Rare Character Liquor Barn Single Barrel KHR-018 10 Year Bourbon 750ML

Rare Character Liquor Barn Single Barrel KHR-018 10 Year Bourbon 750ML is a 10-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV) from a single hand-selected barrel. As an independent bottler release with a decade of maturation behind it, this barrel pick delivers the depth and complexity that aged single barrel selections are known for.

Quick Facts: ABV: 54% (108 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Age: 10 Years  |  Barrel: KHR-018  |  Bottler: Rare Character

Production & Heritage

Rare Character operates as an independent bottler, sourcing individual barrels from established Kentucky distilleries and releasing them under their own label. The source distillery for barrel KHR-018 is undisclosed, which is standard practice among independent bottlers in the bourbon world. This barrel spent a full ten years aging in a new charred American oak barrel before being selected and bottled without chill filtration at barrel entry strength of 108 proof, preserving the full character of the spirit as it matured in Kentucky's climate-driven warehouses.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with deep caramel and toasted oak, followed by waves of dried cherry, vanilla bean, and warm baking spice. A subtle undercurrent of tobacco leaf and dark toffee emerges as the bourbon opens up in the glass.

Taste: The entry is rich and viscous, coating the palate with dark brown sugar and stewed stone fruit. At mid-palate, charred oak and cinnamon bark take hold, balanced by a thread of black pepper and roasted pecan. The 108-proof strength carries significant weight without veering into harshness, a testament to the decade of barrel aging.

Finish: Long and warming, with lingering layers of leather, dried fig, and toasted grain fading slowly. A final note of espresso and dark chocolate anchors the close, leaving a dry oak tannic grip that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Rare Character KHR-018

At 108 proof, this bourbon rewards patience — try it neat first, then add a few drops of water to unlock additional aromatics without diluting the barrel's personality. A single large ice cube also works well, gradually softening the proof while maintaining body.

• Old Fashioned: The 10-year oak depth and dark fruit sweetness stand up beautifully against bitters and a sugar cube, creating a layered, contemplative version of the classic.
• Manhattan: The bourbon's tannic structure and spice integrate cleanly with sweet vermouth, producing a rich and balanced cocktail.
• Boulevardier: Campari's bitterness pairs with the barrel's caramel and leather notes, making this a natural fit at higher proof.

Best For

• Bourbon collectors seeking unique single barrel picks with a verified 10-year age statement
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values independently bottled, barrel-strength releases
• Side-by-side tastings comparing independent bottler expressions from undisclosed Kentucky sources
• After-dinner sipping sessions where a full-bodied, complex bourbon anchors the evening

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rare Character KHR-018 taste like? This 10-year bourbon delivers a rich, oak-driven profile with dark caramel, stone fruit, baking spice, and a persistent leather-and-espresso finish. The 108-proof strength adds weight and intensity without excessive burn.

How does Rare Character KHR-018 compare to Barrell Bourbon single barrels? Both brands operate as independent bottlers sourcing Kentucky bourbon, but Barrell typically releases at cask strength with varying age statements while Rare Character tends to focus on specific aged barrel selections. The 10-year age statement on KHR-018 provides a defined maturity profile, whereas Barrell's releases can range widely in age and proof.

Is Rare Character KHR-018 good for sipping neat? Yes — the decade of aging has smoothed the spirit considerably, and 108 proof is assertive but manageable for experienced bourbon drinkers. A few drops of water can further open the nose and soften the palate for those who prefer a gentler pour.

Where is Rare Character KHR-018 made? The bourbon was distilled at an undisclosed Kentucky distillery, aged for 10 years in new charred American oak, and selected and bottled by Rare Character, an independent bottler operating in Kentucky.

What foods pair well with Rare Character KHR-018? Smoked brisket or pulled pork highlights the bourbon's charred oak and caramel sweetness. Dark chocolate truffles complement the espresso and leather finish. Aged cheddar or Gouda mirrors the toasty, nutty barrel character. Pecan pie or bread pudding with caramel sauce echoes the brown sugar and dried fruit notes.

What sizes does Rare Character KHR-018 come in? This single barrel selection is available in the standard 750ML bottle size.

Is Rare Character KHR-018 worth the price? As a 10-year age-stated, single barrel, non-chill-filtered bourbon at 108 proof, this expression positions in the premium tier of independently bottled Kentucky bourbon. The combination of a verified double-digit age statement and single barrel individuality represents strong value within its competitive set.

Why Rare Character KHR-018?

Ten-year-old single barrel bourbons with full provenance transparency on barrel number and proof are increasingly difficult to find at accessible price points. Barrel KHR-018 was selected from a mature lot of Kentucky bourbon and bottled without chill filtration at 108 proof, preserving every nuance the decade of aging imparted. The result is a bourbon with genuine complexity — layered dark fruit, seasoned oak, and a finish that lingers — rather than relying on proof alone for impact. For drinkers who value age, individuality, and the independent bottler's art of selection, this is a release that earns attention on its own merits.