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Learn MoreExperience the award-winning RD One French Oak Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a sophisticated Kentucky whiskey aged over 4 years and finished with select French Oak staves from Central France for a distinctive, mellow profile. Bottled at 101 proof, this bourbon offers a rich mouthfeel with caramel, dark cherries, and sweet oak on the palate, complemented by layers of dark chocolate, toasted almond, and a touch of rose and baking spice for exceptional depth. Its French Oak finish imparts a luxurious texture and lingering notes of oak, smoke, and dessert cream, making it a deep and memorable pour for bourbon enthusiasts seeking balance, complexity, and smoothness in every sip. Celebrate elevated craftsmanship—this small batch release has earned Double Gold and Best in Class finishes at major spirits competitions, solidifying its place among Kentucky's most refined bourbons.
RD One French Oak Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon is an award-winning small batch bourbon celebrated for its harmonious blend of traditional Kentucky distilling and innovative French oak finishing. Crafted in Lexington, KY, it’s designed for enthusiasts who seek depth, elegance, and a distinctive flavor journey.
Process & Profile
Mashbill: 70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley
Aging: Minimum of 4 years in new American oak barrels, then finished 2–4 months with French oak staves sourced from the famed forests of Central France.
Proof: 101 (50.5% ABV)
Production: Distilled and matured in Kentucky, utilizing 100% copper equipment for purity and flavor integrity.
The French oak is seasoned for 2–3 years in Northern California, then milled and toasted to precise specifications before finishing.
Awards: Multiple Double Gold, Platinum, and Best in Class honors at major spirits competitions in 2023 and 2024.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Rich caramel and butterscotch, chocolate almonds, a hint of floral rose, and subtle baking spices.
Palate: Decadent chocolate, warm graham cracker, aromatic allspice, vibrant raspberry, marshmallow, and dark cherries; underpinned by sweet oak and a touch of rye spice.
Mouthfeel: Exceptionally rich and oily, creating a memorable texture that lingers on the palate.
Finish: Long, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, oak, dried dark fruits, and a gentle wisp of smoke.
What Makes It Special
French Oak Finish: The choice of elite, tight-grained French oak—renowned in wine and cognac aging—imparts complex sweet, spicy, and creamy notes not found in standard bourbon.
Crafted Legacy: RD One traces its roots to Lexington’s historic first federally registered distillery, echoing Bluegrass whiskey heritage with modern refinement.
Award Winning: Consistently recognized as a top-tier finished bourbon, with Double Platinum and Best in Class accolades.
Balance & Approachability: The finish "beautifully rounds out flavors and develops a mellow, easy drinking bourbon,” making it as rewarding for connoisseurs as it is for those new to finished whiskeys.
Distinct Sensory Experience: The interplay of caramel, chocolate, fruit, and baking spice—enveloped in an oily, mouthcoating texture—is a standout within the category.
How to Enjoy
Neat or With Water: Savor neat to appreciate the depth of caramel, spice, and French oak complexity, or add a splash of water to open up floral and fruit notes.
Signature Cocktails: Elevate an Old Fashioned or Manhattan with its layered chocolate and cherry nuances.
Food Pairings: Match with dark chocolate desserts, roasted nuts, or rich cheeses to complement its flavor profile.
Collector’s Pour: Enjoy as an after-dinner sipper or celebrate RD One’s ongoing award wins with friends—its story and quality make it a conversation piece as much as a tasting event.
For those seeking a Kentucky bourbon with a unique twist, RD One French Oak Cask Finish delivers complexity, balance, and a memorable finish that stands out in any spirits collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RD One French Oak Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon?
RD One French Oak Cask Finish is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon aged over 4 years, then finished for 2–4 months with select French oak staves, which impart a unique and elegant profile to the classic bourbon base.
What are the main tasting notes?
This bourbon features rich caramel and dark cherry up front, with notes of dark chocolate, toasted almond, baking spices, dessert cream, and sweet oak. The influence of French oak brings additional flavors like marshmallow, graham cracker, rose, and a hint of smoke.
What makes French oak finishing special?
French oak is prized for its tight grain and depth of flavor complexity, often used for aging wine and cognac. Finishing bourbon with French oak staves balances the spirit, rounding out flavors and introducing a silky, mellow mouthfeel.
How strong is this bourbon?
RD One French Oak Cask Finish is 101 proof (50.5% ABV), offering a robust yet smooth drinking experience.
Where is it distilled?
This bourbon is distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky. The distillate is sourced from undisclosed Kentucky distilleries and crafted by RD1 Spirits in Lexington, Kentucky. Has this bourbon received any awards? Yes, it is a **multi award winning bourbon**, earning double golds and high ratings in competitions such as the 2024 Whiskies of the World Awards, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge, among others.
What’s the mashbill (grain recipe)?
The mashbill is 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, creating a bourbon that is sweet, slightly spicy, and full bodied.
Is this product a limited edition?
RD One French Oak Cask Finish is an ongoing release, not a limited run, and is a staple of RD1 Spirits’ wood finished bourbon lineup.
How much does a bottle cost?
The typical retail price is around $59–$69 for a 750ml bottle, though it may vary depending on the retailer and location.
Is this bourbon good for sipping neat?
Yes, this bourbon is crafted to be enjoyed neat or with a small splash of water, appealing to both new bourbon fans and seasoned enthusiasts due to its balanced sweetness and smooth texture.
What is the finish like?
The finish is long and earthy with lingering oak spice, dark chocolate, black pepper, nutmeg, and a touch of smoke, drying out pleasantly but leaving a rich aftertaste.
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