Black Maple Hill 11 Year Small Batch Bourbon 750ML

Black Maple Hill 11 Year Small Batch Bourbon 750ML is an age-stated Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV) in a 750ml format. This release marks the return of one of American whiskey's most mythologized labels to its Kentucky roots, revived under the stewardship of non-distiller producer Rare Character and drawn from rare, long-aged bourbon stocks.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47.5% (95 proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Age: 11 Years  |  Bottler: Rare Character

Production & Heritage

The Black Maple Hill name was first introduced in 2000 by Paul Joseph of CVI Brands, and the earliest releases were produced by Julian Van Winkle III — widely believed to have included wheated bourbon from the famed Stitzel-Weller distillery. That history elevated Black Maple Hill to near-legendary status among bourbon collectors. In July 2026, Rare Character — the NDP project founded by Pablo Moix and Peter Nevenglosky in 2020 — announced the revival of the label, returning it to Kentucky straight bourbon with this 11-year age-stated small batch. The whiskey is aged for a full eleven years in new charred American oak barrels; the specific source distillery and mashbill remain undisclosed, consistent with Rare Character's approach to sourced releases.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with dark caramel and vanilla bean, layered over toasted oak and brown sugar. Secondary waves reveal dried cherry, citrus peel, worn leather, and warming baking spice.

Taste: On entry, rich toffee and vanilla coat the palate before transitioning to seasoned oak, maple sweetness, and cocoa at mid-palate. Dried fruit, cinnamon, orange zest, and soft rye spice build in complexity toward the peak, reflecting the bourbon's considerable maturity.

Finish: Long and balanced, carrying lingering caramel, oak tannin, leather, and vanilla through a sustained warmth. The spice softens gradually, leaving behind mature Kentucky bourbon character with no harsh edges.

How to Drink Black Maple Hill 11 Year

At 95 proof, this bourbon rewards neat sipping in a Glencairn glass, where its eleven years of barrel maturity can fully unfold. A few drops of water open the caramel and dried fruit notes further without diluting the structure. For cocktails, try it in an Old Fashioned, where its deep toffee and oak backbone stand up beautifully to bitters and citrus; a Boulevardier, where the mature bourbon weight holds its own against Campari and sweet vermouth; or a Brown Derby, where the maple and citrus peel aromatics complement grapefruit juice and honey.

Best For

• Collectors seeking the revival of one of bourbon's most storied labels
• Gifting a serious bourbon enthusiast who appreciates age-stated sourced whiskey
• Side-by-side tastings comparing mature Kentucky straight bourbons
• Special-occasion pours celebrating milestones or holidays

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Black Maple Hill 11 Year taste like? It delivers a rich profile led by dark caramel, toffee, vanilla, and seasoned oak, with supporting notes of dried cherry, cocoa, cinnamon, and soft rye spice. The eleven years of aging give it a mature depth and long, warming finish uncommon in the small-batch category.

How does Black Maple Hill 11 Year compare to Knob Creek Small Batch? Both are Kentucky straight bourbons bottled near 95 proof with prominent oak, vanilla, caramel, and citrus spice characteristics — one reviewer went so far as to note striking flavor-profile similarities between the two. Black Maple Hill distinguishes itself with an 11-year age statement and the collector cachet of its revived label, while Knob Creek is widely available as a 9-year bourbon at a lower price tier.

Is Black Maple Hill 11 Year good for sipping neat? Yes — the 95 proof delivers enough intensity to keep the palate engaged while the 11 years of barrel aging provide a rounded, integrated character that rewards slow, contemplative sipping. A splash of water can further unlock its caramel and dried fruit layers.

Where is Black Maple Hill 11 Year made? It is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled by Rare Character, a non-distiller producer based in the United States. The specific source distillery in Kentucky has not been publicly disclosed, though the whiskey carries a Kentucky straight bourbon designation, confirming it was distilled and aged in the state for at least eleven years.

What foods pair well with Black Maple Hill 11 Year? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the bourbon's oak and caramel complement charred meat and barbecue sauce. Dark chocolate truffles, which mirror its cocoa and toffee notes. Pecan pie, whose toasted-nut sweetness amplifies the maple and brown sugar character. Aged cheddar or Gruyère, where the bourbon's spice and leather find a savory counterpoint. Crème brûlée, whose caramelized sugar top echoes the bourbon's dominant profile.

What sizes does Black Maple Hill 11 Year come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle at 95 proof; no other size variants have been confirmed at this time.

Is Black Maple Hill 11 Year worth the price? It positions as a premium age-stated bourbon within a market where double-digit age statements command significant premiums. The combination of eleven years of maturity, small-batch selection, and the revived Black Maple Hill provenance places it above everyday bourbons but in line with other well-regarded sourced releases carrying comparable age.

Why Black Maple Hill 11 Year?

Few bourbon labels carry the weight of lore that Black Maple Hill does. The original releases — with their direct ties to Julian Van Winkle III and rumored Stitzel-Weller stocks — became some of the most sought-after bottles of the early 2000s bourbon boom. Rare Character's 2026 revival deliberately grounds the brand in age-stated Kentucky straight bourbon at a proof point that respects the original identity. For drinkers who value mature oak, developed complexity, and the rare intersection of historical significance with genuine drinking quality, this 11-year small batch earns its place as one of the more compelling sourced bourbons available today.