Borough Batch No. 3 is a five-year-old high-rye straight bourbon finished in 50-year-old Armagnac casks by Republic Restoratives of Washington, D.C., and bottled at 88 proof (44% ABV).
Republic Restoratives is a female-owned distillery in Washington, D.C., launched in 2016. Borough is its series of bourbons finished in rare casks sourced from the barrel grey market. Each batch is a limited run of just a few thousand cases, and because of how the casks are procured, once a batch runs out it cannot be replicated.
Batch No. 3 spent five years in American oak before a finish of about eight weeks in half-century-old Armagnac casks. The finish adds dried fruit, worn leather and rich candied nuts, while the rye in the mash bill gives structure to the mid-palate for a balanced, complex whiskey. The nose shows dried figs, fragrant herbs and an earthy back note.
A one-time release, it is a fine gift for collectors.
Bourbon must be made in the United States from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak containers, and straight bourbon must be aged at least two years. Those rules give bourbon its characteristic sweetness, with caramel and vanilla drawn from the charred barrels.
Armagnac, from Gascony in southwest France, is one of the oldest brandies in the world, and casks that held it for decades are prized for their rich, fruity influence.
A high-rye bourbon uses a larger share of rye in the mash, bringing spice and structure that stand up to a rich cask finish.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Dried figs, fragrant herbs and earthiness.
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Palate: Dried fruit, worn leather and candied nuts, with rye structure.
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Cask: 50-year-old Armagnac.
Specifications
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Producer: Republic Restoratives, Washington, D.C.
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Style: Straight bourbon, high rye, Armagnac cask finish
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Age: 5 years
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Finish: About 8 weeks in 50-year-old Armagnac casks
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Proof / ABV: 88 proof (44% ABV)
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Region: USA
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or with a splash of water, or stir it into a Manhattan. It pairs with figs, aged cheese or roasted duck.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it finished in?
50-year-old Armagnac casks.
How old is the bourbon?
Five years.
Can this batch be repeated?
No, each Borough batch is a one-time release.
Explore more in our Bourbon collection.
