Black Maple Hill Red Label Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 2026 Release

D&M NOTES:
A great long standing name in American Whiskey; this is a completly new souce and palate versus the bottlings of the 2010s that came from Oregon. Now done by Rare Character using undisclosed sources in Kentucky, this small batch release is rich, round and deeply moreish. The nose and palate lead with notes of caramel, toffee, and forest floor, before opening up to introduce orange oil, chestnut, and rich cacao aspects by the finish. The mouthfeel is supple but warming at 47.5% ABV. --DI, D&M and London Market Tasting Notes August 2026

PRODUCER NOTES:

OVERVIEW: “A balanced, approachable bourbon that leans into classic Kentucky character—structured, warm, and easy to return to.”

ABOUT THE DISTILLERY: “Black Maple Hill is back—reintroduced by Rare Character with a renewed focus on quality, authenticity, and a return to its Kentucky roots. Long regarded as one of the most intriguing names in American whiskey, Black Maple Hill built its reputation on exceptional sourced barrels and a distinct profile that stood apart. This next chapter brings the brand back to the place that defined it, with a clear intention: to reconnect with what made it matter in the first place. Black Maple Hill remained a distinctive and influential name in bourbon history. Rare Character’s revival centers on a simple idea: bring Black Maple Hill back to its roots. This relaunch is focused on bringing Black Maple Hill back to its foundation: well-sourced, high-quality Kentucky whiskey.”