{"product_id":"bardstown-bourbon-7-year-old-7-months-rare-character-single-barrel-k45-035-louisiana-exclusive-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-2026-75cl","title":"Bardstown Bourbon 7 Year Old 7 Months Rare Character Single Barrel K45-035 Louisiana Exclusive Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026) 75cl","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBardstown Bourbon 7 Year Old 7 Months Rare Character Single Barrel K45-035 Louisiana Exclusive Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026) 75cl\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRare Character K45-035 is a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ebenchmark expression of high-rye bourbon done right\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The 51\/45\/4 mashbill doesn’t coddle; it challenges. Yet this barrel meets that challenge with grace, delivering citrus brightness, baking spice complexity, and a finish that lingers without overstaying its welcome\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDistilled - 25th April 2018\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottled - December 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe K45 code represents one of Rare Character’s most intriguing offerings—a “barely legal bourbon” that sits exactly at the 51% corn minimum required by the TTB to qualify as bourbon while loading the secondary grain ratio with 45% rye. Aged in a historic Kentucky warehouse, this 126.32 proof offering delivers a masterclass in balance, proving that high-rye bourbons needn’t sacrifice smoothness for complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"\u003eThe K45-035 displays a \u003cstrong\u003ebeautiful amber hue\u003c\/strong\u003e—bright and inviting without the deep mahogany tones associated with extended warehouse aging or warmer barrel locations. This coloration suggests the barrel aged in a cooler section of the warehouse, a telltale sign that we’re dealing with controlled maturation and minimal stress aging. The lighter amber is characteristic of Rare Character’s K45 releases and speaks to thoughtful barrel placement rather than aggressive wood extraction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"\u003eUpon swirling, the whiskey presents a \u003cstrong\u003ethin but viscous film\u003c\/strong\u003e with exceptional \u003cstrong\u003egravity-defying legs\u003c\/strong\u003e—thick rivulets that cling to the glass with impressive persistence. This leggy character indicates both high proof and solid barrel integration, suggesting the wood and spirit have achieved good marriage despite the younger age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"\u003eTASTING NOTES\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"\u003eNose: \u003cspan\u003eThe nose opens with a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ebright, unmistakable citrus note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e—classic orange peel layered with subtle lemon zest. The 45% rye content announces itself not through grassy or harsh herbaceous notes, but through \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecandied rye sweetness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and delicate \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003efloral undertones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. There’s a surprising elegance here; the rye plays a supporting role to the citrus rather than dominating. Beneath these bright notes sits a warming foundation of \u003cstrong\u003ecaramel and vanilla\u003c\/strong\u003e, suggesting good oak integration and proper barrel aging. The alcohol presence is warm but not sharp—appropriate for the proof point and suggesting this won’t evolve dramatically in the glass. A gentle rest in the copita settles nothing; the citrus persists while the caramel comes more into focus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePalate: The K45-035 delivers \u003cstrong\u003eimmediate citrus gratification\u003c\/strong\u003e on entry—that orange peel note from the nose translates directly to the palate with impressive fidelity. This transitions quickly into layers of \u003cstrong\u003ecaramel and baking spice\u003c\/strong\u003e: cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg build progressively from the mid-palate onward. The mouthfeel is \u003cstrong\u003efull and oily\u003c\/strong\u003e, coating the palate with a pleasant thickness that belies the proof. This speaks to excellent barrel selection and proper maturation in that cooler warehouse section. Underlying these spice notes is a \u003cstrong\u003ecandied rye and ginger quality\u003c\/strong\u003e and delicate \u003cstrong\u003egraham cracker sweetness\u003c\/strong\u003e—the latter is particularly noteworthy in a high-rye bourbon and suggests either superior cooperage or a barrel that achieved ideal wood-to-spirit ratio. The flavors build rather than plateau, with complexity emerging across the mid-palate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish: The finish is where the K45-035 truly distinguishes itself. The \u003cstrong\u003ecandied rye and clove notes\u003c\/strong\u003e that appeared mid-palate now \u003cstrong\u003ecarry through with authority\u003c\/strong\u003e, lingering on the tongue with remarkable persistence. These spice elements gradually yield to \u003cstrong\u003edry oak and subtle char\u003c\/strong\u003e, creating a progression rather than an abrupt stop. The finish is \u003cstrong\u003elong and satisfying\u003c\/strong\u003e—a good 45-60 seconds before fading to a pleasant warmth and lingering spice. The oak never becomes astringent or aggressive; instead, it provides structure and a drying quality that keeps the finish engaging rather than cloying. Those graham cracker undertones continue into the finish, providing sweetness counterpoint to the oak dryness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 51% corn \/ 45% rye \/ 4% malted barley mashbill is distinctly uncommon among Kentucky distilleries. While MGP in Indiana pioneered “barely legal bourbon” experimentation around 2013, Bardstown Bourbon Company appears to be one of the few Kentucky producers executing this mashbill at scale. The K45 code is sourced from \u003cstrong\u003eBardstown Bourbon Company in Nelson County, Kentucky\u003c\/strong\u003e—the same distillery producing Ten Day Bourbon’s acclaimed Single Barrels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--lightAccent\"\u003eAbout Rare Character\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--lightAccent\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRare Character Whiskey is a purveyor of fine American whiskey, focused on unique selections tailored to each of our customers and partners. Through special relationships with top distillers across the country, Rare Character has exclusive access to expressions that have never been released to the public.