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?