Day 24 of DB's Bourbon Trail 2024 Advent Calendar - Rare Character Single Barrel Series

Cheers and welcome to our 5th Annual Advent Calendar!

This month, we’re embarking on a high-end bourbon journey, reviewing 25 bourbons from award-winning distilleries across the United States. From December 1st to December 25th, we’ll explore everything from small batches to single barrels, all packed with flavor. Join us in toasting to another incredible year as we share some of our favorite bottles with you!

Our reviews are done using a Glencairn glass and neat, but remember, it’s your bourbon! Enjoy it however you like—over ice, with water, or in a cocktail. The key is to enjoy it your way and not let others influence your experience.

Enough of me rambling. Now, let’s dive into what brought us here!

Day 24 of DB’s Bourbon Trail 2024 Advent Calendar

RARE CHARACTER SINGLE BARREL SERIES - SELECTED BY BROWN WATER SELECT

Proof:

113.76 Proof (56.88%)

Distillery:

Distilled and Aged in Indiana

Bottled by Rare Character Whiskey Co. (Lexington, KY)

Message on the bottle:

PURVEYOR OF RARE WHISKIES

Rare Character Whiskey Co. was born out of Pablo Moix’s love for collecting rare and distinctive whiskeys. After two decades of purchasing single barrels for his own bars and restaurants, he has developed a unique insight into the industry and has forged special relationships with top distillers and distilleries. They have offered him one-of-a-kind access to their private warehouses and, for this series, Moix has found and procured barrels unlike anything else out there. This limited release showcases the time-honored traditions of American whiskey-making, back when products were still produced the old-fashioned way. Rare Character Whiskey is for connoisseurs who should pick only the most memorable occasions to sip these fine whiskeys that have never been released before, and will never be released again.

Price Point:

At DB’s Bourbon Trail, we use BoozApp (not sponsored) to ensure fair pricing on our bourbon purchases. Nothing is worse than overpaying due to supply and demand games.
- Average MSRP:
  - $109.99
- DB’s Bourbon Trail Instant Buy Price:
  - <$109.99

Review:

This is an incredible pick from @brownwaterselect on Instagram! If you aren’t already following them and @vabourbonhunter and @whiskeythrottle_bws - make sure you do! They have incredible barrel picks and leaders in the bourbon community. In addition to this Rare Character pick, we will feature a couple of picks from them in this year’s calendar. Check them out to get a sneak peak on the high quality pours to come!

When it was a BWS pick and the back of the Rare Character bottle closes with this quote:

“Rare Character Whiskey is for connoisseurs who should pick only the most memorable occasions to sip these fine whiskeys that have never been released before, and will never be released again.”

I knew there wasn’t a better occasion than Christmas Eve of 2024 to represent this bottle!

Nose:

The initial aroma is a has a strong floral presence, intertwined with the rich sweetness of vanilla and honey. As you dive deeper, the presence of rye spice becomes more pronounced, adding a layer of complexity. The floral notes persist, providing a fresh and inviting scent that complements the sweeter elements perfectly.

Palate:

On the palate, this pour opens up with a harmonious blend of honey and vanilla, creating a smooth and creamy mouthfeel. The rye spice makes a bold entrance, offering a pleasant contrast to the sweetness. The floral notes continue to play a subtle yet significant role, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Finish:

The finish is where this bourbon truly shines. The rye spice takes center stage, accompanied by a robust oakiness that adds depth and character. Just as the spice and oak begin to dominate, a honey sweetness emerges, pulling all the flavors together into a cohesive and satisfying finish. It is long and lingering, leaving a warm and pleasant aftertaste that invites you in to take another sip.

Final Thoughts:

This is our last Single Barrel expression this holiday season! What a ride it has been and we had to go out with a bang with this expression from Rare Character!

Cheers y’all! 🥃

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