Rare Character 9 Year Single Barrel Bourbon MEL-040: An Exclusive Barrel Pick

Selected exclusively as a Grizzly Spirits (Rare Tequilas) barrel pick, Rare Character 9 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon 116.56 Proof (MEL-040) is a cask-strength bourbon with nearly a decade of Kentucky oak influence — available in limited quantity, limit four bottles per person.

The Story Behind This Barrel Pick

MEL-040 isn't a standing release — it's a single barrel selected directly for Rare Tequilas as a private barrel pick, meaning this exact whiskey exists only because our team tasted through candidate barrels and chose this one specifically for its balance of power and complexity. At 9 years and 7 months old, it represents extended Kentucky oak aging bottled at full cask strength, uncut and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes

On the nose: soft brown sugar, light citrus zest, oxidized oak, rickhouse floor, vanilla, butterscotch, and a medley of baking spices. The palate opens buttery, with black pepper, citrus, and vanilla up front; caramel, oak, and nutmeg follow through the middle, rounding out with dried cherry, honey, black tea, and butterscotch. The finish is medium length, layering caramel, oak, and vanilla with citrus, black tea, and more oak. Mashbill is 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley, bottled at 58.28% ABV (116.56 proof).

How to Enjoy It

At this proof, a few drops of water or a single ice cube can open up the aromatics without losing the barrel's character. Neat in a proper glass is the classic approach for a cask-strength single barrel like this — give it time to breathe and the citrus and dried fruit notes become more pronounced.

Why This Bottle Is Rare and Collectible

This is a genuine single barrel private selection, not a widely distributed release — once this barrel is gone, this exact bourbon won't exist again. Combined with the four-bottle-per-person limit, MEL-040 is built for bourbon collectors who specifically seek out barrel picks rather than standard shelf releases.

A Standout Gift for Bourbon Enthusiasts

For a bourbon lover who already owns the usual big-name bottles, a private barrel pick like MEL-040 offers something they can't get elsewhere — a distinctive story and a genuinely limited pour to share.

FAQ

What does the MEL-040 code mean?
It's the barrel code and name identifying this specific single barrel selection.

How old is this bourbon?
9 years and 7 months.

Rare Character 9 Year Single Barrel Bourbon MEL-040 is available now at Rare Tequilas — view the product page to check current stock.