Chasing Brourbon

Rare Character Single Barrel Barrel Strength Toasted Rye TST-R51-6

I went to Rare Character looking for a Michter’s Killer. If you’ve been in Bourbon you know that Barrel Strength Rye from Michter’s it’s hard(er) to find and fantastic.

Michter’s uses a “barely legal” rye mash bill and that’s what I was after

I honestly was not knocked over with a feather by the SRY. The SRY should have been what I was after using what MGP calls their 51% Rye Mashbill ; 51%Rye – 45% corn – 4% Malted Barley. Honestly I just felt these were a little young for a $110 bottle.

I asked if they had a toasted counterpart? Rare Character brought out a handful and we sipped through. I found this absolutely perfect. Everything I was looking for and what a great alternative to a Michter’s Barrel strength Toasted Rye!!

The Label – In the Rare Character Fan circles Michael Cary Arellano, became well know as an easily identifiable guy after all the Rare Characters. He’s a hug animal/dog fan but I think a turtle 🐢 is his spirit animal. He asked me when I’m going to do a Turtle Label? I told him the next one I’ll do it for him

Context – I’ve known Michael since he was in High School. I’d say he’s close to our family. Has done multiple photo projects for our business, engagements, wedding, we have his art all over out house….you name it. You can check out his work here Michael Cary Photography 

That’s an actual photos of Michael jumping for joy to have his Turtle Label

Rare Character RIO302 – this is a IYKYK barrel for sure. Incase you DON”T know…. let me break down why this is special

RIO is a code to denote this is a 75%C-21%R-4%MB MGP that was distilled in IN then shipped to KY and fully aged at the Old Taylor Warehouse in KY to age to maturation.

My first Rare Character release was a 6y9mo RIO and I felt it fitting to get another barrel that had more age.

What’s that label?? My first RIO had an RV that resembled the Breaking Bad Meth RV set in front of Mt Hood. In fact the bottle was referred to as “meth rv” in Bourbon groups. This bottle we took a RV taking off out of the Tucson Desert….that kinda looks like Eagle 5 😇

Chasing Bourbon Partnered with a Tucson Hospitality/Restaurant Group, Union and selected a Rebel 120 Proof single barrel.

Honestly for a moderately priced bourbon this pick was exceptional. Some how we chose a barrel that had the most un-characteristic wheat profile. To be honest, I didn’t think we’d pick one as I’ve been underwhelmed by many Lux offerings. Buy wow, this is an absolute banger. Baking spice nose with a light fruit note, lots of sweet fruit on the palate that quickly goes to spicy late palate and a long, long sweet finish.

We made a sticker of Rebel Wilson, aka Fat Amy as “Tater Amy” that members could get. This was sent separately to uphold our non-mutilation agreement as none were applied to the bottles 😇

Starlight Distillery Straight Bourbon Finished in Limousin French Oak – “It’s okay, I’m a Limo Driver”

French Oak??
So What’s the Story with French Oak and this “hand selected” barrel Brian got? Sound like BS to you??

This is another question I’m getting a bunch….so let’s unwrap this

First we need to break down what “French Oak” means. For those on the West Coast it’s like saying Willamette Vally Wine or California Wine…or as broad as just saying Toyota.

Each of those examples break down more granularly to greater specifics

Like cars, wine, bolts, bikes and other things French Oak has regions that impart different flavors and characteristics

*image by Wine Follly

Bottle details:
💥 Straight Blended Bourbon
💥 5yr – 16yr Blend
💥 Sourced from MGP, Bardstown KY , & Tennessee Distilling (KY & TN are speculated was NOT confirmed as they are a NDA Source)
💥 E16K Blend Profile
💥 58.65% ABV / 117.3 Proof

A very Kentucky flavor profile with a late palette spice & sweet bomb that hits….well, like you just got hit in the face but in the best bourbon way possiable. Everyone who tried it had a wide eye “WHOA” as soon as it happened and was in love with that smack in the flavor maker