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Located in downtown Louisville, Rabbit Hole Distillery has been carving out its niche in the whiskey world since its inception in 2018. Under the guidance of its founder Kaveh Zamanian, an Iranian immigrant with a love for bourbon sparked by his Kentuckian wife, the distillery has grown in popularity. Zamanian emphasizes a philosophy that combines traditional whiskey-making with a spirit of creativity, which is especially evident in his recent collaboration with actor Jay Ellis.

At the Sundance Film Festival, a meeting between Zamanian and Ellis led to the creation of the Creative Spirits Challenge, an initiative aimed at providing resources for emerging filmmakers by giving them access to cameras. This effort aims to bridge the gap between the worlds of film and whiskey, fostering stories that deserve to be told.

In conjunction with the challenge, they are set to release a limited-edition whiskey this spring, with details yet to be announced. A portion of the proceeds will support aspiring filmmakers, making it a project that promises to have a significant impact.

Before the arrival of this collaborative release, I decided to sample and rank Rabbit Hole’s core whiskey lineup, which consists of four key expressions.

4. Rabbit Hole Cavehill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 47.5%
Average Price: $55

Cavehill is a four-grain bourbon featuring a mash bill of 70% corn, 10% malted wheat, 10% malted barley, and 10% honey malted barley. This offering is known for its light and sweet profile, with floral and botanical notes that appeal to a wide range of palates.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Grain-forward, with hints of black pepper and sugar.
Palate: Corn husk, butterscotch, and green apple flavors shine through, creating a refreshing sip.
Finish: Short-to-medium, enhancing its refreshing character.

Bottom Line: Great for newcomers, it offers enough intrigue for seasoned enthusiasts.

3. Rabbit Hole Heigold Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 47.5%
Average Price: $45

Heigold’s mash bill consists of 70% corn, 25% rye, and 5% malted barley, allowing for added depth and spiciness. Like Cavehill, it’s made in small batches and aged at least three years.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Butterscotch and stewed apples with earthy spices.
Palate: Smoky honey flavors and red apples with a denser mouthfeel.
Finish: Medium-to-long, showcasing baking spices and sweet flavors.

Bottom Line: A more complex expression for those who appreciate nuanced flavors.

2. Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

ABV: 47.5%
Average Price: $55

Boxergrail diverges with its unique rye recipe while retaining the small-batch approach.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Dominated by green apples and spearmint with notable peppery undertones.
Palate: Familiar rye notes with added spice and a robust mouthfeel.
Finish: Textural and complex with offerings of thyme and barrel char.

Bottom Line: This rye whiskey stands out for its edge and complexity.

1. Rabbit Hole Dareringer Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished In PX Sherry Casks

ABV: 46.5%
Average Price: $80

Dareringer features a blend of corn, wheat, and malted barley, finished in sherry casks to enhance its sweetness.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Rich aromas of fruit cake, mulled wine, and dark chocolate.
Palate: The fruit notes transform into red berry preserves with a sweet finish.
Finish: Sweet, with layers of spices and complexity.

Bottom Line: A sophisticated, rewarding experience for those willing to explore deeper flavors.

Final Insights

Despite its relative youth, Rabbit Hole is making waves in the whiskey scene with a lineup that appeals to both newcomers and aficionados alike. The unique characteristics found in each expression showcase how versatile younger whiskeys can be. As Rabbit Hole continues to develop, it solidifies its position as a must-try for those wanting to explore the evolving landscape of American whiskey.

To participate in the Creative Spirits Challenge, aspiring filmmakers can submit a video telling their story for a chance to win a professional camera and mentorship from Jay Ellis. Interested entrants must be 21 or older, with submissions open until March 31, 2025.