The Craft: A Beautiful Collision of Time Aging
This expression is RD1 Spirit’s first exploration to marry the craft of traditional barrel-aged bourbon with modern finishing techniques focusing on unique wood.
French Oak, commonly known for its complimentary aging to cognac and wine, is considered an elite wood due to its tightness of grain and depth of flavor complexity. This oak comes from the great five forests of Central France. It is seasoned for two to three years in Northern California and then cut, milled and toasted to our specifications.
Simultaneously, RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon was aging in new American Oak barrels. After 4+ years, we inserted French Oak wood staves into the barrel for additional aging. The French Oak beautifully rounds out flavors and develops a mellow, easy drinking bourbon.
The Experience: Sophisticated Kentucky Bourbon
A rich mouthfeel with caramel front and center on the palate supported by dark cherries and sweet oak. Finishes with dark chocolate and dries to oak with a touch of smoke.
If traditional tasting notes aren’t your style, you may…
See – Your statement gold watch
Smell – Sunday brunch at the resort
Taste – Award-winning French toast
Feel – The camaraderie of a celebratory dinner with clients
The Buzz: What Others Are Saying
International Wine & Spirits Competition: “The nose unfolds with inviting aromas of vanilla and wood sugars. On the palate, a delightful blend of rich honey, ginger cake, and sweet starchy fruit. Soft, lingering finish.” September 2024
Forbes article by Joseph V Micallef: : “This bourbon is robust and full-bodied on the palate, showcasing flavors of butterscotch, honey, and baking spices. The influence of French oak, which introduces a smooth, creamy texture and hints of tannins, cocoa, and dried fruit, balances the bourbon. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of oak spice, vanilla, and a touch of toasted almonds. It leaves a luxurious and complex aftertaste that invites another sip.” August 2024
Bartender Spirits Awards: “Classic bourbon notes of orchard fruits, caramel, baking spices, with some dried mint and oregano sneaking into the background. Palate of dry oaky tannin, and a hint of sweetness from the corn.” June 2024
NOLA Spirits Competition: “Beautiful viscosity…baking spices intensify on the palate…the finish is long, earthy and spiced with black pepper and nutmeg.” August 2024
2024 Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge: “Brown sugar oats. Very easy to drink and savor. Best in Class in Special Barrel Finished category. Double Gold!” March 2024
The Tasting Panel: “This four-year-aged whiskey is refined in woody character that follows throughout on a smooth, elegant palate of balanced sweetness and texture. French oak staves are used, adding notes of chocolate-covered cherry, maple, and toasted oak.” November 2023
USA Ratings: “A small batch bourbon with balanced butterscotch, baking spice, and toffee notes. Delicate hints of leather and crème brûlée on the nose, leading to a palate of sweet custard and spice.” August 2023
John Barleycorn Awards: “Superbly sippable!” June 2023
Ultimate Spirits Challenge : “Sturdy aromas of cigar box, baking spices, and maple are classic and spicy. In the mouth the flavors are driven by leather and grains, all beautifully integrated with soft peachy undertones. The coconut from the French oak comes through gently on the finish.” June 2023
Fred Minnick’s Ascot Awards: “Cool, fresh flavorful oak notes with hints of spice and citrus. Orange oils, mint and all sorts of perfumed deliciousness, and a dry finish like the final notes of a great orchestral piece.” May 2023
101 Proof (ABV 50.5%)
MAY ONE ALWAYS PUSH YOU FURTHER
RD1 crafts impressive Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon to celebrate the firsts in our lives – those who were first to create, first to believe, first to remove barriers. Just like the gutsy mavericks who built Lexington’s first registered distillery in the late 1800s, RD1 was started in 2020 by modern-day entrepreneurs who have the spirit to dare, a gift all firsts possess.
History & Innovation
In 1865, Ashland Distillery became the first federally registered distillery in Lexington, Kentucky, and was assigned the distinction of RD#1. Later renamed the William Tarr Distillery, it was a powerhouse producer in the state until prohibition.
In 2020, Lexington entrepreneurs – awe-struck by the stories of these bourbon firsts – formed a new brand, RD1 Spirits, to keep the history alive and to help write the next chapter by specializing in wood-finished bourbon.
Today, RD1 has earned a spot on the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. All are invited to visit our current home in Lexington’s Distillery District and our new R&D distillery, under construction just a few miles away.
Nose
Inviting with aromas of vanilla and wood sugars, offering a sense of depth and warmth. It unfolds like a cozy Sunday brunch at the resort, with sweet, inviting fragrances that set the tone for a complex experience.
Palate
A rich mouthfeel with caramel front and center, supported by dark cherries and sweet oak. The flavor profile is further elevated by the smooth influence of French Oak, which introduces a creamy texture and hints of butterscotch, honey, baking spices, and sweet starchy fruit. There are also subtle notes of leather, crème brûlée, and a delicate spice that lingers.
Finish
Long, earthy, and spiced, with black pepper, nutmeg, and a touch of smoke. Dark chocolate notes arise, drying to oak and leaving a luxurious, complex aftertaste with lingering oak spice and a soft touch of toasted almonds.
*SHIPPING NOTICE- If possible, please use a business address for shipping. All shipments require an adult signature which is much more reliable at a place of business.
All orders usually ship within 24-48 hours unless noted otherwise