ginger ale for an easy, refreshing serve.
Old Fashioned — soft oak and cinnamon notes harmonize with bitters and a sugar cube, producing a mellow, approachable version of the classic.
Best For
Stocking a home bar for regular cocktail mixing
Hosting parties or gatherings where volume and crowd-pleasing flavor matter
Introducing newcomers to American whiskey without palate shock
Batch-making punch bowls or large-format cocktail batches
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Early Times taste like? Early Times delivers a caramel-and-vanilla-forward profile supported by soft oak, cinnamon, and bready cereal notes, finishing medium-dry with gentle spice.
How does Early Times compare to Old Forester? Both brands share Brown-Forman heritage and a Kentucky pedigree, but Old Forester’s bourbon lineup tends toward bolder sweetness with banana and cherry cola notes and higher proof options, while Early Times leans into a mellower, drier character thanks to its used-barrel aging component and 80-proof bottling strength.
Is Early Times good for cocktails? Early Times is one of the most frequently recommended budget-friendly whiskeys for cocktails because its smooth, unobtrusive profile mixes easily without overpowering other ingredients, and the 1.75L format provides excellent volume for regular use.
Where is Early Times made? Early Times is produced in Kentucky, USA, and is now owned by Sazerac Company, which acquired the brand from Brown-Forman in mid-2020.
What foods pair well with Early Times? Grilled pork ribs with a brown sugar glaze echo the whiskey’s caramel sweetness. Sharp cheddar cheese highlights the oak and spice. Pecan pie mirrors the nutty, vanilla-rich character. Smoked turkey or pulled chicken sandwiches complement the mellow grain backbone. Buttered cornbread brings out the soft corn notes in the mashbill.
What sizes does Early Times come in? Early Times Kentucky Whiskey is commonly available in 750ml, 1L, and 1.75L bottles, with the 1.75L being its most popular value format.
Is Early Times worth the price? Early Times positions squarely in the entry-level value tier of American whiskey, and its Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition suggests quality that punches above its price class — particularly in the 1.75L format, which maximizes per-ounce value.
Why Early Times?
The defining characteristic of Early Times is the deliberate use of previously used oak barrels alongside new charred oak in its aging program — a production choice that softens tannins and yields a smoother, more forgiving whiskey than most comparably priced bourbons. That technique earned it a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a significant endorsement for any spirit at this price level. The 79/11/10 corn-rye-malt mashbill provides a solid bourbon-style backbone, while the used-barrel aging rounds the edges in a way that makes the whiskey versatile enough for neat sipping, rocks pours, and a wide range of cocktails. In the 1.75L format, it remains one of the most practical large-format American whiskeys available for anyone who values consistency and drinkability over flash.