EJ Curley & Co. Single Barrel Boubon 750ML

EJ Curley & Co. Single Barrel Bourbon is a 750ml barrel-proof Kentucky straight bourbon, with each cask bottled at its own unique proof. Master Blender Ashley Barnes — whose résumé includes time at Buffalo Trace and Four Roses — hand-selects individual barrels that showcase the most distinctive characteristics of the brand, resulting in a bourbon that earned recognition from Bourbon Culture as one of the top bottles to experience in 2023.

Quick Facts: ABV: Varies by barrel (typically 58–66% ABV / 116–133 proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  6-Year Age Statement (select barrels)  |  Distillery: EJ Curley & Co., Kentucky River Palisades

Production & Heritage

EJ Curley & Co. traces its roots to 1867, with distilling operations situated along the Kentucky River Palisades — a stretch of limestone terrain long associated with quality bourbon production. The mashbill remains undisclosed, though the finished spirit displays notable rye-influenced character. As a single barrel release, no two bottles are identical; each barrel is selected by Ashley Barnes specifically for standout flavor development, and bottled at full cask strength without dilution. The result is a bourbon that varies in proof from barrel to barrel, with documented releases ranging from 116.42 to 133.2 proof.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Peanut brittle and warm cinnamon lead the way, followed by layered aromas of toasted granola, honeycomb, and dried figs. A thread of vanilla steadily emerges beneath the barrel-proof heat.

Taste: The entry is rich with nut butter and dates, transitioning at mid-palate into dried stone fruit and rye-driven spice — think peppermint oil layered over dark chocolate. Oak tannins build gradually, carrying almond butter and raisin notes toward the peak without becoming astringent.

Finish: Long and warming, with cinnamon, peppermint, and dried cherry lingering alongside persistent oak. Nut butter and toasted grain remain well after the sip, grounding the spice with a satisfying weight.

How to Drink EJ Curley Single Barrel

At barrel proof, a few drops of water unlock the full aromatic range without flattening the intensity — this is a bourbon built for sipping neat or with a splash. The high proof and concentrated flavor also make it a formidable cocktail base. An Old Fashioned lets the peanut brittle and dried fruit notes shine against bitters and citrus. A Boulevardier pairs the bourbon's cinnamon-and-chocolate depth with sweet vermouth and Campari for a rich, complex drink. A Kentucky Mule puts the rye-forward spice to work against ginger beer's snap, creating a lively highball.

Best For

• Barrel-proof bourbon enthusiasts seeking hand-selected single cask releases
• Gifting a serious whiskey collector who values small-batch craft
• Side-by-side tastings comparing individual barrel variation
• After-dinner sipping with dark chocolate or dried fruit accompaniments

Frequently Asked Questions

What does EJ Curley Single Barrel taste like? It delivers a rich, barrel-proof profile anchored by peanut brittle, cinnamon, dates, and dried stone fruit, with rye-driven peppermint spice and a dark chocolate undertone. The finish is long and warming, carried by oak and nut butter.

How does EJ Curley Single Barrel compare to Russell's Reserve Single Barrel? Both are Kentucky single barrel bourbons with robust, full-flavored profiles, and tasters have noted enough overlap in character to draw a direct comparison. EJ Curley generally comes in at higher barrel-proof strength and leans more heavily into dried fruit and nut butter notes, while Russell's Reserve Single Barrel (bottled at 110 proof) tends toward a more caramel-and-vanilla-forward palate.

Is EJ Curley Single Barrel good for sipping neat? Its barrel-proof strength rewards a slow, contemplative pour — a few drops of water can help open the aromatics for those sensitive to higher alcohol levels. This is a bourbon designed for attentive sipping rather than casual drinking.

Where is EJ Curley Single Barrel made? EJ Curley & Co. is a Kentucky bourbon operation with historical roots dating to 1867, distilled along the Kentucky River Palisades. Master Blender Ashley Barnes oversees barrel selection and production.

What foods pair well with EJ Curley Single Barrel? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and cinnamon notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère echo the nutty, toasted character. Pecan pie mirrors the peanut brittle sweetness. Charcuterie with fig jam bridges the dried fruit profile. Smoked brisket stands up to the barrel-proof intensity with its own caramelized richness.

What sizes does EJ Curley Single Barrel come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is EJ Curley Single Barrel worth the price? It positions as a premium single barrel bourbon, competing in a category alongside well-regarded names like Russell's Reserve and Knob Creek Single Barrel. The hand-selection process, barrel-proof bottling, and limited availability support its standing in that tier, and the complexity of flavor delivers accordingly.

Why EJ Curley Single Barrel?

What separates this bourbon from the crowded single barrel field is the pedigree behind the selection process. Ashley Barnes brings direct experience from two of Kentucky's most respected distilleries — Buffalo Trace and Four Roses — to the task of choosing barrels that express something beyond the ordinary. Each release is uncut and unfiltered at cask strength, preserving every nuance the barrel developed over its maturation. For drinkers who value individuality in their bourbon — where no two bottles are quite the same — EJ Curley Single Barrel delivers a genuine barrel-to-glass experience grounded in serious Kentucky know-how.