Bourbon

WhistlePig has become the blockbuster franchise of whiskey. Every release generates the kind of anticipation usually reserved for summer Marvel releases. 

Their Boss Hog series, now in its twelfth year (and having picked up some major hardware over the years: Best in Show at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Best of the Best by Robb Report multiple times, and Best Rye Whiskey at various competitions), remains the most collectible limited edition series in American whiskey, a simply stunning accomplishment, given how many distilleries are desperately trying to create their own cult followings.

Now comes Boss Hog XII: Feather & Flame: a single barrel, cask strength rye that takes a hard left turn into ancient Mexico tradition.

Matured in Pulque Curado de Cacao barrels, which have been seasoned with agave-fermented pulque and cured with cacao and Mexican chili peppers, it somehow manages to summon the complex essence of Xocolatl, the sacred chili chocolate drink that neither the Aztecs nor we, it seems, are able to get enough of.

It's the world's first Pulque Curado barrel finish for rye whiskey, because, apparently, regular barrel finishes have become too pedestrian for WhistlePig's ambitions. It also happens to be among WhistlePig's oldest rye whiskeys, not to mention among its most potent (with a powerful proof that clocks in between 104.8-108.4).

From the first nosing, you get caramel, dark chocolate, and orange zest that hints at the wild ride ahead. The palate delivers notes of bright citrus balanced by soft oak and cocoa with wave upon wave of subtle earthy spice, while the finish brings a dramatic one-two burst of savory cacao that gives way, marvelously, to herbaceous chili pepper.

A whisky that defies nearly every expectation … as it dazzles your mind and your palate, both. 

And by the way, the packing is every bit the equal of the liquid within. Each bottle is crowned with an equally collectible Vermont handmade pewter topper depicting a feathered pig deity, wielding Aztec chilis and a traditional chocolate whisk. 

These collectible pewter toppers are designed and cast by hand just 11 miles from the WhistlePig Farm, while each back label features NFC technology for collector registration and authentication.

This is a must-have for rye lovers, for WhistlePig fans — really, for anyone who loves great American craft.

A book written by our friend, one of the foremost Blanton's collectors and brand experts - 

As you open the antique latch, it reveals a felt top that has been covering 2 hand-blown glasses and a bottle of 2018 Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Aged 15 Years laying gently and securely in a batch of hypoallergenic antique packing straw. The exterior dimensions of this one of a kind gift box are 14.75″W x 10.75″D x 5.75″H. Because each box is handmade, quantities are limited and please inquire for expedited shipping.

The bourbon was aged seven to eight years in the upper floors of Rickhouse Q, then finished for four months in barrels that previously held French Orange Curaçao liqueur. This is the second barrel-finished bourbon in the collection, following in the steps of the 5th Edition Cognac finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Traditional bourbon notes of vanilla and caramel upfront that are quickly washed over with a wave of orange soda, candied fruits, and mild barrel char. A flash of orange marmalade, orange sponge candy, slight bitterness, and sugary alcoholic bite instantly reminds me of Grand Marnier. Seasoned oak and hearty vanilla notes roll in, bumping out the majority of the Orange Curaçao barrel finish.Seasoned oak and vanilla notes carry over into the finish and dominate. Sugary orange notes weave throughout, but struggle to really pop.

Old Forester is honored to release its most anticipated annual whisky: Birthday Bourbon. This year's expression is 12 years old and 92 proof and the bottle offers a unique twist that sets it apart from previous years.

In a rare departure from tradition, this year's batch was created without the use of "setback" during fermentation — a standard practice that ensures consistency. Instead, a "sweet mash" process was used, relying solely on freshly-propagated yeast.

This anomaly resulted in a silky and sweet flavor profile that shines at 92 proof.

These rare barrels from one day's production (April 5, 2013) were selected by Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo.

It was drawn from 210 barrels aged in Warehouse K, Floors 1 and 5.

"For our 25th Birthday Bourbon release, the absence of setback allowed the yeast to express its full character, creating a flavor profile that's both delicate and complex," Trigo said.

Batch Proof is a celebration of Woodford Reserve’s proprietary process – blending barrels into a batch and then bottling the whiskey at its actual proof, straight from the barrel. Batch Proof is crafted using the same grain bill and process as Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The 2024 edition is 121.2 Proof.

Batch Proof, however, takes Woodford Reserve’s trademark flavor range of sweet vanilla and toasted oak to a whole new level offering consumers the privilege of tasting Woodford Reserve in its purest form (and not the standard 90.4 for which Woodford is known).

Bottled in 2014, Lost Prophet is the second release of the rare vintages of Diageo's Orphan Barrel Series, a series of bottles that came from barrels that were abandoned or forgotten at rickhouses and distilleries. Lost Prophet speaks softly but carries a big stick. Eloquent and gentle, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was unearthed after spending 22 long years resting in charred American white oak barrels, tucked away in a corner of the historic Stitzel-Weller rickhouses in Shively, Kentucky. Lost Prophet is a soft spoken whiskey, with aromas of honey, apricot, and clove that reveal a silky, full-bodied taste with notes of spiced vanilla and a touch of leather, culminating in a sweet smoky finish. This is one of the rarest Orphan Barrels, as it was released in 2014 for that year only and is no longer produced.

