McDonald’s Spirit of Kentucky Burger

Proof: 0 (sauce contains no alcohol)

Age statement: none (but hopefully fewer than 10 minutes)

Suggested retail price: $4.99 (value meal, $6.99)

The story: Evidence of bourbon’s popularity continues with McDonald’s attempt to cash in, the limited-edition Spirit of Kentucky Burger with Bourbon-Flavored Sauce, available in 99 Kentuckiana stores through May 30. In addition to the sauce, which contains no actual bourbon, the quarter-pound burger is dressed with lettuce, tomato, applewood-smoked bacon, onions and white cheddar, all on an “artisan roll.” The phrase Bourbon-Flavored Sauce reminds me of the “pork-chop-shaped sandwich” I once saw in the vending machine at work, but no matter: The Bourbon Babe must provide tasting notes for her public. Let’s do this.

The aroma: McDonald’s burger. No noticeable bourbon notes.

The taste: McDonald’s burger. No bourbon flavor whatsoever. The sauce is more like a thin, vinegar-y barbecue sauce, and was my least favorite element of the sandwich. I did like the artisan roll, which is more like a pretzel bun than the usual McDonald’s bun.

The verdict: I give McD’s points for canny local marketing, but I’m not lovin’ it.