Rare Character Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Rare Character Limited Release (RCLR)

(Batch No.04 2025)

Proof: 115.18

From Rare Character:

We understand that not everyone will enjoy every blend, but
sometimes you crave a touch of complexity in your pour. Enter 25B4
Straight Bourbon. This 8.5-16-year-old layered blend was meticulously
crafted, with each barrel dumped with careful consideration and
intention. It may seem unusual to combine higher-aged double-digit
Kentucky bourbons with younger ones, but we will never compromise
on quality for quantity. Rich with notes of vanilla, dried fruits, citrus,
and brown sugar, 25B4 is a pour that invites you to savor its flavors for
an extended period, just like how we blended it.

The nose is greeted by an enticing aroma of waffle cone, butterscotch,
and vanilla, creating a delightful sweetness. As the scent unfolds, notes
of nutmeg and black pepper emerge, adding a warm and spicy touch.
Burnt citrus peel and oak round out the nose, revealing complex and
nuanced fragrances that deepens with each sniff.

Hitting the palate at 115.18 proof, this whiskey boasts dark brown
sugars, layered spices, and vanilla cream that build their presence with
undertones of caramel, waffle cone, dried tobacco, and cardamom.
Caramel sauce and a touch of cocoa powder add depth, while the very
strong vanilla and brown sugar continue to create a fun, yet complex,
wave of flavors on the palate.

With a medium-long finish, this whiskey undergoes a delightful
transformation with each sip. Some sips lean heavily on spice, while
others evoke the sweetness of a dessert bomb. A solid underlying spice
profile is complemented by citrus zest, vanilla cream, and strong
caramel notes. Notably, this blend is devoid of wheated bourbon, which
surprises you in how decadent and soft the finish is. It’s a harmonious
blend of medium to high rye bourbons. As you savor the tail end of the
finish, the older whiskeys add a touch of rickhouse floor and dried
tobacco before gradually fading away into a vintage vanilla cola.