Rare Character Single Barrel Bourbon
The Basics:
Rare Character Whiskey (sourced)
Hotel Covington Single Barrel
117.96 Proof
5 Year, 8 Month Age Statement
$80 MSRP
Nose:
Funnel cake, black cherry, prune, oak, and vanilla custard.
Palate:
Cocoa, mixed berry tart, leather, light smoke, and walnut.
Finish:
Medium finish with notes of old fashioned cake donut and clove.
Final Thoughts:
Rare Character Whiskey, based in Kentucky, curates select single barrels from around the country. This single barrel pick from Hotel Covington carries a 5 year age statement, coming in at 117.96 proof. Maybe it was just the mood I was in, but the notes on this bourbon were very pastry-forward with funnel cake, old fashioned donuts, and vanilla custard. A nice mix of dark red fruits, clove, and even a hint of smoke added some complexity to the whiskey beyond just sweet pastries. Overall, this single barrel hits the right notes, especially for a brand that most people are not familiar with. Bold, sweet, and a bit of spice to set it apart from the rest of the pack. The only question is whether or not the price tag is just a bit too high to justify in the current bourbon market?