Few Spirits Single Barrel Bourbon # 16-0686

Few Spirits Single Barrel Bourbon #16-0686 is a 750ml, 46.5% ABV (93 proof) single barrel bourbon distilled in Evanston, Illinois. Drawn from an individually selected barrel and bottled without blending, this expression showcases the unique character that Minnesota oak imparts — a distinguishing hallmark of Few Spirits’ approach to craft bourbon.
Quick Facts: ABV: 46.5% (93 proof)  |  Origin: Evanston, Illinois, USA  |  Single Barrel  |  Distillery: Few Spirits
Production & Heritage
Few Spirits was founded in 2011 by Paul Hletko in Evanston, Illinois — a city that had been dry since Prohibition due to its historical ties to the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. The bourbon follows a mashbill of 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% two-row malt, fermented with a proprietary yeast strain before aging in new charred American oak barrels. The barrels are sourced from Minnesota, where shorter growing seasons produce wood with a tighter grain structure than typical cooperage timber, fundamentally altering the aging dynamic and extracting a more concentrated oak influence. Barrel #16-0686 represents an individual barrel selection, meaning no two barrels are identical — each yields its own distinct flavor fingerprint.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Caramel and vanilla rise first, followed by baking spices and a subtle hint of char. Black cherry emerges underneath, adding a darker fruit layer to the otherwise sweet, inviting nose.
Taste: The entry is dry and assertive with wood and black pepper arriving immediately. Sweetness builds through the mid-palate, revealing layers of malt, caramel, and molasses. A distinctive peppermint note — a signature of Few’s bourbon profile — threads through, giving the whiskey a fresh, herbal complexity that sets it apart from more conventionally sweet bourbons.
Finish: Long and warm, with lingering spice and wood tannins that gradually recede. The peppermint character echoes faintly alongside residual caramel sweetness as the finish slowly fades.
How to Drink Few Single Barrel Bourbon
At 93 proof, this bourbon rewards neat sipping or with a single large ice cube that opens up the peppermint and caramel nuances as it slowly dilutes. Its spice-forward character also makes it a compelling cocktail ingredient. An Old Fashioned benefits from the bourbon’s inherent dry spice and caramel sweetness, requiring less added sugar. A Boulevardier pairs its peppermint-tinged warmth against Campari’s bitterness for a layered, complex drink. A Whiskey Sour highlights the fruit and malt notes while the citrus plays off the bourbon’s natural spice.
Best For
Bourbon enthusiasts exploring the Illinois craft distilling scene
Single barrel collectors seeking unique, non-reproducible expressions
Gifting to someone who appreciates small-batch American whiskey
Side-by-side tastings comparing craft bourbon against Kentucky standards
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Few Single Barrel Bourbon taste like? Few Single Barrel Bourbon is a spice-driven bourbon with prominent caramel, wood, and black pepper flavors, marked by an unusual peppermint note that distinguishes it from more conventional bourbons. Malt, molasses, and black cherry add depth beneath the dry, assertive core.
How does Few Single Barrel Bourbon compare to Koval Single Barrel Bourbon? Both are Chicago-area craft single barrel bourbons, but they differ significantly in mashbill — Koval uses a millet and corn base, while Few relies on a traditional 70% corn, 20% rye, 10% malt recipe. Few’s Minnesota oak aging also produces more pronounced wood tannins and spice compared to Koval’s typically lighter, grain-forward profile.
Is Few Single Barrel Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes, its 93 proof provides enough structure and complexity for neat sipping without excessive heat. The interplay of dry spice, caramel sweetness, and peppermint character unfolds particularly well without dilution.
Where is Few Single Barrel Bourbon made? Few Single Barrel Bourbon is produced at Few Spirits in Evanston, Illinois, located just north of Chicago. Founded in 2011, the distillery was Evanston’s first legal distillery since Prohibition.
What foods pair well with Few Single Barrel Bourbon? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the bourbon’s char and wood notes. Dark chocolate truffles echo the caramel and molasses sweetness. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the spice with savory richness. Pecan pie mirrors the malt and caramel flavors. Grilled stone fruit, especially cherries, ties into the bourbon’s black cherry aromatics.
What sizes does Few Single Barrel Bourbon come in? Few Spirits Single Barrel Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.
Is Few Single Barrel Bourbon worth the price? Few Single Barrel Bourbon positions as a premium craft expression, priced above mass-produced Kentucky bourbons but in line with other artisan single barrel releases. Its Minnesota oak aging, proprietary yeast strain, and individual barrel selection justify its placement in the upper tier of American craft whiskey.
Why Few Single Barrel Bourbon?
The use of Minnesota oak is the clearest differentiator here — the tighter grain structure from the region’s shorter growing seasons extracts a more concentrated, tannic oak influence than standard cooperage, giving the bourbon a structural backbone uncommon in the craft space. Few Spirits’ parent brand earned Whisky Advocate’s Craft Whiskey of the Year recognition for its rye expression, establishing the distillery’s credentials among serious whiskey critics. As a single barrel release, barrel #16-0686 is an unrepeatable snapshot of Few’s production — once this barrel is gone, its exact flavor profile cannot be replicated. For drinkers curious about what bourbon looks like outside of Kentucky, this bottle is a compelling case study.