Rare Character Whiskey was founded in 2021 by Pablo Moix and Peter Nevenglosky, both seasoned entrepreneurs in the spirits industry. Pablo Moix is known for his extensive experience as a restaurateur and distilled spirits expert, while Peter Nevenglosky serves as the CEO of Drifter Spirits, where he has developed notable brands like Avuá Cachaça and Paladar Tequila.
Their partnership emerged during the challenges faced by the restaurant and hospitality sectors in 2020, leading to the creation of Rare Character to provide unique whiskey expressions.
The brand is renowned for sourcing and bottling exclusive, high-quality American whiskies, including single barrel bourbons and ryes. Rare Character focuses on showcasing distinctive flavor profiles, which has made it a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.
Breakdown of Barrel Codes
Rare Character uses a specific coding system to provide details about their whiskeys. Here’s a breakdown:
Bourbon Codes:
- K13: Kentucky bourbon, 78% corn / 13% rye / 9% experimental yeast
- K21: Kentucky bourbon, 70% corn / 21% rye / 9% same yeast as K13
- RIO: Indiana bourbon, 21% rye, Kelvin char 4, aged in Kentucky (MGP distillate, stored at Castle & Key)
- KEL: Indiana bourbon,75% corn / 21% rye / 4%, aged in Indiana
- HRY: Indiana rye, 60% corn / 36% rye / 4% aged in Indiana and Kentucky
- NIO: Indiana bourbon, 75% corn / 21% rye / 4% aged in Indiana and Kentucky
- KOA: Kentucky bourbon, 75% corn / 21% rye / 4% aged in Bardstown
- GLN: Kentucky bourbon, 75% corn / 21% rye / 4% aged in Owensboro
- VEN: Kentucky bourbon, 75% corn / 21% rye / 4% aged in Shelbyville
- WTN: Wheat Tennessee distilled and aged bourbon
- PSB: Pot distilled and aged Tennessee bourbon
Rye Whiskey Codes:
- TKO: Tennessee rye, aged in Kentucky, 70% rye / 25% corn / 5% malt, experimental
- KRY: Kentucky Rye, 95% rye / 5% Distilled and aged in Kentucky - Produced by a bourbon hall of fame distiller. Very different flavor profile than a typical 95/5 - lots of beautiful floral qualities
- SRY: Indiana rye, 51% rye / 45% corn / 4% malt, aged in Kentucky
- P90: Tennessee distilled and aged rye, 90% rye / 10% malt
- AMB: Amburana Finished Ryes.
Rye Whiskey Codes:
- TKO: Tennessee rye, aged in Kentucky, 70/25/5 mashbill, experimental
- KRY: Kentucky Rye, 95% rye / 5% Distilled and aged in Kentucky - Produced by a bourbon hall of fame distiller. Very different flavor profile than a typical 95/5 - lots of beautiful floral qualities
- SRY: Indiana rye, 51% rye/45% corn/4% malt, aged in Kentucky
- P90: Tennessee distilled and aged, 90% rye, 10% malt
- AMB: Amburana Finished Ryes.
Brook Hill:
This line includes whiskeys from various distilleries, showcasing the best barrels available, and is considered a high-end product due to its quality.
Exceptional Series Whiskeys:
Rare Character began with a focus on malt but is expanding into more Kentucky bourbons and West Virginia wheat bourbons.
Pride of Anderson County: Rumored Wild Turkey distillate.
Limited Release Batches:
Four Grain Mashbill (rations are not disclosed) blend of 5.5-15 year old barrels
Understanding these barrel codes can help you appreciate the unique characteristics of each expression.