Black Maple Hill 16 Year is the return of one of the great cult names in American whiskey. In the early 2000s, its age-stated small batch bourbons became legendary among collectors, and the 16 Year was the most prized of them all. Now relaunched with aged Kentucky stocks, it brings that name back to the shelf at 95 proof.
Black Maple Hill was launched in 2000 by CVI Brands, a California company that did not distill its own whiskey. Instead, it hired Julian Van Winkle III to seek out and select exceptional barrels of Kentucky bourbon, and the resulting bottlings earned a devoted following. By the late 2000s the age statements had disappeared, and later releases drew on whiskey from other sources, leaving the original age-stated bottles as auction-house collectibles.
The 2026 relaunch, stewarded by Rare Character Whiskey Co., sets out to recreate the brand's original flavor profile. The new lineup comprises a standard release, an 11 Year and this 16 Year, all Kentucky Straight Bourbons bottled at 95 proof. For the 16 Year, the Rare Character team sourced aged Kentucky bourbon that matured for 16 years in American white oak barrels, and the whiskey is bottled in Lexington, Kentucky by Black Maple Hill Distilling Co. The label keeps the classic tree illustration that collectors recognize instantly.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Deep caramel and toasted oak, with dark cherry and baking spice from long barrel aging.
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Palate: Rich and full, with vanilla, brown sugar and leather over seasoned oak.
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Finish: Long and warm, with lingering oak and sweet spice.
Specifications
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Producer: Black Maple Hill Distilling Co. (Rare Character Whiskey Co.)
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Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Premium Small Batch
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Age: 16 years
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Proof / ABV: 95 proof (47.5% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: American white oak barrels
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Region: Kentucky, United States
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Size: 700ml
How to Enjoy It
At 95 proof, the 16 Year is approachable neat and opens nicely with a few drops of water. It also makes an exceptional Old Fashioned for anyone who wants to taste a long-aged bourbon in a classic cocktail. A medium-bodied cigar is a natural partner, and for bourbon collectors who remember the original bottles, it is a meaningful gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Black Maple Hill bourbon now?
Black Maple Hill was relaunched in 2026 under Rare Character Whiskey Co. and is bottled in Lexington, Kentucky by Black Maple Hill Distilling Co.
What proof is Black Maple Hill 16 Year?
It is bottled at 95 proof, or 47.5% ABV.
Who selected the original Black Maple Hill barrels?
CVI Brands hired Julian Van Winkle III to select the barrels for the original Black Maple Hill bottlings.
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