Four Gate Split Stave by Kelvin 750ML

Four Gate Split Stave by Kelvin 750ML is a Kentucky straight bourbon finished in innovative Split Stave™ barrels, bottled at 116.1 proof (58.05% ABV) in a 750ml bottle. This expression earned a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a perfect 5/5 rating from The Whiskey Jug, placing it among the most acclaimed releases in Four Gate’s portfolio.
Quick Facts: ABV: 58.05% (116.1 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Aged at Least 7 Years  |  Finished in Kelvin Cooperage Split Stave™ Barrels  |  Non-Distiller Producer: Four Gate Whiskey Company
Production & Heritage
Four Gate Whiskey Company operates as a non-distiller producer, selecting exceptional barrels of Kentucky bourbon rather than distilling its own spirit. The base whiskey carries a mashbill of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley, aged a minimum of seven years before undergoing its defining secondary maturation. The Split Stave™ finishing process, developed with Louisville-based Kelvin Cooperage, involves deconstructing medium toast casks, #2 char casks, and #4 char casks, then reassembling them with alternating toasted and charred staves into a single barrel. This technique creates a finishing environment that simultaneously imparts the caramelized sweetness of toasted wood and the deep, smoky character of charred oak — a process distinct from standard double-barreled or cask-finished bourbons.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: The nose opens with rich vanilla and caramel before shifting into toasted marshmallow and toasted oak. Black pepper and a subtle thread of baking spice emerge as the bourbon breathes, adding complexity beneath the sweetness.
Taste: The entry is plush with crème brûlée and sweet vanilla, layered over a custard-like richness. At mid-palate, dark chocolate and honey surface alongside charred oak, while floral hints and baking spices build toward a peak of concentrated dark cherry and warm cinnamon.
Finish: Medium-long, with vanilla and cinnamon lingering alongside cloves and a steady pulse of spicy black pepper. The oak influence stays present but balanced, never turning tannic or bitter.
How to Drink Split Stave by Kelvin
At 116.1 proof, this bourbon rewards a slow pour neat, though a few drops of water open up the custard and floral notes without diminishing the oak structure. A large ice cube tames the proof while preserving the layered sweetness for those who prefer a chilled pour.
In cocktails, the barrel-proof intensity holds its own: an Old Fashioned highlights the crème brûlée and dark cherry character against bitters; a Boulevardier pairs its toasted oak sweetness with Campari’s bitterness for a rich, structured drink; and a Gold Rush lets the honey and vanilla notes meld naturally with lemon and honey syrup.
Best For
Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who values innovative barrel finishing techniques
Adding a limited-release, critically acclaimed bottle to a whiskey collection
Side-by-side tastings comparing standard double-oaked bourbons to Split Stave™ finishing
Celebrating a milestone occasion with a barrel-proof pour meant to be savored slowly
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Split Stave by Kelvin taste like? Split Stave by Kelvin delivers rich crème brûlée, toasted marshmallow, and dark cherry flavors anchored by charred oak and baking spices. The barrel-proof strength carries a warming black pepper finish without overwhelming the underlying vanilla sweetness.
How does Split Stave by Kelvin compare to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked? Breaking Bourbon has noted that Four Gate’s Split Stave expression “doesn’t come across as ‘finishy'” the way Woodford Reserve Double Oaked does, meaning the secondary maturation integrates more seamlessly into the base spirit. Split Stave also comes at a significantly higher proof (116.1 vs. Woodford Double Oaked’s 90.4) and uses a more complex barrel construction with alternating toasted and charred staves rather than a uniformly toasted second barrel.
Is Split Stave by Kelvin good for sipping neat? Yes — its layered complexity and integrated barrel influence make it an excellent neat pour for experienced bourbon drinkers comfortable with barrel-proof whiskey. A few drops of water can help open up subtler custard and floral notes.
Where is Split Stave by Kelvin made? The bourbon is sourced from Kentucky distilleries and finished by Four Gate Whiskey Company, which is based in Louisville, Kentucky. The Split Stave™ barrels are constructed by Kelvin Cooperage, also located in Louisville.
What foods pair well with Split Stave by Kelvin? Pecan pie complements the caramel and toasted oak sweetness; dark chocolate truffles echo the mid-palate cocoa notes; smoked pork belly mirrors the charred stave influence; aged Gouda’s butterscotch character aligns with the vanilla and custard layers; and crème brûlée reinforces the bourbon’s signature dessert-like profile.
What sizes does Split Stave by Kelvin come in? Split Stave by Kelvin is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.
Is Split Stave by Kelvin worth the price? Split Stave by Kelvin positions as a premium, limited-release bourbon backed by a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a perfect score from The Whiskey Jug. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking innovative barrel finishing at barrel proof, it represents strong value within the allocated bourbon segment.
Why Split Stave by Kelvin?
The Split Stave™ barrel technique is genuinely unusual in American whiskey — rather than simply transferring bourbon into a second barrel, Kelvin Cooperage physically deconstructs multiple cask types and rebuilds them into a single hybrid vessel. This creates simultaneous toast-and-char interaction that standard finishing cannot replicate. The results have been validated by both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition’s Double Gold medal and The Whiskey Jug’s rare perfect score of 5/5, while Whisky Advocate has consistently scored Four Gate releases at 90 points or above. At seven-plus years of age and 116.1 proof, this is a barrel-proof bourbon engineered for drinkers who want depth, originality, and the kind of layered oak influence that rewards repeated tasting.