Rabbit Hole Kentucky Straight Bourbon

• Region: Louisville, Kentucky, USA 

• Maturation: New charred American oak barrels 

• Style: Bold • Modern • Vibrant

  Scotland whispers; Kentucky speaks up. Rabbit Hole is modern bourbon with something to say.

  The Story

  Rabbit Hole is one of the most exciting stories in new American whiskey: founder Kaveh Zamanian left a career as a clinical psychologist to chase a single obsession — making bourbon his own way in Louisville. The name is literal: he went down the rabbit hole, and the distillery he built in 2018 is as bold as the decision, all glass and steel in the middle of bourbon's spiritual home. Like all Kentucky straight bourbon, it's aged in new charred American oak — the source of that unmistakable vanilla-and-char signature.

  Tasting Notes

  Appearance: A rich copper-gold, glowing like late summer sunsets over Kentucky hills.

  Nose: Opens with sweet caramel and vanilla bean, followed by toasted oak, fresh corn, and a drizzle of honey. Hints of orange peel, spice, and roasted pecans bring both warmth and brightness.

  Palate: Full and rounded. Waves of butterscotch, sweet corn, and dark cherry lead the way. Layers of baking spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove — intertwine with cocoa, charred oak, and a subtle nuttiness. Balanced yet bold, showing both tradition and a modern edge.

  Finish: Long, warming, and slightly smoky. Vanilla, spice, and a touch of dark chocolate linger with gentle oak, leaving a confident impression.

  Verdict

  A bourbon for single malt drinkers who think they don't like bourbon — structured, spiced, and never cloying. Proof that the new generation of Kentucky distillers deserves your attention.

  Perfect serve: Neat or with one large ice cube; it also makes a serious Old Fashioned. Pair with: Grilled meats, pecan pie, dark chocolate with sea salt.

  Why does new charred oak matter so much in bourbon? The answer's in my Whisky Vocabulary guide. Join the Society for a new bottle story every week.