Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Introduced in 2012, Rabbit Hole impressively entered the bustling whiskey market with golden awards from New York World Wine & Spirits and San Francisco World Spirits. Recognitions from the world’s largest spirits competitions made Rabbit Hole a decent player among older whiskey brands.
Here is a quick Rabbit Hole bourbon review for those who haven’t heard of this super-premium quality product.
All About Rabbit Hole Bourbon
Rabbit Hole Bourbon started by breaking the status quo of whiskey making inside an undisclosed Kentucky distillery. With a high content of corn and an aging process of three to five years, this bourbon has undeniable sweetness and a neat texture that appeals to every whiskey enthusiast.
Kaveh Zamanian established the Rabbit Hole distillery in 2012, but he sold the company’s majority stake in 2019 to Pernod Ricard [1]. Later on, the company proceeds to release varieties of whiskey products on the global market.
The price ranges from $50 to $85, a little expensive for some consumers, but every bottle has an elegant design that will catch any collector’s attention.
How It’s Made
Rabbit Hole distillery does not chill-filtered the spirit. Instead, it uses sour mash to maintain the original whiskey character. It goes through aging in Kelvin Cooperage barrels for at least three years, except for the Dareringer, which takes five years.
It also uses a small batch method, where a whiskey maker purposely selects barrels that will blend and complement the bourbon accordingly. Here’s the difference between small batch and single barrel.
Mash Bill
Rabbit Hole has a different mash bill according to its bottle. First is the Rabbit Hole Cavehill, with 70% corn, 10% malted wheat, 10% honey malted barley, and 10% malted barley. Next is the Rabbit Hole Heigold, which has the same percentage of corn as Cavehill, 25% rye, and 5% malted barley.
Then, the Dareringer consisting three mash bills; 68% corn, 18% wheat, and 14% malted barley. However, Rabbit Hole Boxergrail only has two ingredients, the 95% rye and 5% malted barley.
Flavor Notes
Nose
There is a welcoming smell of citrus right after opening the bottle. After a while, the floral aroma of dark fruit-like plum and honey fills the air.
Taste/Palate
The first sip has a pleasantly sweet honey taste followed by rye spice flavors. It has complex and well-blended tasting notes, evidenced by its years of aging.
Mouth Feel
Rabbit Hole has a light and thin texture with grassy undertones in the mouth. It draws sweetness from honey malted barley, creating the taste of caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, and brown sugar in the mouth.
Finish
Although it is sweet bourbon, it has a bitter and long finish. There is also the grassy aftertaste and spicy hints even after swallowing the spirit.
Color
It appears medium amber to dark amber, depending on the aging process and oak, since it imparts color to the liquor.
Is Rabbit Hole Worth Its Price?
Yes, Rabbit Hole is worth the price because every bottle is a product of a sophisticated making process and premium-quality and unique mash bill. The young distillery uses customized equipment from Vendome Copper and Brass Works, one of the largest copper manufacturers in the distilling industry.
This premium choice bourbon presented in an elegant bottle is a worthy addition to whiskey bar collections.
Common Rabbit Hole Prices
| BottleType | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Boxergrail – Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey | 750ml | 47.5% | $50-$55 |
| Cavehill – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | 750ml | 47.5% | $60-$65 |
| Dareringer – Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in PX Sherry Casks | 750ml | 46.5% | $80-$85 |
| Heigold – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | 750ml | 47.5% | $65-$70 |
Compared to Other Bourbons
Evan Williams
Evan Williams bourbon is a product from Kentucky’s first commercial distillery, established in 1783. It went through aging a few more years than the law required, resulting in a smooth spirit. With a lower price of around $17, Evan William offers a rich flavor of caramel sweetness and brown sugar, with hints of oak in the long finish.
Bulleit
Tom Bulleit, the founder’s great-grandson, released a bourbon in 1987 with a mash bill of 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% barley [2]. This bourbon is available for around $32 and uses local ingredients and limestone-filtered water during production.
It has a toasted oak smell and a creamy palate. The high amount of rye leaves black pepper notes in the drink with spice and oak hints.
Buffalo Trace
The Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a flagship from a two-hundred-year-old distillery priced around $35. Barrel-aged for eight years, it has a medium amber appearance, and a buttery and caramel smell will greet you after opening the bottle. The body has spicy and bold flavors, but an underlying sweetness lingers long in the finish.
Popular Rabbit Hole Cocktail Recipes
Fall Back
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1-ounce whiskey
- 1-ounce apple brandy
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth
- ½ ounce sweet amaro
- Two dashes of apple bitters
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail glass with ice, then put all the ingredients, starting with the bitters. Stir for about two minutes until all the ingredients mix. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Serving: 1
The Sunny Rabbit
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces whiskey
- ¾ ounce Crème de Cacao
- ¾ ounce cacao nib-infused Campari
- One tablespoon Campari
- Two dashes of Absinthe
Instructions:
Fill a mixing glass with ice before adding all the ingredients. Then stir the drink for around 30 seconds. Strain the drink into a chilled shot glass. Enjoy.
