Rare Character Black Maple Hill 2026 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Rare Character Black Maple Hill 2026 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Rare Character Black Maple Hill 2026 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is a limited-release Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV) in a 700mL bottle. The 2026 release revives the Black Maple Hill name under Rare Character, offering a classic, approachable bourbon profile designed for sipping.
Tasting profile:
- Nose: Vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and subtle sweetness.
- Palate: Smooth caramel and vanilla balanced by toasted oak and gentle baking spice.
- Finish: Medium-length, warm, with lingering vanilla, oak, and spice.
At 95 proof, it offers enough intensity to showcase the bourbon's character while remaining approachable neat, over a large cube, or in a classic Old Fashioned. The 2026 Small Batch release is distinct from the 11-Year Black Maple Hill expression, which is also offered in a 700mL format.
Tasting Notes
Shipping
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
Manufacturing
Our products are manufactured both locally and globally. We carefully select our manufacturing partners to ensure our products are high quality and a fair value.
Why Gifted Pour recommends it
Some gifts carry a story as well as a pour, and this one does: the 2026 release brings the Black Maple Hill name back under Rare Character as a limited-release Kentucky straight bourbon. It suits the bourbon drinker who values a classic profile done with care, which makes it a thoughtful pick for a promotion, a milestone birthday, or Father's Day. Expect rich vanilla and caramel on the nose, with toasted oak and warm baking spice. The palate is smooth and full-bodied, with sweet caramel, vanilla, oak, and a subtle thread of cinnamon. The finish stays warm and lingering, with oak, vanilla, and gentle spice. At 95 proof it has enough intensity to show its character while staying approachable. The recipient can enjoy it neat, over a large cube, or stirred into an Old Fashioned that leans into its caramel and spice. Balanced rather than showy, it is the kind of bottle that gets opened for a good conversation and remembered afterward.
Pairs well with
- Pecan pie — The bourbon's sweet caramel and vanilla echo the pie's toasty, sugary filling, while the baking spice keeps each bite lively.
- Smoked brisket — Toasted oak and gentle spice on the finish stand up to the smoky bark, and the caramel sweetness rounds out the richness.
- Father's Day gift — Its balanced, classic bourbon character of caramel, oak, and cinnamon suits a dad who appreciates a traditional pour, neat or in an Old Fashioned.
Questions about this bottle
How is the 2026 Small Batch different from the 11-Year Black Maple Hill?
The 2026 Small Batch release is presented as distinct from the 11-Year Black Maple Hill expression, though both come in a 700mL bottle. This bottling offers a classic, approachable bourbon profile designed for sipping, built around vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and baking spice.
What does this bourbon taste like?
The nose shows rich vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and hints of warm baking spice. The palate is smooth and full-bodied, with sweet caramel, vanilla, oak, and subtle cinnamon. The finish is warm and lingering, with toasted oak, vanilla, and gentle spice.
What is it made from?
It is a Kentucky straight bourbon made from a corn-dominant mash bill. That corn-forward base fits its sweet, approachable character, with caramel and vanilla leading and toasted oak and spice adding balance.
How strong is it, and how should I drink it?
It is bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV) in a 700mL bottle. Sip it neat to appreciate the vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice, or serve it over a large ice cube to mellow the proof. It also works in an Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Sour.
