Rabbit Hole bourbon is a Kentucky straight bourbon that was released in May 2021. It is a unique and special expression that has undergone a meticulous aging and finishing process. The bourbon is aged for a remarkable 14 years in new, charred American oak barrels, allowing it to develop deep and complex flavors over time.
What sets Rabbit Hole bourbon apart from others is its finishing process. After its initial aging, the bourbon is transferred to Japanese Mizunara oak barrels for an additional year of maturation. This finishing period in Mizunara oak barrels adds a distinctive and exotic character to the bourbon, imparting flavors and aromas that are not typically found in traditional American bourbons.
Mizunara oak is highly prized in the whisky world for its rarity and unique qualities. It is known for imparting flavors of sandalwood, incense, and spice, which can lend a captivating and aromatic profile to the spirit. The use of Mizunara oak in the finishing process of Rabbit Hole bourbon adds an extra layer of complexity and depth to the already well-aged whiskey.
It is worth noting that Rabbit Hole Mizunara Founder's Collection is bottled at a cask strength of 57.1% ABV. This higher alcohol content allows the flavors to be more concentrated and intense, creating a bold and powerful drinking experience.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste a wide variety of bourbons and whiskies. Rabbit Hole bourbon stands out to me for its exceptional craftsmanship and unique flavor profile. The combination of the long aging period in American oak barrels and the finishing in Mizunara oak barrels creates a bourbon that is truly one-of-a-kind.
When I first tried Rabbit Hole Mizunara Founder's Collection, I was immediately struck by the rich and complex aromas that wafted from the glass. The sandalwood and spice notes from the Mizunara oak were prominent, mingling with hints of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruits from the bourbon's extended aging. It was a sensory experience that captivated me from the first sip.
On the palate, the bourbon was rich, full-bodied, and incredibly smooth despite its high ABV. The flavors were a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy, with layers of oak, vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of dark chocolate. The Mizunara oak influence added a unique twist, with distinct notes of sandalwood and exotic spices lingering on the finish.
Drinking Rabbit Hole bourbon was a truly memorable experience, one that I would highly recommend to any bourbon enthusiast or whiskey connoisseur. The combination of the bourbon's age, cask strength, and Mizunara oak finishing creates a spirit that is both complex and approachable, offering a depth of flavors that unfold with every sip.
Rabbit Hole bourbon is a Kentucky straight bourbon that undergoes a 14-year aging process in American oak barrels, followed by an additional year of finishing in Mizunara oak barrels. The result is a cask strength bourbon with a unique flavor profile that showcases the rich and complex characteristics of both American and Japanese oak. It is a whiskey that is sure to impress and delight those who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of fine bourbon.