Review: Rabbit Hole Regallier French Oak Bourbon
Louisville’s Rabbit Hole Distilling has made a name for itself with striking packaging and creatively named whiskeys that offer more than just shelf appeal. In February 2024, the brand launched its Distillery Series with the debut of Starlino Rye — and now, it’s raising the bar once again.
On September 1, 2025, Rabbit Hole unveiled the newest addition to the series: Regallier Kentucky Straight Bourbon, an elegant expression finished in French oak casks.
While “Regallier” isn’t a word in any known language, Rabbit Hole seems to be riffing on French inspiration — perhaps drawing from régalien (“kingly” or “royal”) or régaler (“to enjoy a feast or revel”). Either way, Regallier evokes a sense of indulgence and sophistication, setting the stage for a whiskey with regal aspirations.
At the heart of Regallier is Rabbit Hole’s high-rye, double malt bourbon mashbill — also used in their Heigold Bourbon — consisting of 70% corn, 25% malted German rye, and 5% malted barley.
Founder Kaveh Zamanian made the deliberate choice to enter the barrel at a lower proof of 110, a technique that enhances flavor integration. At this lower proof, water penetrates the wood more easily than alcohol, extracting sugars and mellowing tannins, while allowing undesirable compounds to evaporate more readily. The bourbon is matured in wood-fired, toasted, and #3 charred barrels before being transferred to French oak casks for finishing — all for a timeframe Rabbit Hole keeps close to the vest.
Bottled at 108.5 proof, Regallier is poised to make a strong impression. With its unique mashbill, thoughtful craftsmanship, and French oak finish, it’s a release that seems designed to stand apart from the crowd.
Rabbit Hole says this bourbon is finished in “regal” French oak casks — and with a name like Regallier, that feels just right.
Is this a limited edition that deserves a touch of royal reverence? Let’s find out!
Rabbit Hole Regallier French Oak Bourbon Review
The nose opens with a pronounced note of charred lemon peel, soon joined by a trace of sandalwood that adds an intriguing counterpoint. As it develops, notes of brown sugar and clove come forward, adding dimension to the aroma.
On the palate, ripe blackberries lead the way, supported by cardamom for a lift of spice. The French oak influence brings an earthy depth, expressed through hazelnuts and toasted coconut flakes that complement the fruit-driven entry. Regallier has a medium-weight viscosity that coats the palate with satisfying consistency.
The finish turns darker, offering Concord grape notes alongside dark roast coffee and burnt caramel — a trio that brings the experience to a firm and rewarding conclusion.
While I’ve often been skeptical of French oak finishes, Regallier is among the few that have prompted me to rethink that stance. It’s a thoughtfully composed bourbon that shows what’s possible when this finishing style is used with finesse.
108.5 proof.
A- / $50 (375 ml)
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