RD1 Spirits, aka RD One, has had an Amburana wood-finished whiskey on tap for awhile, and recently it launched a follow-up in the form of its first limited release. Not only is this expression also finished in Brazilian Amburana, it also carries a 10 year old age statement and is bottled at cask strength. 900 cases are available in the U.S.

The new expression is a bit different from the older Amburana release, so here’s some detail for you:

The Straight Bourbon – crafted by a legacy Kentucky distillery – aged for 10 years in traditional American oak barrels before honeycomb-drilled Brazilian Amburana wood staves were added to the barrels. RD1 has another Amburana-finished Straight Bourbon – aged four years, bottled at 110 proof with a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye and 9% malted barley – which was recently named the top cask-finished whiskey in the 2024 International Whisky Competition. The new Limited Release Bourbon features a different mashbill – 78% corn, 13% rye and 9% malted barley – resulting in a completely different tasting experience.

“RD1 fans are explorers; it’s our job to answer their call for what’s next, and I believe we’ve exceeded expectations on this allocated Bourbon,” said Mike Tetterton, chief executive officer of RD1 Spirits. “Our four-year-old Amburana is a best seller and is known for its nostalgic holiday tasting notes. In this Limited Release, the oak and leather from this decade-old Bourbon are beautifully softened by dynamic yet delicate hints of Amburana wood character. It pairs beautifully with an exquisite cigar.”

Ready to give it a try?

RD1 Brazilian Amburana Wood Bourbon Cask Strength 10 Years Old Review

The polarizing impact of Amburana has been discussed in great depth already, so we needn’t rehash that here. If you’re a fan of the stuff, you’ll find this a stellar example of the finishing style: richly fruity on the nose with aromas of Fig Newtons, honey, and loads of baking spice — heavy cinnamon and nutmeg, with ginger underneath. Baked apple aromas emerge soon enough, making for a natural companion to all of the above, a drenching of caramel evoking the scent of a weighty apple pie.

The palate does not rock the boat, with all that spice leading the charge to a heavily fruity quality that leans into dried fruits — raisins, prunes, and especially figs. Again, well-baked (or stewed) apple notes are prominent, laced with plenty more caramel. The gingerbread elements are more vivid here as the whiskey tips over the midpalate, at which point more oaky tannins manage to get a grip on the back of the throat. Hints of chestnut and peanut shell give the finish a savory edge, though it’s the high alcohol content that seals the envelope. A few drops of water are effective at taming the beast just so — but don’t overdo it: This whiskey flirts with greatness straight from the bottle.

117.78 proof.

A- / $299 / rd1spirits.com

RD1 Brazilian Amburana Wood Bourbon Cask Strength 10 Years Old

$299

9

Rating

9.0/10

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