Rare Breed is not a single barrel bourbon. It is actually a batched product that is blended from barrels of various ages. The age range for the barrels used in Rare Breed is typically around 6 to 12 years.
When it comes to bourbon production, there are different methods and approaches that distilleries can take. Some bourbons, like Russell’s Reserve, are made from a single barrel. This means that the bourbon is aged in one specific barrel for the entire duration of its maturation process, typically around 8 to 10 years for Russell’s Reserve.
On the other hand, Rare Breed is a blend of multiple barrels. This blending process allows the master distillers to combine different flavors and characteristics from various barrels to create a well-rounded and complex final product. By selecting barrels of different ages, they can incorporate different levels of maturity and depth into the blend.
The use of multiple barrels in the production of Rare Breed also helps to ensure consistency in flavor profiles across different batches. Each barrel may bring its own unique qualities to the blend, resulting in a more dynamic and interesting bourbon.
I’ve had the opportunity to taste both Rare Breed and Russell’s Reserve, and while they are both excellent bourbons, they offer different experiences. Rare Breed, with its blend of barrels, tends to have a rich and complex flavor profile, with layers of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It has a bold and robust character that can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
Russell’s Reserve, being a single barrel bourbon, often showcases more of the individual barrel’s characteristics. It can vary from barrel to barrel, offering a unique tasting experience with each bottle. This bourbon tends to have a smooth and balanced flavor profile, with notes of caramel, spice, and a hint of fruitiness.
Rare Breed is not a single barrel bourbon. It is a batched product blended from barrels of various ages, while Russell’s Reserve comes from a single barrel. Both of these bourbons have their own distinct qualities and are worth exploring for any bourbon enthusiast.