{"title":"RD1","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"rd1-french-oak-finish-bourbon-750ml","title":"RD1 French Oak Finish Bourbon 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRD1 French Oak Finish Bourbon 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 101-proof (50.5% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon finished on French oak staves in a 750ml bottle. This expression earned Double Platinum at the 2023 Ascot Awards judged by Fred Minnick and 94 points at the 2023 New York International Spirits Competition, establishing it as a standout in the finished bourbon category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 50.5% (101 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Minimum 4 Years, French Oak Finished  |  Distillery: Western Kentucky Distilling Co.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRD1 Spirits sources its bourbon from 8th generation Master Distiller Jacob Call at Western Kentucky Distilling Co. in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. The bourbon begins with a mashbill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, aged a minimum of four years in new charred American oak barrels. What distinguishes this expression is the finishing process: French oak wood staves — sourced from the five great forests of Central France, seasoned for two to three years in Northern California, then cut, milled, and toasted to RD1's proprietary specifications — are inserted into the barrels for an additional two to four months. French oak's tighter grain structure imparts elevated tannins and subtle sweet-toasted characteristics that standard American oak cannot replicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toasted oak and vanilla bean lead, followed by layers of caramel, baking spice, and light dried fruit. The French oak influence is evident in a refined, slightly sweet woody warmth beneath the classic bourbon aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is rich and creamy, with caramel front and center. Dark cherries and honeyed grain fill the mid-palate, supported by warm baking spice and toasted French oak. At peak intensity, subtle dark chocolate and dark raspberry notes emerge, creating a s'mores-like complexity that balances sweetness against structured oak tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long, drying to dark chocolate and oak with a gentle touch of smoke. Delicate coconut notes from the French oak staves linger quietly beneath the drying tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink RD1 French Oak Finish\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 101 proof, this bourbon rewards neat sipping with a few minutes of rest in the glass to let the French oak nuances open up; a single large ice cube tames the proof while preserving the chocolate and caramel core. For cocktails, the finishing profile lends itself well to three specific builds: an \u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the dark chocolate and oak notes amplify the classic bitters-and-sugar framework; a \u003cstrong\u003eBoulevardier\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the French oak tannins stand up to Campari's bitterness and sweet vermouth's herbal richness; and a \u003cstrong\u003eManhattan\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the dried fruit and cherry notes from the bourbon harmonize naturally with sweet vermouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a bourbon enthusiast who appreciates unique barrel-finishing techniques\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide-by-side tastings comparing French oak versus American oak influence on bourbon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or dessert\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a curated home bar focused on award-winning craft expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does RD1 French Oak Finish taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e The dominant profile centers on creamy caramel, dark chocolate, and toasted French oak, with dark cherry and warm baking spice running through the mid-palate. The finish dries to oak and chocolate with a subtle touch of smoke and coconut.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does RD1 French Oak Finish compare to Angel's Envy?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are finished bourbons in a similar price tier, but their finishing wood creates distinctly different results — Angel's Envy uses port wine barrels, yielding maple and stone fruit sweetness, while RD1 uses toasted French oak staves that emphasize structured tannins, dark chocolate, and refined oak complexity. RD1 also comes in at a higher proof (101 versus Angel's Envy's 86.6), delivering more intensity on the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs RD1 French Oak Finish good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, the 101 proof provides enough intensity to carry the French oak nuances without overwhelming heat, and the creamy mouthfeel and layered chocolate-caramel profile make it particularly well-suited to neat sipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is RD1 French Oak Finish made?\u003c\/strong\u003e The bourbon is distilled at Western Kentucky Distilling Co. in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, under the direction of 8th generation Master Distiller Jacob Call, and the French oak finishing is managed by RD1 Spirits using staves sourced from Central France.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with RD1 French Oak Finish?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement the bourbon's cocoa notes directly. Smoked brisket or barbecued pork ribs match the oak and smoke character. Crème brûlée echoes the caramel and vanilla. Aged Gruyère or Comté cheese mirrors the French oak's nutty, toasted complexity. Pecan pie reinforces the grain sweetness and baking spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does RD1 French Oak Finish come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs RD1 French Oak Finish worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e RD1 French Oak Finish positions as a premium craft bourbon, and its combination of a specific high-rye mashbill, minimum four-year aging, proprietary French oak finishing, and multiple competition accolades — including Double Platinum from the Ascot Awards and 94 points from the New York International Spirits Competition — provides strong value relative to other finished bourbons in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy RD1 French Oak Finish?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe differentiator here is the sourcing and preparation of the French oak itself: staves from Central France's premier forests, seasoned for two to three years before being custom-toasted to RD1's specifications, represent a level of wood management rarely seen in the bourbon world. That investment in raw materials translates directly into the glass — the tighter grain of French oak delivers a more refined tannin structure and deeper flavor complexity than typical bourbon finishing techniques achieve. Multiple independent competitions have validated this approach, with the expression earning 98 points at the 2023 MLSA Competition, Double Platinum at the 2023 Ascot Awards, and Best in Class for Special Barrel Finished bourbon with a Double Gold at the 2024 Los Angeles Invitational Wine \u0026amp; Spirits Challenge. For bourbon drinkers seeking something beyond standard barrel-finished expressions, RD1 French Oak Finish delivers genuine complexity rooted in thoughtful wood science rather than marketing novelty.