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--lightAccent\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith ambitious plans for future projects, including new brands, special collaborations, novel barrel finishes, and more, Rare Character aspires to breathe life into the American whiskey category. Our dedication to innovation and evolution is driven by profound love and respect for incredible bourbons and ryes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThrough our unprecedented levels of access, strong emphasis on customization, and our driving motivation to challenge industry norms, Rare Character strives to bring you American whiskeys unlike anything you’ve tasted before. Our skillful team is dedicated to helping our customers create whatever they see as “the perfect whiskey”. We say yes where others say no.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eRare Character is a company born from a deep passion for amazing distilled spirits. We aim to pay respect to tradition, while simultaneously uplifting those who challenge the status quo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWe know that American whiskey lovers have an appetite for unknown, interesting whiskeys, and we're in a unique position to provide access to some of these beautiful expressions. We believe people are tired of the same old whiskeys, and they're ready to be challenged by ones that have something to say.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--darkAccent\"\u003eOur mission is to provide each customer with “the perfect American whiskey” - whatever they as an individual may see that as. We do this by utilizing our great levels of access to rare and unique whiskeys, our extreme emphasis on customization, and our overarching ambition to challenge norms and explore the wide range of American whiskeys yet to be discovered by the general public.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--darkAccent\"\u003eRare Character was created to present unique and untasted American whiskeys from across the country. As someone who has been purchasing single barrels for over a decade himself, Co-Founder Pablo Moix has developed personal relationships within the industry which have allowed him access to expressions that have never been bottled for the public. We aim to bring these rare and collectible whiskeys to our customers for the first time ever.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--darkAccent\"\u003eEvery whiskey lover has a unique palate, and there is no “one size fits all” whiskey - especially when it comes to picking a single barrel. We aim to help you create a whiskey that speaks to you; whiskey that you can be proud of and eager to share. We want to provide you with whiskey that makes you genuinely excited, and that is uniquely yours.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--darkAccent\"\u003eWe pride ourselves on challenging norms and preconceived notions about what American whiskey can be. With the Rare Character Single Barrel Series, as well as future projects such as special collaborations, new brands, and one-off finishing projects, our goal is to push the envelope and introduce new flavors and concepts to whiskey connoisseurs and collectors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--darkAccent\"\u003eAbout Bardstown Bourbon Company\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--darkAccent\"\u003eBardstown Bourbon Company is a modern, innovative bourbon distillery in Kentucky, known for its collaborative distilling, cutting-edge production, and premium whiskey offerings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--darkAccent\"\u003eBardstown Bourbon Company (BBCo) was founded in 2014 by Peter Loftin, a telecommunications entrepreneur, with a vision to create a modern bourbon distillery that combined transparency, technology, and collaboration with traditional craftsmanship. Loftin assembled a team of industry veterans, including Steve Nally, David Mandell, Dan Callaway, and John Hargrove, to establish a distillery capable of producing both proprietary and custom mash bills for other brands. The company officially began producing bourbon in 2016.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--darkAccent\"\u003eHeadquartered in Bardstown, Kentucky, BBCo sits on over 100 acres of active farmland near the town’s historic downtown. The distillery features a modern, glass-forward design with state-of-the-art equipment, including three large Vendome copper column stills and 36,000-gallon fermenters, allowing precise control over fermentation, distillation, and aging processes. The facility also includes a full-service restaurant, bar, and a vintage spirits library, offering visitors a Napa Valley-style experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--darkAccent\"\u003eBBCo is renowned for its collaborative distilling program, which allows over 30 spirits brands to develop custom mash bills, fermentation styles, barrel specifications, and aging techniques. The distillery operates dozens of mash bills simultaneously, using advanced software called Ignition to monitor and control production in real time. This approach enables the creation of unique, high-quality bourbon expressions while maintaining consistency and precision.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--darkAccent\"\u003eThe company produces a range of bourbons, including its Origin Series, which represents BBCo’s proprietary lineup. Its portfolio emphasizes innovation through unique barrel finishes, small-batch explorations, and blending techniques that highlight complex flavor profiles. BBCo also offers curated tasting experiences at its distillery and Louisville tasting room, showcasing both flagship and experimental expressions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--darkAccent\"\u003eBardstown Bourbon Company has received significant industry recognition, including being named 2023 Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year by the International Wine \u0026amp; Spirit Competition and producing some of the highest-rated bourbons globally. The company is celebrated for pushing the bourbon industry toward greater innovation, transparency, and collaboration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sqsrte-text-color--darkAccent\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom our glass rickhouses to our collaborative approach with legendary distillers, every bottle tells a story of craftsmanship, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e63.16% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e75cl\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bardstown Bourbon Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53415490355538,"sku":"BARDBC7RAREC","price":229.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/BardstownBourbon7YearOld7MonthsRareCharacterSingleBarrelK45-035LouisianaExclusiveKentuckyStraightBourbonWhiskey_2026_75cl1.jpg?v=1778635347","url":"https:\/\/whiskysituation.co.uk\/products\/bardstown-bourbon-7-year-old-7-months-rare-character-single-barrel-k45-035-louisiana-exclusive-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-2026-75cl","provider":"Whisky Situation","version":"1.0","type":"link"}