Rare Character Liquor Barn Single Barrel KHR-018 10 Year Bourbon 750ML

Rare Character Liquor Barn Single Barrel KHR-018 10 Year Bourbon 750ML is a 54% ABV (108-proof) Kentucky straight bourbon drawn from a single ten-year-aged barrel. Released by independent bottler Rare Character, this non-chill filtered expression captures the undiluted character of a full decade of Kentucky warehouse maturation in a one-of-a-kind single barrel selection.
Quick Facts: ABV: 54% (108 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Age: 10 Years  |  Bottler: Rare Character (Independent Bottler)
Production & Heritage
Rare Character operates as an independent bottler, sourcing individual barrels from established but undisclosed Kentucky distilleries — a common practice among non-distiller producers in the bourbon world. Barrel KHR-018 spent a full ten years maturing in a new charred American oak barrel, subjected to the dramatic temperature swings of Kentucky’s climate-driven rickhouses. The bourbon was bottled at barrel entry strength of 108 proof without chill filtration, meaning nothing was stripped or diluted between the barrel and the bottle. This approach preserves the natural oils, texture, and depth that develop over a decade of slow extraction from the wood.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Deep caramel and toasted oak lead the way, followed by layers of dried cherry, vanilla bean, and warm baking spice. As the bourbon opens in the glass, a subtle undercurrent of tobacco leaf and dark toffee emerges, adding a contemplative complexity.
Taste: The entry is rich and oak-driven, with dark caramel coating the palate immediately. Stone fruit and baking spice build through the mid-palate, while the 108-proof strength lends serious weight and intensity without crossing into harshness. There is a muscular density here that signals the full decade of barrel contact.
Finish: Long and layered, with dark fruit, seasoned oak, leather, and espresso lingering well after each sip. The non-chill filtered bottling ensures a full-bodied, slightly oily texture that carries those closing notes with conviction.
How to Drink KHR-018
A bourbon of this age and proof rewards patience — pour it neat and let it sit for five to ten minutes before the first sip. A few drops of water open the aromatics further and tame the proof for those who prefer a gentler entry. For cocktails, the 108-proof backbone and dark flavor profile make KHR-018 a formidable choice in an Old Fashioned, where its caramel and oak amplify the classic format. It also excels in a Manhattan, as the dried cherry and baking spice notes complement sweet vermouth naturally. Try it in a Boulevardier, where the bourbon’s weight and toffee richness stand up to Campari’s bitterness without fading.
Best For
Bourbon collectors seeking unrepeatable single barrel expressions
Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values age-stated, barrel-proof releases
Side-by-side tastings comparing independent bottler selections from Kentucky
An after-dinner pour on a cold evening when you want something oak-forward and substantial
Frequently Asked Questions
What does KHR-018 taste like? KHR-018 delivers a rich, oak-driven profile led by dark caramel, stone fruit, and baking spice, with a long finish of leather, espresso, and seasoned wood. The 108-proof bottling provides a full-bodied, intense experience without excessive heat.
How does KHR-018 compare to Barrell Bourbon single barrels? Both Rare Character and Barrell Bourbon operate as independent bottlers sourcing Kentucky bourbon, but KHR-018 carries a defined 10-year age statement at 108 proof, while Barrell’s releases range widely in age and proof. KHR-018 offers a more predictable maturity profile, whereas Barrell’s variety appeals to drinkers who enjoy exploring different age and proof combinations across releases.
Is KHR-018 good for sipping neat? Yes — the combination of a 10-year age statement and non-chill filtered bottling makes KHR-018 an excellent neat-sipping bourbon, especially with a few minutes of rest in the glass or a small addition of water to unlock its full aromatic range.
Where is KHR-018 made? KHR-018 is a Kentucky straight bourbon aged for ten years in Kentucky’s climate-driven warehouses. Rare Character, the independent bottler that selected and released this barrel, does not disclose the specific source distillery — a standard practice in the independent bottling space.
What foods pair well with KHR-018? Dark chocolate truffles highlight the bourbon’s toffee and espresso notes. Smoked brisket or pulled pork complement the deep oak and caramel. Aged cheddar or Gruyère cheese echoes the richness without competing. Pecan pie mirrors the warm baking spice, and dried fruit and nut boards allow the stone fruit character to shine alongside the pour.
What sizes does KHR-018 come in? KHR-018 is available in the standard 750ml bottle, which is the typical format for single barrel bourbon releases of this nature.
Is KHR-018 worth the price? KHR-018 positions as a premium single barrel release, competing in the bracket of age-stated, barrel-proof bourbons from independent bottlers. The 10-year maturation, non-chill filtered approach, and single barrel uniqueness place it firmly in the category of bourbons meant for serious drinkers who value provenance and unrepeatable character over mass-market consistency.
Why KHR-018?
What sets barrel KHR-018 apart is its specificity — this is not a blended product, nor a brand built on consistency. It is one barrel, aged for one full decade in Kentucky, bottled once at its natural 108-proof strength without chill filtration. That means the bourbon in this bottle will never be replicated. For drinkers who appreciate the independent bottler model and the thrill of tasting a barrel exactly as it emerged from the rickhouse, KHR-018 represents a direct, unmediated connection to a single point in Kentucky bourbon aging. The 10-year age statement puts it in a maturity sweet spot that balances deep oak influence with enough residual sweetness and fruit character to remain expressive rather than tannic.