Rare Character
Limited Release
Rare Character Limited Release, aka RCLR, is the most ambitious launch from Rare Character to date. Our passion for exploring new flavor profiles and pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making is evident in the wide range of RCLR. Each limited batch is a marriage of some of the finest barrels we have encountered in our journeys through the rickhouses of America—a combination of flavor profiles that achieves greater complexity, depth, and flavor together than on their own.
Scouring for the Best Barrels
Tapping into our renowned access to the best barrels, vetted by the strictest criteria, we have meticulously selected barrels from across the country. Our expertise in identifying and combining these unique barrels allows us to go beyond the barrel with these limited releases. Each barrel we choose contributes to a blend that is better than the sum of its parts, ensuring an extraordinary whiskey experience for both connoisseurs and casual sippers alike.
Better than the Sum of Its Parts
The blending process for Rare Character Limited Release is a true art form. Our blending process is meticulous and deliberate, ensuring that every barrel contributes to a balanced and consistent final product. Every batch features a different iteration of the annual thematic curated artwork, adding a touch of collectability, making it not just a drink, but a piece of art to be cherished and shared amongst friends.
2024 Releases
Nose
The nose is greeted by an enticing aroma of waffle cone, butterscotch, and vanilla, creating a delightful sweetness. As the scent unfolds, notes of nutmeg and black pepper emerge, adding a warm and spicy touch. Burnt citrus peel and oak round out the nose, revealing complex and nuanced fragrances that deepens with each sniff.
2024 — Batch No. 01
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
With 24B5 Bourbon, we began with a base of 7 to 8 year Kentucky and Indiana Straight Bourbons, which imparted robust spice notes. Subsequently, we added 8.5 to 9.5 year Kentucky and Indiana Bourbons to enhance the deep, dark cola notes, complemented by a touch of dried fruit and earthy notes reminiscent of black tea and tobacco. Our objective was to provide a comprehensive flavor experience, touching upon various parts of the flavor wheel without overwhelming any particular side. This Limited Release boasts an impressive 119.52 proof, offering a long finish that lingers on the palate and carries a heavy mouthfeel. We hope this bourbon will provide you with one of the most exceptional flavor experiences possible.
Taste
Hitting the palate at 115.18 proof, this whiskey boasts dark brown sugars, layered spices, and vanilla cream that build their presence with undertones of caramel, waffle cone, dried tobacco, and cardamom. Caramel sauce and a touch of cocoa powder add depth, while the very strong vanilla and brown sugar continue to create a fun, yet complex, wave of flavors on the palate.
Finish
With a medium-long finish, this whiskey undergoes a delightful transformation with each sip. Some sips lean heavily on spice, while others evoke the sweetness of a dessert bomb. A solid underlying spice profile is complemented by citrus zest, vanilla cream, and strong caramel notes. Notably, this blend is devoid of wheated bourbon, which surprises you in how decadent and soft the finish is. It’s a harmonious blend of medium to high rye bourbons. As you savor the tail end of the finish, the older whiskeys add a touch of rickhouse floor and dried tobacco before gradually fading away into a vintage vanilla cola.
2025 Releases
Nose
The nose is greeted by an enticing aroma of waffle cone, butterscotch, and vanilla, creating a delightful sweetness. As the scent unfolds, notes of nutmeg and black pepper emerge, adding a warm and spicy touch. Burnt citrus peel and oak round out the nose, revealing complex and nuanced fragrances that deepens with each sniff.
2025 — Batch No. 01
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
With 25B5 Bourbon, we began with a base of 7 to 8 year Kentucky and Indiana Straight Bourbons, which imparted robust spice notes. Subsequently, we added 8.5 to 9.5 year Kentucky and Indiana Bourbons to enhance the deep, dark cola notes, complemented by a touch of dried fruit and earthy notes reminiscent of black tea and tobacco. Our objective was to provide a comprehensive flavor experience, touching upon various parts of the flavor wheel without overwhelming any particular side. This Limited Release boasts an impressive 119.52 proof, offering a long finish that lingers on the palate and carries a heavy mouthfeel. We hope this bourbon will provide you with one of the most exceptional flavor experiences possible.
