Rabbit Hole Derringer, a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, goes through a carefully crafted aging process to develop its unique flavor profile. The whiskey starts with a mash bill that includes wheat, which adds a smooth and slightly sweeter character to the final product.
To begin the aging process, the whiskey is first aged for a minimum of five years in #4 Char barrels. The #4 Char refers to the level of charring on the inside of the barrels, which helps to impart rich flavors and color to the whiskey as it matures. This initial aging period allows the bourbon to develop its foundational flavors and characteristics.
After the initial aging, Rabbit Hole Derringer undergoes an additional aging and finishing process in hand-selected sherry casks. These sherry casks, often made from European oak, provide a unique twist to the traditional bourbon aging process. The interaction between the bourbon and the sherry casks adds complexity and depth to the final product.
The length of time the whiskey spends in the sherry casks can vary, as each batch is carefully monitored and tasted to determine the ideal aging period. This allows the whiskey to reach the perfect balance of flavors, taking into account the influence of the sherry casks and the desired taste profile.
The use of sherry casks in the finishing process adds a nuanced layer of flavor to Rabbit Hole Derringer. Sherry is a fortified wine that can range from dry to sweet, and the casks previously used to age sherry bring their own unique characteristics to the whiskey. The sherry casks may contribute notes of dried fruits, nuts, and a subtle sweetness to the final product.
The result of this meticulous aging and finishing process is a refined and balanced bourbon whiskey that showcases the best of both traditional bourbon techniques and innovative finishing methods. Rabbit Hole Derringer offers a complex flavor profile with hints of caramel, vanilla, dried fruits, and a touch of sherry influence, all while maintaining the classic bourbon character.
Personal experience:
I had the opportunity to taste Rabbit Hole Derringer during a whiskey tasting event, and I was impressed by its depth and complexity. The wheat mash bill gave it a smooth and velvety mouthfeel, while the aging process in both charred barrels and sherry casks added layers of flavor that kept evolving on the palate.
The initial five-year aging period in charred barrels provided a solid foundation of classic bourbon flavors, with notes of caramel, oak, and a hint of spice. But it was the influence of the sherry casks that truly set Rabbit Hole Derringer apart. The dried fruit aromas and subtle sweetness from the sherry casks added a delightful complexity to the whiskey, elevating it to a more refined and sophisticated level.
The aging process of Rabbit Hole Derringer is a labor of love, with careful attention to detail and a focus on creating a balanced and exceptional bourbon whiskey. The combination of wheat in the mash bill, the use of charred barrels, and the finishing in sherry casks all contribute to the unique character and flavor profile of this outstanding spirit.