Elevate your bourbon experience with Rabbit Hole Dareringer Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a luxurious spirit that seamlessly marries tradition with modern elegance. Crafted from a finely tuned wheat mash bill, Dareringer is first aged in alligator char American oak barrels, unlocking deep, smoky sweetness, and then finished in hand-selected Pedro Ximenez (PX) sherry casks from Spain's renowned Casknolia Cooperage. The result is a velvety, 93-proof bourbon boasting rich layers of cherry, raisin, and almond, balanced by subtle hints of vanilla and a whisper of spice. Non-chill filtered for maximum authenticity, this small-batch masterpiece offers a luscious balance that entices both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers. Perfect for sipping neat or enhancing your favorite cocktail, Rabbit Hole Dareringer is a testament to the art of whiskey-making, embodying unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative flavor.
Process & Profile
Rabbit Hole Dareringer is a testament to meticulous whiskey-making. The spirit begins its journey with a thoughtfully crafted mash bill of 68% corn, 18% wheat, and 14% malted barley. It is aged in new toasted and charred American oak barrels to develop its classic bourbon base. The defining touch, however, is its finishing process in hand-selected PX sherry casks imported from Spain, lasting 6 to 8 months. These casks imbue the bourbon with layered sweetness and a luxurious complexity. Bottled at 46.5% ABV and non-chill filtered, Dareringer preserves its full flavor and texture, offering a rich yet smooth drinking experience.
Tasting Notes
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Appearance: A captivating rich amber hue with golden highlights.
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Nose: Expect enticing aromas of dried fruits such as raisin and cherry, complemented by caramel, almond, and soft vanilla undertones.
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Palate: A velvety, full-bodied texture introduces flavors of plum, fig, cherry, and brown sugar. A hint of baking spices and a touch of toasted oak bring balance and warmth.
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Finish: The finish is long and refined, with lingering notes of sherry sweetness, dark chocolate, and a subtle spiciness that fades gradually.
What Makes It Special
Rabbit Hole Dareringer stands out due to its innovative dual maturation process, combining the rich tradition of bourbon with the sophisticated influence of PX sherry casks. The bourbon's mash bill, featuring a significant proportion of wheat and malted barley, contributes a softer, rounded sweetness, while the PX cask finish adds layers of complexity and indulgent fruit-forward flavors. Named in honor of the founder's wife and her maiden name, "Dareringer," this whiskey embodies passion, love, and craftsmanship, reflecting a personal touch rarely seen in the spirits world.
How to Enjoy
Rabbit Hole Dareringer is as versatile as it is exquisite. Here are some suggestions to elevate your experience:
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Neat: Sip slowly from a Glencairn glass to fully appreciate its complexity of flavors and rich aroma.
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On the Rocks: A touch of ice opens up its sweeter notes while maintaining balance.
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Premium Cocktails: Create a luxurious twist on classics like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan, using Dareringer as the base spirit for a smooth and rich profile.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a quiet moment of indulgence, Rabbit Hole Dareringer Straight Bourbon Whiskey promises a truly sophisticated drinking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Rabbit Hole Dareringer Straight Bourbon Whiskey?
Rabbit Hole Dareringer offers a rich and complex flavor profile. On the nose, expect notes of caramel, raisins, cherry, almonds, and vanilla. On the palate, flavors of dried fruits, toffee, red berries, and a hint of baking spices come through, followed by a smooth finish with lingering sweetness and subtle oak.
What makes the Dareringer unique compared to other bourbons?
The Dareringer is a wheated straight bourbon whiskey finished in Pedro Ximenez (PX) Sherry casks, which imparts unique sweet and fruity characteristics. The distillery uses a mash bill of 68% corn, 18% wheat, and 14% malted barley. This process combines the boldness of bourbon with the depth and sweetness of PX sherry, creating an unmistakably balanced and luxurious whiskey.
What is the proof and alcohol content of Rabbit Hole Dareringer?
Rabbit Hole Dareringer is bottled at 93 proof, which is equivalent to 46.5% alcohol by volume (ABV).
How should I enjoy Rabbit Hole Dareringer Straight Bourbon Whiskey?
This bourbon is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as part of premium cocktails. For pairing, it works well with desserts like strawberry macarons, candied nuts, banana bread, or cheesecake. The sweet and smooth flavor makes it ideal for both casual enjoyment and special occasions.
What is the aging process of Rabbit Hole Dareringer?
The Dareringer undergoes initial aging in new charred American oak barrels with an alligator char (deep char), followed by finishing in handmade PX sherry casks from Spain's Casknolia Cooperage. This dual maturation process creates its complex flavor profile. It is also non-chill filtered to preserve the authentic barrel-to-bottle experience.
Is Rabbit Hole Dareringer a small-batch bourbon?
Yes, Rabbit Hole Dareringer is produced in small batches, with each batch consisting of no more than 15 barrels. This ensures a consistent and carefully crafted flavor profile.
Who founded Rabbit Hole Distillery, and what inspired the Dareringer?
Rabbit Hole Distillery was founded by Kaveh Zamanian in 2012. The Dareringer is named after Zamanian's wife, Heather, whose maiden name is Dareringer. Her love for bourbon inspired Kaveh to create this expression as a tribute to her elegance and charm.
What does non-chill filtered mean?
Non-chill filtering refers to a process where the whiskey is not subjected to filtration at low temperatures. This preserves the natural oils, flavors, and complexity of the whiskey, offering a more authentic tasting experience.
Where can I purchase Rabbit Hole Dareringer, and is it available for delivery?
Rabbit Hole Dareringer is available online or at select retailers. Delivery options depend on state regulations, and Rabbit Hole currently ships to Alaska, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, and Washington D.C. Availability may vary depending on your location.
What is the price of Rabbit Hole Dareringer Straight Bourbon Whiskey?
The average price of a 750 ml bottle of Rabbit Hole Dareringer is around $80, though prices may vary slightly by retailer.