Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Of all the bourbons using Mash Bill #2, Rock Hill Farms is one of the highest proof on its single barrel expressions.
But what is odd is even though it’s one of the most sought-after bourbon whiskey, Buffalo Trace Distillery never mentioned it on its website.
Let’s discover what this bottle holds and the behind-the-scenes in this Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon review. Read on.
Overview On Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon
Rock Hill Farms bourbon was introduced in 1990 as a single-barrel expression.
Today, its bottles are considered one of the highly sought-after bourbons worldwide.
It doesn’t have an age statement, but some whiskey enthusiasts believe it was aged for more than eight years because of its hue, aroma, and taste profile.
Quick Facts
| Distillery | Buffalo Trace |
| Classification & Region | Bourbon, Kentucky, USA |
| Alcohol Proof | 100-proof (50% ABV) |
| Mash Bill | Mash Bill #2 (about 12-15% rye) |
| Age Statement | NAS |
| Color | Deep amber |
| Rating | 4-STARS |
| Average Price | Around $250/750ml (Drizly) |
What’s Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon?
Rock Hill Farms bourbon is another Sazerac–Buffalo Trace single barrel that uses its ‘high rye’ [1] or Mash Bill #2 like Ancient Age, Blanton’s Gold Single Barrel, and Hancock’s Reserve.
Sazerac first released this bourbon over 20 years ago, and it was believed to be named after rich farmland along the Kentucky River.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Lots of fruitiness hits on the nose. It combines berries, cherry, caramel, honey, and vanilla notes with oak spice and hints of leather that poke around.
Like with Elmer T. Lee, Rock Hill Farms smells richer, with added notes of roasted corn and cinnamon, when swirled in a glass.
But it’s far from smelling well-aged and intense rye spice [2] on the nose.
Palate
The flavors of butterscotch, vanilla, and caramel pop up upfront, followed by sweet berries and a good balance of oak spice that dominates the palate.
“A well-made, well-aged bourbon offers a gorgeous spectrum of flavors,”
– Eric Asimov, Wine Critic
It has a dense and creamy texture that delivers a good amount of oak, corn, and mint but has the depth of some tannic notes popping up as we swallow the bourbon.
Finish
It finishes long with lots of sweet details from berries, caramel, and vanilla with lingering oak and baking spice notes.
Our Thoughts
First Sip
Rock Hill Farm gives a good impression and does not overpower our palate. It delivers a sweetness profile that balances a nice dose of spice.
Second Chance
We can taste the full potency of alcohol and smell the oakiness of the bourbon with baking spice notes towards the end.
It would be better in a glass of an Old-Fashioned cocktail.
Why We Like It
- High alcohol content. Compared with other single-barrel expressions, it has higher proof.
- It smells rich and fruity even though its alcohol content is relatively high.
- Classy bottle design. It has a simple yet elegantly hand-painted-like horse design.
Drawbacks
- It has a lot of sweeter sides. This bourbon doesn’t have a big, bold pour like other bourbons with 50% ABV strives to deliver.
- Overpriced bottle. Its low supply stock makes it harder to get it in a reasonably priced bottle.
Uniqueness & Value
Compared with other single barrels like Elmer T. Lee, Rock Hill Farms bourbon whiskey bottles have a higher proof with creamy flavors that balances its rye spice.
It has exquisite and attractive packaging, but with low releases and high-space demand, it’s hard to find a bottle at a fair price.
Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon’s Rating
Rock Hill Farms’ aroma is remarkable, and the scent indulges us in diving into the bourbon.
However, it has a sweeter flavor profile that sometimes dominates the lovely heat of rye spice.
For us, we’ll give it a ‘4 STAR’ rating. It is still a good bourbon to try bottled at 50% ABV with a silky mouthfeel and creamy flavors.
Would We Buy It Again?
We’ll rebuy it for a reasonable price, but with the average price on the market, we prefer other affordable bourbons with similar proof and tasting notes.
Bottle alternatives for Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon:
- Four Roses Single Barrel
- Evan Williams Single Barrel
- 1792 Single Barrel
FAQs
Is Rock Hill Farms single barrel bourbon worth it?
Yes. Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon is worth it, especially if you got it at a fair price.
Is Rock Hill Farms bourbon made by Buffalo Trace?
Yes. Rock Hill Farms bourbon is one of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s produced fine single-barrel bourbons, sharing its mash bill #2 content.
Is Rock Hill Farms discontinued?
No, Rock Hill Farms is not discontinued. Despite the rumors, no official statement comes from Sazerac, its manufacturing company, that it has been discontinued.
Final Words
Rock Hill Farms doesn’t have the ‘extra uniqueness we’re looking for in a high-proof bourbon whiskey, but it’s still enjoyable to drink.
Although it has high alcohol content, it’s not overpowering and has a silky mouthfeel with a good heat balance.
Rock Hill Farms bourbon is almost hard-to-find with a fair price. But if you have money to burn, don’t hesitate to buy one.
References:
- https://www.eater.com/drinks/2015/8/13/9113965/whiskey-guide
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/rye
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
