The Craft: Exploring the Bourbon Frontier
In this Double Finish, we took French Oak staves (first finish) that were steeped in a patented process of pressure, oxygen, time and temperature with maple syrup (second finish). The molecular transfusion into the base fibers of the wood is wonderfully artistic and scientifically intense. Consistency is the driver here for flavor and texture.
After RD1 Spirit's Kentucky Straight Bourbon aged for 4+ years, we inserted the French Oak and Maple stave wood into the barrel for additional aging. The end result is like the best stack of pancakes you've ever had.
The Experience: A Dessert-Like Sipper
An undeniable burst of maple and butterscotch on the nose followed by lightly toasted caramel, roasted pecans and paprika. Its flavor boasts a delicate dance of maple goodness and black peppercorn spice. The finish is long, smooth and spicy with a light accent of toasted caramel at the end. Try this in an Old Fashioned but skip the simple syrup and just add more of this bourbon.
If traditional tasting notes aren’t your style, you may…
See – Football trophy gold
Smell – Pancake stack
Taste – Derby pie!
Feel – Glamping and fire-pit stories so good you’re still re-telling
The Buzz: What Others Are Saying
International Wine & Spirits Competition: “Enticing aromas of crème brûlée and butterscotch on the nose. On the palate, a rich tapestry of baking spices unfurls, delivering a round, harmonious sweetness. Warm peppery finish.” September 2024
Bartender Spirits Awards: “Artisanal honey and maple, and a great backbone of luscious flavor including hints of black pepper.” June 2024
The Tasting Panel: “Aged four years in French oak staves and maple syrup, this whiskey offers a welcoming sweetness of molasses and caramel corn, with a nutty side note of pecan. Rounded, rich, and smooth, it has plenty of length and breadth built along a complex body of balanced weight and intensity.” November 2023
BourbonLens.com : “At first, I was a bit worried that this finish would be a bit heavy-handed. However, spending some time with it allowed me to appreciate the creation of this bourbon. While it is unmistakably “maple syrup”, this is a nice, dessert-y bourbon that is effectively finished without tasting like it has been swapped for a ‘flavored whiskey.’ ” August 2023
USA Ratings: “A standout small batch bourbon, balanced and complex with toffee, honey, and fruit on the nose. Rich on to the with palate showcasing dried apricot, baking spice, and impressive maple finish.” August 2023
John Barleycorn Awards: “Like a stack of buttery, maple syrup laden pancakes. What a treat! Nailed the proof on this.” June 2023
Ultimate Spirits Challenge : “The maple barrel treatment here gives the whiskey another dimension showing brown sugar, smoked vanilla cream, and grated cinnamon over deep fruits of roasted pear, macerated fig, and Medjool date. Fiery on the palate, this is mollified by the rich cask flavors.” June 2023
99.9 Proof (ABV 49.95%)
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
A burst of maple and butterscotch with undertones of lightly toasted caramel, roasted pecans, and a hint of paprika.
Palate
A delicate dance of maple goodness balanced with the spice of black peppercorns. Rich flavors reminiscent of Derby pie, with layers of sweetness and spice.
Finish
Long, smooth, and spicy with a light accent of toasted caramel at the end.
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All orders usually ship within 24-48 hours unless noted otherwise