Rare Character Bourbon Finished in Apricot Brandy Cask S2B9

The Rare Character Native Wood Series and Finishing Series are born from the main ethos of Rare Character—challenging norms and introducing remarkable, rare spirits—but with another twist; this series uses native wood barrels from around the world, never seen before in the United States to finish American whiskey.

From Lee Diaz, Topflight Series Panel Member: 

At the core of the immediate success and relative cult following of Rare Character has been their ability to identify compelling barrels and build on that core character with incredible finishes. This is proven true across various mash bills, whiskey types, barrel types, and finishes. For us, it was incredible to see one of our first two selections with Rare Character, the Jaqueira finished Rye, win SFWSC Double Gold and Best in Class for Finished Whiskey just last year.

Since that win, we have been eagerly awaiting our next run of Rare Character finished barrels. Since that win, we have eagerly awaited our next run of Rare Character finished barrels. Enter this finished whiskey release. It's an over 6-year-old Straight Bourbon Whiskey that has been finished in an Apricot Brandy barrel for several months until it is deemed ready by restauranteur, co-founder, and tastemaker Pablo Moix. The result is this beautiful marrying of bourbon conventions with added complexity formed through the finishing, offered at a cask strength of 116.12. The nose offers maple syrup, stone fruit, baking spices, and lavender. You will discover new flavors with each sip, including honey, baked peaches, praline, nutmeg, and vanilla. This leads to a complex finish of caramel, candied ginger, toasted oak, leather, and mint. Let this whiskey breathe a bit, and it will evolve. Add a rock, and it will continue to grow all the more. There's truly nothing like it! I can't wait for you to enjoy this pour.

TOPFLIGHT: Series 2, Barrel No. 9

PROOF: 116.12

AGE: 6 Years, 6 Months

FINISHING BARREL: Apricot Brandy Barrel

WAREHOUSE LOCATION: Lexington, KY

DATE PULLED: December 2023