Brook Hill 12 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Brook Hill 12 Year “doesn’t whisper; it stomps into the glass with hazmat-proof and unapologetic Kentucky bourbon swagger. Bottled by Rare Character from a single 12-year Kentucky barrel for Heartless, it yielded barely two dozen bottles. Cask-strength power shows immediately, yet the whiskey keeps surprising pockets of elegance if you give it time and air.

The nose hits first with dark caramel, vanilla bean, and thick rickhouse oak, all wrapped in hot varnish that fades as it breathes. Let it sit, and you’ll find orange oil, grilled peach, pipe tobacco, and worn leather drifting over toasted nuts and baking spice. There’s a faint chocolate fudge edge that makes each deep inhale feel a little dangerous and very inviting.

On the palate, the whiskey arrives dense and oily, with toffee, burnt sugar crust, and baked corn pudding leading the charge. Heat shows up quickly but never feels sloppy. Black pepper, clove, and cinnamon bark punch through layers of citrus peel, peanut shell, and charred stave. A touch of dark cherry syrup and cocoa adds richness while dry oak keeps everything from turning sticky.

The finish runs long, dry-leaning, and unapologetically hot in the best way: charred oak, tobacco leaf, and bitter orange ride over caramelized sugar and lingering corn sweetness. You’re left with buzzing lips, a slow chest warmth, and an obvious sense that this barrel meant business.

Nose: Dark caramel, vanilla bean, and heavy rickhouse oak rise first, edged by hot varnish that calms with air.
Then come orange zest, grilled peach, toasted nuts, pipe tobacco, and worn saddle leather. A hint of chocolate fudge lurks underneath.

Palate: Thick and mouth-coating, it shows toffee, burnt sugar, and baked corn pudding over assertive oak.
Black pepper, clove, and cinnamon bark drive the spice, joined by citrus pith, peanut shell, and a whisper of cherry syrup. Cocoa and dry char bring structure.

Finish: Very long and warming, the finish leans into charred oak, tobacco leaf, and bitter orange. Caramelized sugar and dusty corn sweetness linger on the tongue while the proof glows down the chest.

This single barrel calls for serious, flavorful food rather than delicate plates.

Think bone-in ribeye with a hard peppered crust, burnt-end brisket, or bourbon-glazed pork ribs heavy on bark and smoke.

Aged Gouda, clothbound cheddar, or nutty Gruyère can wrestle with the proof while echoing its caramel and oak.

For dessert, reach for pecan pie, dark chocolate tart with orange zest, or brûléed banana pudding to play against the bourbon’s char, citrus, and corn sweetness.