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RD1","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46013133914281,"sku":"41059","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/RD1FrenchOakFinishBourbon750ML.webp?v=1751417396"},{"product_id":"rd1-small-batch-bourbon-750ml","title":"RD1 Small Batch Bourbon 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRD1 Small Batch Bourbon 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 98-proof (49% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey aged a minimum of four years, bottled in a 750ml format. This expression earned a Double Gold medal at the 2023 SIP Awards and a Gold medal at the 2023 Denver International Spirits Competition, establishing it as a serious contender among small-batch Kentucky bourbons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 49% (98 Proof)  |  Origin: Lexington, Kentucky  |  Aged 4+ Years  |  Distillery: RD1 Distillery at The Commons\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRD1 Distillery operates out of The Commons in Lexington, Kentucky, a brand that has carved out a niche through its exploration of wood-finishing techniques. The Small Batch expression serves as the distillery's foundational bourbon before any experimental wood stave finishing is applied. It is distilled using 100% copper equipment with a traditional sour mash process, built on a mashbill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley. The distillery sources 100% Kentucky corn and draws from local limestone well water — a hallmark of classic Kentucky bourbon production. The whiskey is non-chill filtered, allowing the full weight of its oils and flavor compounds to remain intact in the bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with vanilla wafers and roasted almonds, layered over deeper notes of pipe tobacco and leather. Mandarin orange peel and clove emerge as the bourbon opens up, with faint hints of burnt almond cake rounding out the aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, orange and honeyed caramel coat the palate, transitioning into a complex mid-palate of caramel corn, buttered honey biscuits, and baking chocolate. Herbal tea and peppery oak arrive at the peak, supported by rye grain spice and mixed peppercorns that add noticeable earthiness. The 98-proof strength delivers all of this with authority without overwhelming heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish runs long and warm, drying out gradually with ginger and cinnamon spice lingering at the edges. Subtle oak tannins and a final whisper of pepper close out each sip cleanly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink RD1 Small Batch\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 98 proof and non-chill filtered, this bourbon rewards neat sipping in a Glencairn glass, though a few drops of water open up the sweeter caramel and orange notes without diminishing structure. It also stands up well in cocktails thanks to its bold proof and spicy rye backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e The honeyed caramel and orange peel notes integrate naturally with bitters and a sugar cube, producing a rich, balanced build.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBourbon Sour:\u003c\/strong\u003e The peppery rye spice cuts through citrus and egg white, adding depth that lighter bourbons can lack.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManhattan:\u003c\/strong\u003e The baking chocolate and clove aromatics complement sweet vermouth without being overpowered, making for a well-structured drink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBourbon enthusiasts exploring Kentucky small-batch distilleries beyond the heritage brands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a whiskey drinker who values non-chill filtered, full-proof expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a home bar with a versatile bourbon that works neat and in cocktails\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide-by-side tastings comparing traditional mashbill bourbons at the four-to-six year age range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does RD1 Small Batch taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e RD1 Small Batch leads with honeyed caramel, orange, and baking chocolate, followed by peppery oak and rye spice that carry through a long, warm, ginger-accented finish. It drinks full-bodied and slightly dry, with more complexity than its age statement might suggest.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does RD1 Small Batch compare to Basil Hayden?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Kentucky straight bourbons with a notable rye presence, but RD1 Small Batch runs significantly hotter at 98 proof versus Basil Hayden's 80 proof. The result is a bolder, more full-bodied pour with deeper caramel and spice intensity compared to Basil Hayden's lighter, more approachable profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs RD1 Small Batch good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its non-chill filtered production and 98-proof strength deliver rich texture and concentrated flavor that hold up well without dilution. A few drops of water can further unlock its sweeter caramel and citrus notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is RD1 Small Batch made?\u003c\/strong\u003e RD1 Small Batch is distilled, aged, and bottled entirely in Kentucky by RD1 Distillery, which operates out of The Commons in Lexington. The distillery uses local limestone well water and 100% Kentucky-grown corn.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with RD1 Small Batch?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked brisket complements the bourbon's peppery oak and caramel sweetness. Dark chocolate truffles echo the baking chocolate notes on the palate. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the honeyed richness, while pecan pie mirrors the roasted nut and vanilla aromas. Grilled stone fruit, such as peaches, pairs well with the mandarin orange and warm spice elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does RD1 Small Batch come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e RD1 Small Batch Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs RD1 Small Batch worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e RD1 Small Batch positions in the mid-range value tier for Kentucky straight bourbons, sitting between everyday mixing bourbons and premium single-barrel releases. Its non-chill filtration, 98-proof strength, and Double Gold medal at the 2023 SIP Awards place it favorably against competitors at a similar price point.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy RD1 Small Batch?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRD1 Small Batch represents the distillery's core vision before any of its signature wood-finishing experiments come into play — a straightforward Kentucky straight bourbon built on a classic 70\/21\/9 mashbill and proven through competition results. The Double Gold at the 2023 SIP Awards and an 89-point rating from tastings.com validate what the liquid delivers: concentrated flavor, honest proof, and enough complexity to hold its own against more established labels. Non-chill filtration at 98 proof is not standard at this tier, and that choice pays dividends in mouthfeel and flavor retention. For drinkers who want a Lexington-distilled bourbon that punches above its weight class, this is a bottle that earns repeat pours on merit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RD1","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46013143417001,"sku":"41060","price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/RD1SmallBatchBourbon750ML.webp?v=1751417246"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/rd1.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}