Last Updated on March 8, 2024 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
Frequently Asked Questions (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.
Who makes Rock Hill Farms Bourbon?
Rock Hill Farms Bourbon is produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, renowned for its exceptional portfolio of whiskies.
As a part of the Buffalo Trace Mashbill #2, Rock Hill Farms is crafted with a high-rye content, contributing to its distinctive flavor profile.
How old is Rock Hill Farms Bourbon?
Rock Hill Farms Bourbon, like many single-barrel bourbons, does not carry an age statement on the label.
However, it is widely known that the whiskey undergoes aging for an extended period, allowing it to develop complexity and depth of flavor.
The aging duration can vary between barrels, as each bottle is drawn from a specific individual barrel.
What is the finest bourbon in the world that comes from a single barrel?
One of the finest bourbons in the world that comes from a single barrel is often considered to be Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve.
Pappy Van Winkle’s bourbons, particularly the older and more limited expressions, are highly sought after and revered for their exceptional quality, complexity, and the fact that each bottle is drawn from a single, carefully selected barrel.
What bourbon does John Wick drink?
In the John Wick film series, the titular character, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, is often seen drinking a bourbon identified as Blanton’s.
Specifically, he is shown enjoying Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, which is known for its smoothness, rich flavor profile, and distinctive bottle design featuring a horse and jockey atop the cork.
Blanton’s is a highly regarded bourbon and has gained popularity, in part, due to its association with the iconic scenes in the John Wick movies.
What is Rock Hill Farms bourbon?
Rock Hill Farms bourbon is a premium, single-barrel bourbon produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. It is part of the distillery’s Mashbill #2, known for its higher rye content, contributing to a robust and flavorful profile.
Packaged in a distinctive tall and slender bottle, Rock Hill Farms has gained recognition for its quality and uniqueness among bourbon enthusiasts.
How long is Rock Hill Farms aged?
Rock Hill Farms, like many single-barrel bourbons, does not specify an age on its label. However, it is generally acknowledged that the bourbon undergoes a substantial aging process. The duration of aging varies from barrel to barrel, as each bottle is drawn from a specific individual barrel. The aging contributes to the development of complex flavors, richness, and depth that are characteristic of well-matured bourbons.
What does bonded bourbon mean?
Bonded bourbon, as indicated on the label, refers to bourbon that adheres to the regulations outlined in the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.
To be labeled as bonded, the bourbon must be the product of one distillation season, one distiller, and one distillery, aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 100 proof.
This designation ensures a higher standard of quality and authenticity for the bourbon.
Is Hill and Hill whiskey still made?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Hill and Hill whiskey was still produced, primarily known for its blended American whiskey.
However, it’s important to note that the availability and production status of specific whiskey brands can change over time due to market trends, ownership changes, or other factors.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on Hill and Hill whiskey, it is recommended to check with the distillery or reliable retail sources.
Where is Rock Hill bourbon made?
Rock Hill Farms bourbon is made at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, a historic and well-respected distillery located in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Buffalo Trace has a rich heritage in bourbon production and is known for crafting a diverse range of high-quality whiskies.
Does bourbon age well?
Bourbon generally ages well, and the aging process is crucial to developing its flavors and character. As bourbon matures in charred oak barrels, it undergoes a transformation, extracting compounds from the wood that contribute to its color, aroma, and taste.
While some bourbons are enjoyable when young, many enthusiasts appreciate the depth and complexity that extended aging imparts, making well-aged bourbons highly sought after.
How long is EH Taylor Single Barrel aged?
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon, part of the E.H. Taylor line produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, does not carry a specific age statement on the label.
However, like other expressions in the E.H. Taylor lineup, it is crafted with careful attention to quality and typically undergoes aging for a considerable period, allowing the bourbon to develop a refined and complex flavor profile.
Why is single barrel bourbon more expensive?
Single barrel bourbon is often more expensive due to several factors. Firstly, the production process involves selecting and bottling whiskey from individual barrels, which may result in lower overall yield compared to blending from multiple barrels.
Additionally, the aging of single barrel bourbon can take longer, contributing to increased costs associated with storage and evaporation losses. The uniqueness and often exceptional quality of each barrel can also command a premium, as each bottle represents the distinct characteristics of that particular cask.
The meticulous selection process, longer aging, and limited quantity make single barrel bourbons a more exclusive and, consequently, a more expensive offering for bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate the individuality and complexity that these expressions bring to the table.
Final Verdict: Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon Review
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.
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