Alright, if you’re looking for something with a little more kick, Rare Character Presents Single Barrel Series—Barrel No. HR7-350—might just be your new favorite pour. Bottled at 120.36 proof, this bourbon isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s got some serious depth and complexity that makes the heat totally worth it. With a mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% barley, you’re getting that perfect balance of sweetness and spice. But this bottle isn’t just any bottle—it’s part of a unique experience. I had the privilege of picking it up at an unforgettable event at Grand Cathedral Cigars. Let’s dive into why this bottle deserves a spot in your collection.

An Unforgettable Experience at Grand Cathedral Cigars

This bottle was more than just a bourbon pick; it was part of an exclusive event hosted at Grand Cathedral Cigars—an unforgettable evening of luxury and great company. The night featured the perfect pairing of cigars from Arturo Fuente and the exceptional Rare Character Whiskey lineup. Along with enjoying a 3-course dinner and live Spanish guitar music, we had the chance to meet Carlito Fuente, the President of Arturo Fuente Cigars—cigar royalty, truly! It was a VIP experience and an evening that made this particular bottle feel even more special.

The “Grand” Review

Nose

The first thing that hits you is a deep, rich dark cherry vibe that feels almost syrupy, but in the best way. It’s paired with brown sugar and caramel, which gives it that dessert-like sweetness that we all know and love. Then the rye spice comes through, giving it that unmistakable warmth. I’m also getting raisins and some dried dark fruit™ (yes, I’m putting that ™ because it’s got its own unique vibe), along with a hint of malted chocolate. If you’ve ever had Banana Foster, you’ll catch a whiff of that too—caramelized bananas, vanilla bean, and just a touch of cinnamon. This nose has layers upon layers, so you’re definitely going to want to take your time with it.

Palate

On the palate, this really kicks off with tobacco and dark cherry upfront. The tobacco note is a bit surprising but in a good way, giving it a rustic, earthy feel. As it opens up, you get smooth leather, caramelized sugar, and a buttery richness that just coats your mouth. There’s a subtle shortbread cookie dough flavor that adds some delicious doughy sweetness. Chocolate—both dark and milk—makes an appearance, followed by a little cardamom spice that adds a nice complexity to the sweetness. This one is seriously full-bodied, and each sip feels like it reveals something new.

Finish

The finish is where things take a turn. It’s doughy, like the remnants of that buttery shortbread cookie dough. You also get a decent punch of spice—cinnamon is the dominant note here, but there’s also a lingering dark chocolate that gives it a bittersweet edge. The finish is on the shorter side, but it leaves behind a warm, spicy sensation that makes you want to go back for another pour. That lingering cinnamon just makes you think, “Yeah, I need another sip.”

Ratings:

  • Dylan: 7.9
  • Scott: 8.0
  • Michele: 9.1