Broken Barrel California Oak is a Kentucky straight bourbon finished with an Oak Bill of 80% Central Coast Cabernet barrel staves and 20% French oak staves, bottled at 88 proof (44% ABV).
Two worlds collide in this bottle. Born in Northern California and raised in Southern California, founder Seth has California running through his blood; enamored with Kentucky and loyal to home, he combined his two favorite states into one award-winning whiskey. Broken Barrel Whiskey Co. was built on a simple conviction: barrels influence roughly 80% of the final flavor of a whiskey. Its trademarked "Oak Bill" process breaks barrel staves and steeps them in the whiskey to finish it, and each bottle lists its Oak Bill on the label as prominently as a mash bill.
California Oak is distilled in Owensboro, Kentucky, and aged a minimum of two years before finishing. The Cabernet staves come from freshly dumped Central Coast wine barrels and bleed sweet dark fruit flavors into the bourbon, while the charred virgin French oak adds a character commonly found in the wine itself and rounds those fruit notes.
The result is marshmallow forward with a cherry center and an oak-heavy finish that lingers while remaining balanced and approachable. Expect bright red fruit and vanilla cream on the nose, a caramel body with cherry, persimmon and cranberry, and a finish of toasted oak and gentle tannins. It is a Gold Medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
A wine drinker at a bourbon bar might find it a perfect bridge between the two. Sip it neat or on a large cube, or use it in a Manhattan where the Cabernet fruit can shine.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Red fruit, cherry, vanilla cream, marshmallow.
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Palate: Caramel, cherry, persimmon, cranberry.
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Finish: Toasted oak, gentle tannins, lingering.
Specifications
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Brand: Broken Barrel Whiskey Co.
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Origin: Distilled in Owensboro, Kentucky
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Style: Kentucky straight bourbon, stave finished
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Oak Bill: 80% Central Coast Cabernet staves, 20% French oak staves
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Proof / ABV: 88 proof (44% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or on a large cube, or stir a Manhattan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Oak Bill?
80% Central Coast Cabernet barrel staves and 20% French oak staves.
Where is it distilled?
In Owensboro, Kentucky.
What does it taste like?
Marshmallow, cherry and caramel with a toasted oak finish.
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