Serving: 1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What bourbon is similar to Rabbit Hole?
Bulleit bourbon is similar to Rabbit Hole Heigold. They have almost the same mash bill with a high percentage of rye, resulting in spicy drinks.
Is Rabbit Hole too expensive?
Yes, Rabbit Hole Dareringer is expensive compared to other whiskey brands at around $80 to $85 for a 750ml bottle.
Dareringer is a super-premium whiskey aged in charred barrels and stored in Sherry Casks for five years, balancing modern and traditional bourbon production.
How long is it aged?
Rabbit Hole Heigold, Cavehill, and Boxergrail have three years of age using toasted and charred American White Barrels.
Meanwhile, the Rabbit Hole Dareringer’s age is at least five years old before going into bottles.
What is the most popular Rabbit Hole bourbon?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Rabbit Hole Distillery has gained popularity for its various bourbon offerings.
One of its most well-known and widely appreciated expressions is the Rabbit Hole Bourbon.
Known for its rich and complex flavor profile, Rabbit Hole Bourbon has garnered a favorable reputation among bourbon enthusiasts.
Why is Rabbit Hole whiskey so expensive?
The price of Rabbit Hole whiskey is influenced by several factors.
Firstly, Rabbit Hole is a craft distillery that emphasizes small-batch production and high-quality ingredients, contributing to the cost of production.
Additionally, the brand’s commitment to unique aging processes, innovative techniques, and the use of select barrels can elevate the overall cost.
Limited production runs and the craftsmanship associated with small-batch distillation can also contribute to the higher price point.
Is Rabbit Hole bourbon rare?
While Rabbit Hole Bourbon is not necessarily classified as rare in the sense of extreme scarcity, its limited production batches and the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship can make certain expressions relatively harder to find compared to mass-produced bourbons.
How long is Rabbit Hole bourbon aged for?
Rabbit Hole bourbon undergoes a meticulous aging process, with variations in aging periods depending on the specific expression. Generally, the bourbons are aged for a minimum of four years.
However, certain releases may undergo more extended aging to develop specific flavor profiles and characteristics.
What bourbon is similar to Rabbit Hole?
Bourbons with comparable flavor profiles to Rabbit Hole may include other craft distillery offerings or small-batch bourbons that prioritize quality ingredients and unique aging methods.
Examples could be Angel’s Envy, Woodford Reserve, or Belle Meade Bourbon, each known for their distinctive qualities and craftsmanship.
However, individual preferences play a significant role, and exploring various options is encouraged to find the best match for personal taste preferences.
What kind of alcohol is Rabbit Hole?
Rabbit Hole is a brand that specializes in producing whiskey.
They offer a variety of whiskey expressions, including bourbon, rye whiskey, and other innovative releases.
Their commitment to quality craftsmanship and unique aging processes has contributed to the brand’s recognition in the whiskey market.
What is the name of the most expensive whiskey in the world?
The title of the most expensive whiskey can vary over time due to auctions and limited releases.
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, one of the most renowned expensive whiskies was the Macallan Fine & Rare Collection, particularly the Macallan 1926 Peter Blake, which fetched a record-breaking price at auctions.
However, the whiskey market is dynamic, and new releases or auctions may have occurred since then.
Where is Rabbit Hole bourbon made?
Rabbit Hole bourbon is crafted in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Louisville is renowned for its rich bourbon heritage, and Rabbit Hole Distillery takes advantage of the region’s expertise in producing high-quality bourbons.
What is the most expensive shot of whiskey in the world?
Similar to the most expensive whiskey, the cost of a shot of whiskey can vary based on factors like rarity and exclusivity.
One notable example is the Macallan “M” Decanter, which, in some instances, has been served as a single-shot experience and is associated with a high price tag.
However, specific information may change over time due to market dynamics.
What is the most famous bunny rabbit?
The most famous bunny rabbit is arguably Bugs Bunny, an iconic cartoon character created by Warner Bros.
Known for his wit, charm, and catchphrase “What’s up, Doc?,” Bugs Bunny has become a cultural symbol and a beloved figure in the world of animation since his debut in the 1940s.
Final Thoughts: Rabbit Hole Bourbon Review
Rabbit Hole Bourbon is a high-end sipping whiskey, complementing many cocktails like Old Fashioned. Kaveh Zamanian’s wife, Heather, inspired him to establish and produce a bourbon brand that honors many Louisville figures and places.
These figures include Christian Heigold, a German stonecutter who settled in Louisville in 1850, and Muhammad Ali, a boxing legend. The Rabbit Hole Cavehill black label commemorates the resting ground of some Kentucky pioneers in Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville.
After utilizing Pernod Ricard’s distribution network globally, the company expanded its portfolio with four varieties with prices ranging from $50 to $85.
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