If you’ve ever stood in a liquor store staring at the wall of bourbon and felt like you were choosing between a Civil War reenactment and a startup pitch deck, you’ll understand what the World Whiskey Society (WWS) is trying to do. Their newly spotlighted 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Modern Bottle feels like an intentional handshake between the past and the future—both in the juice and in the glass.
At first glance, it’s the bottle itself that catches the eye. Clean lines, minimalist typography, and a silhouette that wouldn’t look out of place next to a high-end cologne. But inside that sleek design is an old soul: a 54% ABV bourbon aged for nine years in Kentucky, where the hot summers and cold winters work their alchemy on oak barrels tucked away in rickhouses with more stories than a Faulkner novel.
“This 9YO Kentucky Bourbon Modern Bottle is a testament to the artistry and tradition of bourbon-making in the Bluegrass State,” said Alex Kogan, CEO of World Whiskey Society. “Its bold character and clean bottle design make it a strong representation of our evolving style, where heritage meets modernity.”
And bold it is. On the nose, there’s caramelized sugar, toasted vanilla, and oak smoke, followed by a softer layer—a little leather, some roasted nuts, maybe even saddle soap if you’re being poetic. The palate is deep, textured, and just sweet enough: think stone fruit wrapped in charred oak, chased by a warm, caramel finish that lingers just long enough to remind you this isn’t a casual pour—it’s an intentional one.
Priced at $159, it’s aimed squarely at both collectors and those who just want a bottle that drinks like a late-night story told well. It’s also a kind of statement from WWS, whose reputation for ultra-premium, rare releases is now being sharpened into something more approachable—but no less considered.
The 9-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon Modern Bottle is now available through the World Whiskey Society official website, where modern design meets bourbon’s old, enduring soul.
