When a whiskey enthusiast comes across a truly special single barrel of bourbon, it can be a magical moment. Hair stands on end, chills ripple through the body, and eyes widen. Some keep their mouth shut, wondering how they might bottle a small stash for themselves to enjoy for the rest of time. Pablo Moix, however, chooses to bottle it for you to enjoy... if you're quick enough to find it that is.
The Brook Hill name has been rippling through the whiskey community for some time now. After resurrecting the name from a defunct, historical whiskey label from before prohibition, Rare Character has honored the historical significance by only putting their finest whiskey into this release. Wondering what it might taste like? Lucky for you, we open our bottles here. Let's dive in on a full taste through of Brook Hill "King's Leap" bourbon.
Company on Label: Rare Character Whiskey Company
Whiskey Type: Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Kentucky bourbon mash bill (min 51% corn)
Proof: 129.35°
Age: 10 years
Further identification: This is King's Leap, single barrel number 306, one of the first two barrels to enter the Massachusetts market at an MSRP of $250; the bottle under review is bottle 42/102 which I bought from a local retailer in 2024
Nose: The glass leads with caramel chews and cinnamon coffee cake. It's potent, rich, and elegant all at once in the nose—like the drop of a rollercoaster. Aromas are notably devoid of the overly sweet fruit tones expected from modern bourbon. It's just good bourbon. Hints of crushed graham crackers slowly impress the senses. The nose feel is soft and creamy despite the impressionable notes being spice forward. This is a masterclass on balance. Dry cigar leaf can be found second hand. After a long rest, it leans on some garden flowers soaked in the sun. Leather typical of hyper-aged bourbons is prevalent now. This is lovely to nose, but it's now time for a sip.
Graham cracker, warm hay, and sprawling cornfields under the scorching summer sun can be discovered after returning from a taste. Crème brûlée can be enjoyed late in the pour. The empty glass smells of more oiled leather, light coffee bean, and a suddenly overwhelming wave of nutmeg.
Palate: On first sip, this spicy bourbon leaves no doubt about its origins. This is Kentucky bourbon through and through with a long, warm embrace taking hold comfortably. Leaning in on complex spice, bright vanilla, and silky caramel that coats every bit of the mouth and esophagus, this is a slow-savoring bourbon not meant for crushing. The mouthfeel reminds me of Michter's 25 year, dancing into a hint of cherry pipe tobacco and a deep leather characteristic. Subsequent sips offer calm, brooding introspection. The finish is a flash in the pan with shishito peppers hitting cast iron coated in butter, bar at Willett cashews, raisin, and a sliver of dark chocolate. The glass ends with an enjoyable nostalgia for the good old days of bourbon. Hot tamales and vintage, dark cola tones complete a thoroughly enjoyable pour.
TL;DR: Vintage tones and a soft, patient, classic bourbon vibe make for a perfect pour
Rating: 5/5
I haven't had a classic bourbon like this in ages. It manages to drink both vintage and new at the same time with perfect balance despite the monstrous proof. Brook Hill is rightfully earning a place amongst the stars with single barrels like this hitting the shelf for enthusiast grade consumption. This is a truly pinnacle whiskey achievement for Rare Character, and this bottle rightfully earned a pretty spectacular placement in our top 24 bourbons worth drinking right now list. Bravo.
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