CH Distillery Bourbon 750ML

CH Distillery Bourbon 750ML is a high-rye, barrel-strength bourbon bottled at 105 proof (52.5% ABV) in a 750ml format from Chicago's CH Distillery. Rated 90 points by Tastings.com, this grain-forward whiskey punches well above its relatively young age statement with intensity and spice.

Quick Facts: ABV: 52.5% (105 Proof)  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA  |  Aged 20 Months  |  Distillery: CH Distillery

Production & Heritage

CH Distillery is a Chicago-based operation best known as the city's hometown vodka producer, but its bourbon program represents a serious foray into American whiskey. The bourbon is sourced and owned by CH Distillery, built on a mashbill of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley — a rye content that sits well above the typical bourbon recipe. It is aged for 20 months in charred American oak barrels before being bottled uncut at a muscular 105 proof, allowing the grain character and barrel influence to come through without dilution.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Brown sugar leads the nose, followed by waves of maple sweetness and a backbone of charred oak. The high proof pushes these aromas forward with noticeable warmth.

Taste: The entry is sweet and grain-driven, with oaky sweetness dominating the mid-palate. The 20% rye asserts itself through a peppery spice that builds steadily, cutting through the corn-derived sweetness and keeping the bourbon from leaning too heavily into caramel territory.

Finish: Vanilla arrives cleanly on the finish before gradually giving way to dry, toasted oak notes. The length is moderate, and the barrel-proof strength ensures the oak and spice linger without turning bitter.

How to Drink CH Bourbon

At 105 proof, a splash of water opens up the brown sugar and maple notes while taming the heat — start neat, then add water to taste. The high proof also makes it a powerhouse in cocktails.

• Old Fashioned: The oaky sweetness and rye spice stand up beautifully against bitters and a sugar cube without getting lost.
• Manhattan: The 20% rye in the mashbill gives this bourbon enough backbone to hold its own alongside sweet vermouth.
• Bourbon Smash: The maple and brown sugar aromatics complement fresh lemon and mint, while the high proof keeps the whiskey present through dilution.

Best For

• Bourbon drinkers who prefer barrel-proof or high-proof pours
• Exploring the growing Illinois craft spirits scene
• Building robust, spirit-forward cocktails that need a whiskey with heft
• Gifting to a whiskey enthusiast who enjoys discovering smaller-production labels

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CH Bourbon taste like? CH Distillery Bourbon leads with oaky sweetness, brown sugar, and maple on the nose, followed by a spicy rye kick on the palate and a finish that transitions from vanilla into dry oak. The 105 proof amplifies every note without overwhelming the grain character.

How does CH Bourbon compare to Bulleit Bourbon? Both are high-rye bourbons, but Bulleit is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV) with a reportedly higher rye content around 28%, while CH Distillery Bourbon comes in hotter at 105 proof with 20% rye and a much younger 20-month age statement. CH Bourbon delivers a more intense, grain-forward drinking experience, whereas Bulleit offers a smoother, more approachable profile at a lower proof.

Is CH Bourbon good for sipping neat? It can absolutely be sipped neat, though the 105 proof carries significant heat. Adding a few drops of water helps unlock the brown sugar and maple sweetness while softening the alcohol bite.

Where is CH Bourbon made? CH Distillery is based in Chicago, Illinois. The bourbon itself is sourced from another distillery and is owned, blended, and bottled under the CH Distillery label.

What foods pair well with CH Bourbon? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the charred oak backbone; dark chocolate plays off the brown sugar and vanilla; pecan pie mirrors the maple and nutty sweetness; sharp aged cheddar contrasts the oaky richness; and grilled stone fruit like peaches echoes the caramelized sweetness from the charred barrel.

What sizes does CH Bourbon come in? CH Distillery Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is CH Bourbon worth the price? CH Distillery Bourbon positions in the craft bourbon tier, where its barrel-proof strength, high-rye mashbill, and 90-point rating from Tastings.com give it solid standing. For drinkers seeking a bold, full-proof pour from a smaller Illinois producer, it represents genuine character for the category.

Why CH Bourbon?

What separates CH Distillery Bourbon from the crowd of sourced bourbons is the decision to bottle at full 105-proof strength — a choice that preserves the interplay between the 75% corn sweetness and the 20% rye spice without water diluting either. The 20-month age statement is younger than many competitors, yet the charred American oak still imparts meaningful vanilla and toasted wood character, particularly at this proof. Its 90-point rating from Tastings.com confirms that the whiskey delivers on the palate despite its youth. For bourbon drinkers looking beyond Kentucky for a high-proof, grain-forward pour with genuine personality, this Chicago-rooted expression makes a compelling case.