Discovery 13

KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY DOUBLE BARRELED IN AMERICAN AND HUNGARIAN OAK

Our Discovery series highlights the art of blending, combining exquisite whiskies so the sum is better than any part. Discovery 13 transforms luck into legend with a bold blend of Kentucky Bourbon perfected with Hungarian and American Oak. This limited release embraces the mystery of its number, offering a whiskey that’s rich, layered, and for the first time, double-barreled in the Discovery series for added depth and distinction.

Tasting Notes
Double Barreling Discovery 13 in Hungarian Oak takes the classic flavors of this blend—caramel, vanilla, and dry fruit—and layers them with complex notes of baking spice, campfire ash, clove, cinnamon, and toffee. This rare combination produces something special to celebrate the intrigue of #13.

110.8 PROOF / 750ML

Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye - Bourbon Concierge Single Barrel - 132.4pf 

Bomberger’s Declaration Distillery Bourbon is a robust Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at 108 proof with a broad spectrum of distinctively rich characters. It is matured in special barrels, some of which were made from Chinquapin oak that has been naturally air dried for over 3 years. The distillery honors the legacy of the former distillery known as Bomberger’s in the 1800s and later as Michter’s in the 20th Century.

Knob Creek 12 Year Old is a small batch, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged for 12 years and bottled at 100 proof.

Distilled By: James B Beam Distilling Co

Distilled In: Kentucky, USA

ABV: 50% ABV | 100 Proof 

Age: 12 Years

Notable Press: 

Rating - 4/5 Barrels: "Compared to standard release Knob Creek Small Batch bourbons of the past, 12 Year delivers the richest flavor profile to date." - Breaking Bourbon

Rating - 4/5 Stars: "A big, bold, beautiful, double-digit aged, whiskey delivered at 100 proof and a decent price. What more could you want?" - The Whiskey Jug

Rating - 91pts: "Excellent release from Beam on this one - once again blending to a profile that’s enticing and unique. Big fan." - WhiskeyRaiders.com 

Rating - 7.9/10: ADHD Whiskey

Rating - 8/10: "From start to finish KC 12 delivers and you can’t go wrong with having this on your shelf." - Bourbon By Proxy

For over fifty years, Silver Oak has created exquisite
California cabernets aged exclusively in premium oak
barrels, establishing themselves as a trailblazer in Napa,
CA. Finding the perfect balance of fruit to barrel notes,
this expression features a custom blend of 9 to 15
year-old bourbon which was then finished in Silver Oak
barrels for 17 months, creating a beautiful balance of
ripe fruit, caramel, and roasted nuts.

We're proud to introduce a new collection of extra-aged, ultra-premium American Whiskeys to our portfolio. The Heaven Hill Heritage Collection exemplifies the true craftsmanship, patience and consistency that are hallmarks of our almost 90 years of whiskey-making traditions. With new editions released every spring, this collection features Straight American Whiskeys from one of our six traditional mashbills. Ages vary by release but all editions feature our oldest stocks of barrels.

The 2024 release of the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection is an 18-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Bottled without chill filtering, this 120 proof Whiskey showcases our Bourbon mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye and 12% malted barley. As noted on the label for added transparency, this year’s release consists of 133 barrels that were produced in December 2005 and aged on the third floor of rickhouse 1I.

18-Year-Old Tasting Notes
Color: Polished mahogany
Nose: Dried flowers and black tea; old oak and toasted almonds
Taste: Vanilla and caramel with leather and oak char; peppery spices, more caramel and a hint of orange oil
Finish: Big spices with a long, warm and dry finish

New Riff Single Barrel Rye - Selection may Vary 

THE BOTTLING

A bottle of 24 year Kentucky straight bourbon is exclusive in it's own right, however one with this background and history is even that much more special.  What began almost 2 years ago by our Head of Spirits Archeology to locate some mythical 24 year bourbon that was being stored in Europe has culminated in a spectacular bottling by C. Dully out of Switzerland, hand selected from samples, and bottled exclusively for The Bourbon Concierge.   This was bottled at cask strength, a surprisingly approachable 95.6 proof, 700ml size, and with one of the most gorgeous bottle designs we have seen on the market by C. Dully.  The bourbon inside the bottle is some of the most highly sought after distillate with extremely robust flavors, viscous mouthfeel, just the right amount of oak tannins, and a proof which allows you to sip for days.  Your bottle comes complete with a gorgeous Bourbon Concierge velvet bag which mimics the look of the Pappy Van Winkle 23 and 20 bottles however at a much higher quality.

THE HISTORY

This particular bourbon was distilled in 1994, a couple years before an unfortunate event eliminated almost 100,000 barrels of whiskey from the distillery (NDA states we cannot name it).  It was aged for 12 years in Kentucky, before the barrels were then transported overseas where it aged for an additional 12 years and was ultimately poured into stainless steel vats to prevent further barrel aging.  For the last couple years a few independent bottlers have been buying up supply making it increasingly difficult to get and as of early 2022, all of the supply has been depleted, making this particular bottling one of the last of its kind, never to be produced again.