Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey

Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey is a groundbreaking spirit, celebrated as the first American bourbon crafted using the refined Solera aging process, traditionally reserved for sherries and ports. This award-winning whiskey, masterfully blended by the late Dave Pickerell, combines Hillrock's estate-distilled bourbon with a mature "seed bourbon" before being finished in 20-year-old Oloroso Sherry casks. The result is a rich complexity with layers of fig, roasted walnuts, candied fruit, and rye spice, complemented by notes of brown sugar, toffee, and cinnamon. With its deep amber hue and velvety texture, this 92.6-proof bourbon delivers an unparalleled tasting experience, balancing tradition with innovation—a true connoisseur's delight.

Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey stands as a groundbreaking American spirit, blending traditional bourbon craftsmanship with the centuries-old solera aging method. This innovative approach, combined with a sherry cask finish, creates a whiskey of remarkable depth and complexity. Below is a detailed exploration of its unique characteristics, tasting profile, and suggested enjoyment.

Process & Profile

Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon is the world's first bourbon aged using the solera method, a technique traditionally reserved for sherries, ports, and cognacs. The process involves a pyramid of casks where younger spirits from upper barrels are successively blended with older whiskey in lower barrels over time. No cask is ever fully emptied, allowing the whiskey to develop increasing complexity and average age with each cycle. The bourbon marries Hillrock's estate-distilled whiskey with carefully sourced mature bourbon before finishing in 20-year-old Oloroso Sherry casks. This sherry cask influence balances the whiskey's spicy rye character (approximately 37% rye content) while adding layers of dried fruit and nutty notes. The current average age exceeds six years, bottled at 46.3% ABV (92.6 proof).

Tasting Notes

Nose: A rich bouquet of caramel, vanilla, and oak spice, accented by floral and fruit notes from the sherry cask finish. Subtle cinnamon and candied fruit emerge, with hints of pecan pie and maple syrup. Palate: Full-bodied and warm, offering flavors of molasses, brown sugar, and toffee balanced by spicy clove and cinnamon. The sherry influence shines through with fig, roasted walnut, and raisin notes. Finish: Medium to long with lingering caramel and butterscotch, underscored by the distinctive Oloroso sherry character of walnut and candied fruit.

What Makes It Special

Hillrock's innovation lies in adapting the solera method—typically used for fortified wines—to bourbon production, creating unparalleled consistency and complexity. The distillery's "field-to-glass" approach ensures quality control from grain to bottle, using estate-grown barley and rye. The sherry cask finish distinguishes it further, adding distinctive Spanish wine characteristics uncommon in American whiskey. The bourbon has garnered significant acclaim, including multiple double gold medals and ratings above 94 points from prestigious spirits competitions. Its unique production method and flavor profile make it a standout choice for whiskey enthusiasts seeking something beyond conventional bourbons.

How to Enjoy

For optimal enjoyment, serve neat or with a few drops of water to open up the complex aromas. The whiskey's rich character pairs well with dark chocolate desserts, aged cheeses, or roasted nuts. When mixing, use in spirit-forward cocktails like an Old Fashioned to highlight its nuanced flavors without overwhelming them. Store upright in a cool, dark place and consume within a few months after opening to preserve the sherry cask influence. As with all premium spirits, the bottle should be kept away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.

Frequently Asked Questions