Taste
Hitting the palate at 115.18 proof, this whiskey boasts dark brown sugars, layered spices, and vanilla cream that build their presence with undertones of caramel, waffle cone, dried tobacco, and cardamom. Caramel sauce and a touch of cocoa powder add depth, while the very strong vanilla and brown sugar continue to create a fun, yet complex, wave of flavors on the palate.
Finish
With a medium-long finish, this whiskey undergoes a delightful transformation with each sip. Some sips lean heavily on spice, while others evoke the sweetness of a dessert bomb. A solid underlying spice profile is complemented by citrus zest, vanilla cream, and strong caramel notes. Notably, this blend is devoid of wheated bourbon, which surprises you in how decadent and soft the finish is. It’s a harmonious blend of medium to high rye bourbons. As you savor the tail end of the finish, the older whiskeys add a touch of rickhouse floor and dried tobacco before gradually fading away into a vintage vanilla cola.
Nose
Vanilla custard, raspberry candy, peanut brittle, orange zest, nougat, honeyed grain, barrel char, caramel, rickhouse floor, maple, waffle batter.
2025 — Batch No. 02
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
2025 Batch 2 Bourbon, a tribute of the beloved 24B2 from last year for those who loved the rich wheat influence, this reintroduces the robust wheat influence that many cherished. We meticulously selected barrels steeped in maple, toasted bread, and vanilla custard notes to enhance the other blend components. Drawing from dessert-rich barrels aged between 7 and 8 years in Indiana and Kentucky, we found that the younger wheat bourbons complimented them seamlessly, creating a harmonious blend that will delight wheated bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate subtle tannins and oak on the finish.
Taste
Dense mouthfeel. Strong waffle batter and vanilla custard, charred oak, spiced caramel, maple sugar, cardamom, black pepper, vanilla wafer, and funky brown sugar.
Finish
Long length finish. Bitter oak and vanilla wafer hit in the foreground, creating a brief but intense battle of flavors before giving way to a wave of rich caramel, maple, waffle batter, and whipped sugars. The underlying spice and substantial oak notes perfectly complement the decadent, heavy profile, resulting in a finish that feels like a delightful buffet of treats.
Nose
Maple syrup, dark brown sugar, cinnamon red hot , toasted almonds, cookie butter, banana bread pudding, caramel sauce, sweet oak, leather, dried cranberries, and vanilla cream.
2025 — Batch No. 03
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
RCLR B3 Bourbon is a harmonious blend of two states, seven ages, This robust yet enjoyable profile pairs excellently with the winter season. The base of the blend consists of 6.5-year-old Kentucky rye bourbon, 7-year-old high rye Indiana bourbon, and 8-year-old low rye Indiana bourbon. The initial base is bright and citrusy, with subtle notes of pepper and toffee. Gradually adding in the older-aged Kentucky bourbon enhances the overall dessert quality and richness, which was the vision for the blend. Utilizing 6.5-15 year bourbons, goal was to create a profile that surpasses the proof so it can be enjoyed by everyone who reaches for it. The lowest proof in the blend is 122, while the highest proof is over 134. After two months of marrying, the final proof came in at 125.68 proof, and the harmonious creation was achieved.
We hope you appreciate the meticulous care and thoughtfulness that went into crafting RCLR B3 Bourbon.
Taste
Silky, dense mouthfeel. Creme Brulé, cream puffs, cinnamon graham crackers, cherry hard candy, black pepper, pipe tobacco, vanilla, cranberry sauce, banana bread pudding, chocolate covered almonds.
Finish
The long finish begins with rich, sweet dessert notes of graham cracker pie crust and cream puffs, complemented by a caramel drizzle. A rich baking spice medley of nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper, and brown sugar takes center stage, with subtle undertones of tobacco that impart an earthy character to the finish, distinct from the initial palate experience. The finish concludes with bourbon banana bread pudding, heavy oak, and hot chocolate.
Nose
The nose is greeted by an enticing aroma of waffle cone, butterscotch, and vanilla, creating a delightful sweetness. As the scent unfolds, notes of nutmeg and black pepper emerge, adding a warm and spicy touch. Burnt citrus peel and oak round out the nose, revealing complex and nuanced fragrances that deepens with each sniff.
