Wathen's H&F Single Barrel Bourbon · 750 ml

Our first H&F Single Barrel pick of 2024! And what better to launch with than one of Kentucky’s most historic houses of bourbon. The Medley family was making Kentucky bourbon more than a century before Prohibition, and they remain at the helm of one of the last independent, family-owned bourbon brands in the land. Though the Wathen-Medley family now contracts out all of their distilling (it’s anyone’s best guess to whom, but those in the know say Heaven Hill), their signature low-rye mash bill remains unchanged through the generations. Charles and Sam Medley, the 7th and 8th generations, respectively, oversee every step of the process, from sourcing the grain to distillation and aging.

The Wathen’s Barrel Proof label is a limited-edition release for the serious bourbon enthusiasts. Named for R. Wathen Medley, son of the famed Thomas Medley and generally accepted architect of the single barrel bourbon concept, this bottle pays tribute to history in the best way. Made up of 77% corn, 10% rye and 13% malted barley, our single barrel pick was aged in barrels with a #3 char for 7 years and bottled just shy of 120 Proof.

At first pour, aromas of salted peanuts, fresh lemon zest and confit citrus waft out the of the glass. Orchard fruit notes like Barlett pear skins and Pink Lady apple play in the background on an undercurrent of that green and grassy herbal note for which Wathen’s is known. The peanut carries through onto the palate, alongside dark chocolate, graham cracker and butterscotch candy, with a touch of orange oil. Big green rye spice hits on the sides of the mouth with a lingering finish. Add water to bring out the sweet orange notes upfront and open up those rye characteristics.

ABV: 59.65%