As a bourbon enthusiast, I recently had the opportunity to taste Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon, a premium bourbon that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. The bottle itself presents a tasteful design with horses that look almost hand-painted, but it’s what’s inside that intrigues me even more.

Upon tasting, I noticed the higher alcohol content doesn’t negatively affect my enjoyment of this fine bourbon. The subtle spicy warmth adds character without being overbearing. I was pleasantly surprised by the creamy, traditional aroma and taste notes that Rock Hill Farms Bourbon brings to the table.

One aspect that stood out to me during my sampling was the caramel and orange-forward traits, making it feel like the bourbon was briefly finished in orange curacao or Angostura bitters barrels. It’s this unique combination that adds depth to the bourbon and makes it an enjoyable experience for any bourbon lover.

Rock Hill Farms Bourbon Overview

Product History

Rock Hill Farms Bourbon has maintained a strong presence in the bourbon community for some time. It’s produced by the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. I have found that many bourbon enthusiasts admire this particular bourbon for its higher rye content in their Mashbill #2, which is rumored to be around 12-15%. As a fan of bourbon myself, I appreciate the unique flavors this imparts to the spirit.

It’s essential to mention that Rock Hill Farms Bourbon was once the highest-proof Mashbill #2 bourbon sold in the United States. However, since 2020, Blanton’s Gold has claimed that title. Regardless, Rock Hill Farms Bourbon remains a beloved choice among bourbon enthusiasts.

Price Range

Regarding pricing, I’ve seen Rock Hill Farms Bourbon retail for around $50 MSRP, although the secondary market can often drive the price higher. It’s worth seeking out a bottle in the $40 to $60 range. I believe that finding a bottle at this price is a deal worth considering. However, when the markup is significantly higher, the decision to invest in a bottle becomes more subjective.

While exploring Rock Hill Farms Bourbon, a few price ranges can be outlined as follows:

• $40 to $50: Ideal price range to purchase multiple bottles if available
• $50 to $60: Considered a decent purchase given its limited availability
• Higher than $60: Worth considering if it’s within your budget and you value its unique flavor profile

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Upon uncorking the bottle, I was greeted with strong berry and dark fruit notes, giving a vibrant and enticing introduction to the Rock Hill Farms Bourbon. As I savored the aroma, I detected light hints of cinnamon and caramel that added to the overall balanced and harmonious bouquet.

Flavor

When taking a sip, I could immediately appreciate the balanced blend of spice and creamy flavors. The rich brown sugar and vanilla were quite prominent, followed by dried oranges, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pepper. These flavors fused delightfully, truly setting this bourbon apart from others, and giving it a unique taste profile.

Finish

The finish of Rock Hill Farms Bourbon left me with a pleasant warmth and a lingering sweetness accompanied by a gentle oaky finish. The fruity notes remained present, giving a satisfying and smooth end to each sip. From start to finish, this bourbon provided an impressive and delightful experience.

Rating

Considering its aroma, flavor, and finish, I would rate Rock Hill Farms Bourbon a solid 4 out of 5. The combination of fruit, spice, and creamy flavors makes it a joy to drink and offers a distinctive character that sets it apart from others in the market. It’s an enjoyable bourbon that I would gladly recommend to others.

Mixing and Pairing

As someone who enjoys Rock Hill Farms Bourbon, I feel it’s important to share some ways to mix and pair this versatile whiskey for an enhanced experience. In this section, we will explore the best mixers, some cocktail suggestions, and ideal food pairings for Rock Hill Farms Bourbon.

Best Mixers

When it comes to mixers, I’ve found that certain flavors complement Rock Hill Farms Bourbon particularly well. Some top mixers to consider include:

• Ginger ale or ginger beer – The spiciness of ginger brings out the whiskey’s sweetness and adds depth to the drink.
• Coca-Cola or Pepsi – The classic whiskey-and-cola combination works great with Rock Hill Farms, enhancing its sweetness and highlighting its vanilla notes.
• Club soda – For a lighter drink, club soda adds some fizziness and dilutes the whiskey without detracting from its flavors.
• Angostura bitters – Just a few dashes of bitters can add complexity and depth to a simple Bourbon and soda or Old Fashioned.

Cocktail Suggestions

While Rock Hill Farms Bourbon can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, it also works well in a variety of cocktails. Here are a few suggestions that I’ve personally tried and enjoyed:

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The Old Fashioned – This classic whiskey cocktail, made with sugar, water, bitters, and an orange peel, intensifies the flavors of Rock Hill Farms Bourbon.

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Mint Julep – A refreshing and minty drink, perfect for warm days or watching the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep highlights the Bourbon’s sweetness and smoothness.

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Whiskey Sour – The combination of Rock Hill Farms Bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white creates a tart, sweet, and frothy cocktail.

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Manhattan – Mixing the Bourbon with sweet vermouth and bitters creates an elegant and rich cocktail that showcases the whiskey’s depth.

Food Pairings

Rock Hill Farms Bourbon pairs well with various types of food, making it an ideal companion for a meal. Some of my favorite pairings include:

• Grilled or smoked meats – The smoky, charred flavors of grilled or smoked meats, like beef or pork ribs, complements the sweetness and caramel notes of the Bourbon.
• Baked or roasted vegetables – Root vegetables, like carrots or parsnips, with a touch of honey, emphasize the whiskey’s natural sweetness.
• Sharp and rich cheeses – A cheese board featuring strong flavors like aged cheddar, Gorgonzola, or Roquefort creates a sophisticated pairing with Rock Hill Farms Bourbon.
• Dark chocolate – A high-quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage enhances the Bourbon’s rich and intense flavors.

These suggestions are just the beginning of the many ways you can mix and pair Rock Hill Farms Bourbon to enhance your enjoyment of this delicious whiskey. Feel free to experiment and find combinations that suit your personal taste.

Conclusion

After tasting and reviewing Rock Hill Farms Bourbon, I can confidently say that it is a whiskey worth trying. With its traditional medium rye bourbon flavor profile, the drink offers a notable creaminess and well-rounded balance.

The oak note in this bourbon has been well preserved, likely due to its long resting period in the barrel. When swirled in the mouth, the spices reveal themselves beautifully, adding to the overall experience of the drink.

Rock Hill Farms Bourbon greets the drinker with a deep and rich complexity that is both dark and enticing. The primary flavors that stand out are butterscotch, char, vanilla, and oak. The finish is long and accompanied by an enjoyable warmth.

In comparison with similar bourbons, such as Blanton’s and Elmer T. Lee, I personally find Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel to be my preferred choice. The flavors may not be overwhelmingly unique or rich, but the overall quality of this bourbon makes it a solid choice for any whiskey enthusiast.

If you’re looking to add a new bourbon to your collection, Rock Hill Farms is definitely an option to consider. While it may not be the most exceptional whiskey on the market, it offers a satisfying balance of flavors that make it a pleasure to drink.