2025 — Batch No. 04
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
We understand that not everyone will enjoy every blend, but sometimes you crave a touch of complexity in your pour. Enter 25B4 Straight Bourbon. This 8.5-16-year-old layered blend was meticulously crafted, with each barrel dumped with careful consideration and intention. It may seem unusual to combine higher-aged double-digit Kentucky bourbons with younger ones, but we will never compromise on quality for quantity. Rich with notes of vanilla, dried fruits, citrus, and brown sugar, 25B4 is a pour that invites you to savor its flavors for an extended period, just like how we blended it.
Taste
Hitting the palate at 115.18 proof, this whiskey boasts dark brown sugars, layered spices, and vanilla cream that build their presence with undertones of caramel, waffle cone, dried tobacco, and cardamom. Caramel sauce and a touch of cocoa powder add depth, while the very strong vanilla and brown sugar continue to create a fun, yet complex, wave of flavors on the palate.
Finish
With a medium-long finish, this whiskey undergoes a delightful transformation with each sip. Some sips lean heavily on spice, while others evoke the sweetness of a dessert bomb. A solid underlying spice profile is complemented by citrus zest, vanilla cream, and strong caramel notes. Notably, this blend is devoid of wheated bourbon, which surprises you in how decadent and soft the finish is. It’s a harmonious blend of medium to high rye bourbons. As you savor the tail end of the finish, the older whiskeys add a touch of rickhouse floor and dried tobacco before gradually fading away into a vintage vanilla cola.
Nose
The nose is greeted with a blend of dried tea leaves and tobacco, which creates a touch of earthiness. This is followed by a hint of black pepper, dry oak, grenadine syrup, French vanilla bean, and dried fruits like figs, raisins, and cherries. The nose concludes with a light touch of maple and cola syrup.
2025 — Batch No. 05
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
With 25B5 Bourbon, we began with a base of 7 to 8 year Kentucky and Indiana Straight Bourbons, which imparted robust spice notes. Subsequently, we added 8.5 to 9.5 year Kentucky and Indiana Bourbons to enhance the deep, dark cola notes, complemented by a touch of dried fruit and earthy notes reminiscent of black tea and tobacco. Our objective was to provide a comprehensive flavor experience, touching upon various parts of the flavor wheel without overwhelming any particular side. This Limited Release boasts an impressive 119.52 proof, offering a long finish that lingers on the palate and carries a heavy mouthfeel. We hope this bourbon will provide you with one of the most exceptional flavor experiences possible.
Taste
Take a sip, and you’ll be enveloped by the weight of the whiskey, almost like a syrup. Beneath the sweetness, notes of dried fruits like raisins and cherries emerge, complemented by underlying baking spices such as allspice, clove, and cinnamon. These spices enhance the flavors of the dried fruits, creating a more complex taste profile. The notes of vanilla cola, herbal tea, burnt tobacco, and toasted oak emerge, adding depth and complexity to the whiskey. A touch of crème brûlée and vintage brown sugar, a characteristic found in older whiskies, further enhances the overall experience.
Finish
The finish is the reverse of the palate, starting with those dusty brown sugar and earthen flavors. It transitions into a flat cherry vanilla cola, with a touch of apple sweetness, dry oak, and tobacco. Mid-palate, the spice creeps back in with more cinnamon, almost like candy. Dried citrus peel and clove make their way in, enhancing the spice notes and oak before fading away. Butterscotch leads towards the end, before rounding out with more oak tannins and vanilla.
Nose
Super rich vanilla buttercream frosting, fresh baked wheat bread, honey tea, brown sugar and caramel. Keep sniffing and you get an inviting note of sweet oak, a dusting of cinnamon-sugar, fresh from the oven sugar cookies, and to round out, a hint of sugar dusted strawberries and raspberries.
2025 — Batch No. 06
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This is not our first Kentucky Straight RCLR Bourbon release, but it is the first one of this year! Utilizing a lot of high wheat bourbon in this blend, we worked for some time on making something that could compare and stand up to other wheaters on the shelf. The 6 year component is one we have used a lot due to its complexity and rich oak forward profile. On average, these 6 year barrels only end up yielding 10-15 gallons each. Enter the 8 year component and that's where the soft spice, light fruit, and heavy brown sugars come into play. As always, we hope you enjoy 25B6 Kentucky Straight Bourbon and its cask strength proof of 110, that just continues to grow the more it sits in the glass.
