As an elder Millennial lady, I am a sucker for a good candle, especially if it is Kentucky-themed. I was introduced to Kentucky Alchemy – a Louisville-based, women-owned candle company – earlier this year. Their scents are inspired by their love of the Bluegrass State, with notable scents like bourbon, mint, rose, and oak featuring prominently in their selection.

Kentucky Alchemy – named so as the founders, sisters Kathryn and Nicola Foreman, realized that blending scents was more science-driven than artistic. “We’re obsessed with experimenting with different fragrances and materials to create a premium candle that you want to enjoy here and now.” And just as distillation is a science, they put many hours into toying with temperature, waxes, and scents to create the perfect candle experience. I can attest that the candles leave your home smelling beautiful, but not cloying, and even made me – a rose scent hater – want to keep the Kentucky Derby themed candle “Garland of Roses” burning on repeat.

The brand was created out of a realization that the bourbon boom was extending across American borders. “I lived internationally for many years and whenever I’d say I was from Kentucky, the only thing most people knew was KFC. Slowly, that started shifting to bourbon and as a result a greater interest in Kentucky,” said Kathryn. Upon returning to Kentucky as adults, both founders came back with a stronger appreciation for their homestate, and were inspired to find a way to share what makes it so special. Starting out with the two most famous themes – bourbon and horses – Kentucky Alchemy’s signature scents were born. Though, I think a collab with Yum! Brands is definitely called for. Who wouldn’t want the scent of 11 herbs and spices wafting throughout their home?

“When we started experimenting with candle making we wanted our candles to reflect some of the best aspects of Kentucky. Bourbon and the Kentucky Derby were natural places to start. We saw a lot of themed candles that were very casual which led us to creating something more elevated as a nod to the heritage and traditions that make Kentucky unique.”

– Kathryn Foreman, Co-Founder

I am particularly struck by the elegant simplicity of the packaging. Kentucky Alchemy candles are intentionally unbranded so they naturally complement any decor or setting. Though their regular candles – housed in ceramic – are lovely, I am completely in love with the Julep cup line. There is a simple elegance to them that is timeless and suited to all tastes. Each candle is made from vegetable wax and hand poured into a gorgeous, reusable, silver Julep cup, perfect for your next Derby Party. Stylish, scented, and sustainable.

The line of Julep cup candles is limited to Kentucky-focused scents: Oak Aged Bourbon, Kentucky Mint, Garland of Roses, and Kentucky Bluegrass. Here’s a closer look at the Julep line’s scents:

• Oak Aged Bourbon: Smells like sipping your favorite bourbon, smooth with a kick. Fragrance notes: Bourbon, Brown Sugar, Dates, Vanilla, Honey, Figs, Wild Currant.
• Kentucky Mint:  Smells like an exhilarating blend of vibrant mint leaves picked fresh from a Kentucky field. Fragrance notes: Mint, Eucalyptus, Tomato Leaf, Wood.
• Garland of Roses: Smells like rosewater and the spirit of victory. Fragrance notes: Rose Petal, Pink Sea Salt, Lemon Peel, Fresh Lime, Sandalwood, Honey, Watermelon.
• Kentucky Bluegrass: Smells like notes of tobacco blended with fresh cut grass and oakmoss — our take on the rolling hills of the Bluegrass state. Fragrance notes: Tobacco Leaves, Amaretto, Grass, Sage, Oakmoss, Amber.

Pro tip: To completely clean out your cup, pop it in the freezer to allow the remnants of the wax to set. Remove from the freezer and use a fork, knife, or skewer to break the wax up. Dump the wax out (or remelt along with other candle remains for a whole new candle!) and spray with GooGone. From there, the clean up process is easy and you are left with a shiny Julep cup perfect for a cocktail, with or without bourbon.

They make the perfect gift for any bourbon lover, and would pair particularly well along with a bottle of bourbon. I know they will absolutely be on my go-to gift list for years to come!

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.