Review: Rabbit Hole Adourra Bourbon

The latest bourbon release from Rabbit Hole‘s Founder’s Collection is Adourra, a 9-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Armagnac brandy casks and bottled at 108 proof.

Per Rabbit Hole:

The delicious brandy which makes this region in Southern France famous is meticulously aged in a process that can last for decades. When rested in these mature and deeply saturated Armagnac casks, the bourbon takes on a deep amber hue and lush, velvety warmth as it absorbs the intricate mix of aromas and flavors held in the fine oak fibers. The beauty of the Armagnac countryside of Southern France is as stunning as the brandy for which the region is famous. This spirit’s luxurious complexity is the result of the Solera method, in which casks are arranged in rows by age. Only brandy from the oldest row is bottled, and never more than a third at a time. Those casks are then topped off with brandy from the next oldest row in a continuous process that can last for decades.

This exquisite Limited-Edition bottle and box are works of art unto themselves. Each bottle is individually numbered for authenticity. It features an impressive heavy gold cork, while the gift carton is wrapped with our brand linen pattern begging to be held. Soft and luxurious, it features the signature of our founder proudly debossed on the side. This one-of-a-kind, limited-edition Armagnac cask-finished bourbon is designed to create a singular whiskey experience. Enjoy it at full strength, with a touch of water to release more layers of character and especially with a cigar.

Rabbit Hole Adourra Bourbon Review

Immediately beefy on the nose, the aromatics connote a mature and complex frontier experience, though one which is edge with notes of prunes, raisins, and ample baking spice. The Armagnac influence is significant here — almost overwhelming with its rustic, stewed fruit notes, coming across as slightly gamey with time in glass.

The palate is peppery but also quite jammy, a mix of fruit and spice offering up a somewhat enigmatic combination of flavors. Notes of dried figs, rum raisin ice cream, and nutmeg lead the way, while the finish runs sharper, with notes of sweet plums and cherries — again, the Armagnac definitely at play. A citrus edge circles the finish, which builds to showcase notes of fresh blossoms as the whiskey slowly evolves and spreads its wings. Surprising and evocative, it’s one of the most unusual releases from Rabbit Hole I’ve encountered in years — but a worthwhile trip to take.

Pity about the price and availability, though. Only 950 bottles were produced.

108 proof.

A- / $899 / rabbitholedistillery.com

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