Taste
On the palate, you will find the mouthfeel to be super oily and punchy with a perfect amount of tannins. First you find those sugar dusted berries right up front with a touch of oak tannins and spice, followed up by powdered sugar, light table syrup, toasted vanilla bean, chewy caramel candies, light floral tea, and baked wheat bread dusted with cinnamon. Rounding out the palate is a healthy amount of brown sugar, cinnamon bark, and more fruit.
Finish
A slight touch of floral tea with honey starts the finish, transitioning into a musty note of rickhouse floor and vintage brown sugar. Dried raspberries, banana bread with caramel sauce follows secondly, giving super dessert flavors that pair well with the cinnamon and nutmeg spices that come through with a bit of maple pancakes and licorice, and cola to round out on a delightful, but not overly sweet finish.
Nose
On the nose, you’re treated with a slight whiff of waffle batter and caramel sauce, before leading into a healthy amount of oak, almond butter, black tea, and freshly ground black pepper. The nose showcases a lot of depth that is also carried on the palate, but given the proof point, it’s very soft and easy to sniff on for hours.
2025 — Batch No. 07
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
One of the shortest RCLR Bourbon batches we have done, 25B7 delivers where it needs to and that is on taste. Aged 6 to 9 years, this blend of Kentucky and Indiana straight bourbons are all very well married together to create flavors, nuances, and a finish that none of the barrels alone could do. We stopped because it felt right and sometimes that is the best decision. Utilizing a small amount of wheat bourbon with some Kentucky and Indiana high rye bourbons, 25B7 touches all parts of the flavor wheel to be as enjoyable as possible.
Taste
First initial sip - deep fried vanilla ice cream and ground cinnamon sticks. The bourbon itself is dense with the viscosity of maple syrup or honey. Speaking of maple, lots of maple, toasted almond, butterscotch, and spiced vanilla on the palate, which then grows into rich rye grain spices like pepper, cinnamon, and a touch of red licorice. The subtle fruit notes add to the breakfast quality while also creating a layer of depth like that of a spiced fruit cake. Lastly, before heading towards the finish, you will find more waffle batter, nutmeg, cardamom, and zesty lemon tea.
Finish
With a long, complex finish, you experience nuances of vanilla, oak tannins, leather, and black pepper throughout. The ground of the finish is built with a nice sweet, sugary layer of vanilla and butterscotch, which transitions into more oak, rye bread and almond butter. While not being too spicy, the spice is contained due to the small amount of wheat bourbon which adds complexity and that nice baked good sweetness. Earthen notes of black tea, spiced caramel, and a hint of mocha round out the finish for a wild ride that keeps you wanting to come back for more.
Nose
Honeysuckle, rye bread, lemon black tea, fresh thyme, seasoned oak, mint, cracked black pepper, pine, cardamom, caramel.
2025 — Batch No. 01
Straight RyeWhiskey
2025 Batch 1 Rye, a harmonious blend of ryes, is a must-try for rye whiskey enthusiasts. Its robust oak, sweet honey, and prominent rye notes dominate the palate, creating an enjoyable and satisfying drinking experience from start to finish. Whether enjoyed neat or in an elevated cocktail, this rye offers a delightful rye kick for those who enjoy experimenting with different flavors. With a proof of 123.76, it boasts a substantial body and captivating flavors that entice repeat sips.
Taste
Syrupy mouthfeel. Big notes of mint, chocolate, and brown sugar are prominent, accompanied by undertones of the spice rack: clove, black pepper, nutmeg, dark caramel, and dense honey. Lemon oil and more rye spice add depth to the back palate.
Finish
The long finish is characterized by strong baking spice notes, including pepper and cardamom, before the earthen notes of pine and mint emerge and sweeten into honey, vanilla, and a hint of oak.
Nose
Honeysuckle, rye bread, lemon black tea, fresh thyme, seasoned oak, mint, cracked black pepper, pine, cardamom, caramel.
2025 — Batch No. 02
Straight Rye Whiskey
2025 Batch 2 Rye, a harmonious blend of ryes, is a must-try for rye whiskey enthusiasts. Its robust oak, sweet honey, and prominent rye notes dominate the palate, creating an enjoyable and satisfying drinking experience from start to finish. Whether enjoyed neat or in an elevated cocktail, this rye offers a delightful rye kick for those who enjoy experimenting with different flavors. With a proof of 123.76, it boasts a substantial body and captivating flavors that entice repeat sips.
