Rare Breed is not a single barrel bourbon. It is actually a batched product, meaning it is a blend of barrels of various ages. The barrels used for Rare Breed typically range from around 6 to 12 years old. This blending process allows the master distillers to create a unique and consistent flavor profile for each batch of Rare Breed.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and evaluate many different bourbons, including Rare Breed. The fact that it is a batched product rather than a single barrel adds an interesting dimension to its flavor profile. Each batch of Rare Breed can vary slightly in taste, as different barrels contribute their own unique characteristics to the final blend.
I have found that Rare Breed often showcases a rich and complex flavor profile. The blending of barrels of different ages can result in a bourbon that has both youthful vibrancy and mature depth. This combination of flavors can be quite appealing to bourbon enthusiasts who enjoy a well-balanced and nuanced whiskey.
On the other hand, Russell's Reserve, which is also produced by the same distillery as Rare Breed, is indeed a single barrel bourbon. Each bottle of Russell's Reserve comes from a specific barrel, which is typically aged for around 8 to 10 years. This means that every bottle of Russell's Reserve has its own unique characteristics, as it is not blended with other barrels.
Having tasted both Rare Breed and Russell's Reserve, I find that the single barrel nature of Russell's Reserve can result in a more focused and concentrated flavor profile. Each bottle offers a glimpse into the specific characteristics of the individual barrel it came from, allowing for a more intimate and personal tasting experience.
While Rare Breed and Russell's Reserve are both bourbons produced by the same distillery, they differ in terms of their production methods. Rare Breed is a batched product blended from barrels of various ages, while Russell's Reserve is a single barrel bourbon. Both offer their own distinct flavor profiles and can be enjoyed by bourbon enthusiasts looking for different tasting experiences.