Taste
Velvety mouthfeel. Burnt orange peel, crème brûlée, graham crackers, brown sugar, cherry candy, toasted vanilla bean, and charred oak.
Finish
Medium-long with a lot of complexity. Strong vanilla and sugar cookie dough notes are prominent upfront, followed by black pepper and cherry. Brown sugar emerges, accompanied by vanilla graham crackers, before concluding with a slightly sweet candied finish.
Nose
On the nose, you’ll be greeted by the delightful aroma of brown sugar, crushed black pepper, citrus zest, vanilla, fresh mint, charred oak, cardamom, roasted almonds, and the sweetness of freshly squeezed apples.
2025 — Batch No. 03
Straight Rye Whiskey
RCLR Rye has been a hit with rye enthusiasts, beginners, and even bourbon fans who enjoy rye occasionally. However, for those seeking a more robust rye profile, RCLR 25B3 Straight Rye is the perfect choice. This blend features 6 to 7-year, 11-month rye whiskey from Kentucky and Indiana, showcasing the unique characteristics of rye whiskey that drinks beyond its age. Prepare to be captivated by its spicy, herbal, and oak-rich nuances that dance across your palate.
Taste
The palate is immediately greeted by the bold flavors of oak and pepper, followed by notes of clove, cooked pear, tobacco, dried mint, and caramel. Baking spice and oak add depth and complexity, enhancing the overall taste experience and ensuring a harmonious journey across the palate.
Finish
With a long, robust finish, the baking spices explore a wide range of flavors, including black pepper, clove, and nutmeg, complemented by earthy notes like tobacco, mint, and charred oak. At the tail end the vanilla and brown sugar make their way back for a slightly sweetened, yet dry finish.
Nose
Caramelized brown sugar, toasted oak, dark cherry, cinnamon bark, aged leather, vanilla bean, sweet tobacco, and rickhouse earth.
2025 — Batch No. 01
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
This batch is a true expression of Kentucky’s rickhouse influence, showcasing a deep, oak-forward character balanced by rich caramelized sweetness. Aged exclusively in Kentucky for 6 to 10 years, these barrels developed a bold yet refined profile, where the state’s distinct climate shaped layers of toasted spice, dark fruit, and lingering vanilla. This whiskey is designed for those who appreciate structured oak, warming spice, and a touch of dark confectionery richness.
Taste
Full-bodied and velvety. Waves of burnt sugar and molasses, spiced fig jam, roasted pecans, dark cocoa, orange peel, nutmeg, and clove-studded vanilla.
Finish
Long and complex. Bold charred oak and baking spice give way to layers of buttered toffee, vanilla bean, maple-soaked pecans, and subtle smokiness, leaving a warm, lingering depth.
Nose
Starting with the nose, you’ll be greeted by decadent dessert notes. These include the delightful flavors of a baked graham cracker pie crust, powdered sugar, cake batter, and caramel drizzle. The aroma is followed by toasted brown sugar, light baking spice, and sweet cream frosting that evokes the scent of a cozy bakery on the corner.
2025 — Batch No. 2
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
We were hesitant to continue this product after its initial release, but we were pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming positive feedback and your desire for more non-traditional blends. In response, we’re thrilled to announce our latest KY Straight Whiskey Limited Release, which we hope you’ll enjoy as much as the first one, but with a unique twist! This time, we’ve blended 6+ year Kentucky wheated bourbon with 6 - 8 year Kentucky light whiskey to create a syrupy, sweet, and dessert-like profile that many of you have been craving.
Taste
Upon taking a sip, you’ll be greeted by a harmonious blend of sweet oak with subtle tannins and a hefty mouthfeel, followed by the delightful aroma of brown butter and cinnamon sugar. The experience is further enhanced by the refreshing taste of freshly fried doughnut with a delectable vanilla glaze. As the flavors unfold, butterscotch, dried cherries, and a touch of orange bitters emerge, creating a symphony of taste that lingers on your palate, reminiscent of a classic sweet old fashioned.
Finish
The finish is the best part. Take the nose and palate and wrap them together, and you’re left with an old-fashioned paired with a slice of vanilla cake. With its rich, sweet, and low-spice finish, it’s the perfect profile for those who prefer a sweeter whiskey.