RD1 Small Batch Bourbon 750ML

RD1 Small Batch Bourbon 750ML is a 98-proof (49% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey aged a minimum of four years, bottled in a 750ml format. This expression earned a Double Gold medal at the 2023 SIP Awards and a Gold medal at the 2023 Denver International Spirits Competition, establishing it as a serious contender among small-batch Kentucky bourbons.

Quick Facts: ABV: 49% (98 Proof)  |  Origin: Lexington, Kentucky  |  Aged 4+ Years  |  Distillery: RD1 Distillery at The Commons

Production & Heritage

RD1 Distillery operates out of The Commons in Lexington, Kentucky, a brand that has carved out a niche through its exploration of wood-finishing techniques. The Small Batch expression serves as the distillery's foundational bourbon before any experimental wood stave finishing is applied. It is distilled using 100% copper equipment with a traditional sour mash process, built on a mashbill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley. The distillery sources 100% Kentucky corn and draws from local limestone well water — a hallmark of classic Kentucky bourbon production. The whiskey is non-chill filtered, allowing the full weight of its oils and flavor compounds to remain intact in the bottle.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with vanilla wafers and roasted almonds, layered over deeper notes of pipe tobacco and leather. Mandarin orange peel and clove emerge as the bourbon opens up, with faint hints of burnt almond cake rounding out the aromatics.

Taste: On entry, orange and honeyed caramel coat the palate, transitioning into a complex mid-palate of caramel corn, buttered honey biscuits, and baking chocolate. Herbal tea and peppery oak arrive at the peak, supported by rye grain spice and mixed peppercorns that add noticeable earthiness. The 98-proof strength delivers all of this with authority without overwhelming heat.

Finish: The finish runs long and warm, drying out gradually with ginger and cinnamon spice lingering at the edges. Subtle oak tannins and a final whisper of pepper close out each sip cleanly.

How to Drink RD1 Small Batch

At 98 proof and non-chill filtered, this bourbon rewards neat sipping in a Glencairn glass, though a few drops of water open up the sweeter caramel and orange notes without diminishing structure. It also stands up well in cocktails thanks to its bold proof and spicy rye backbone.

• Old Fashioned: The honeyed caramel and orange peel notes integrate naturally with bitters and a sugar cube, producing a rich, balanced build.
• Bourbon Sour: The peppery rye spice cuts through citrus and egg white, adding depth that lighter bourbons can lack.
• Manhattan: The baking chocolate and clove aromatics complement sweet vermouth without being overpowered, making for a well-structured drink.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts exploring Kentucky small-batch distilleries beyond the heritage brands
• Gifting a whiskey drinker who values non-chill filtered, full-proof expressions
• Building a home bar with a versatile bourbon that works neat and in cocktails
• Side-by-side tastings comparing traditional mashbill bourbons at the four-to-six year age range

Frequently Asked Questions

What does RD1 Small Batch taste like? RD1 Small Batch leads with honeyed caramel, orange, and baking chocolate, followed by peppery oak and rye spice that carry through a long, warm, ginger-accented finish. It drinks full-bodied and slightly dry, with more complexity than its age statement might suggest.

How does RD1 Small Batch compare to Basil Hayden? Both are Kentucky straight bourbons with a notable rye presence, but RD1 Small Batch runs significantly hotter at 98 proof versus Basil Hayden's 80 proof. The result is a bolder, more full-bodied pour with deeper caramel and spice intensity compared to Basil Hayden's lighter, more approachable profile.

Is RD1 Small Batch good for sipping neat? Yes — its non-chill filtered production and 98-proof strength deliver rich texture and concentrated flavor that hold up well without dilution. A few drops of water can further unlock its sweeter caramel and citrus notes.

Where is RD1 Small Batch made? RD1 Small Batch is distilled, aged, and bottled entirely in Kentucky by RD1 Distillery, which operates out of The Commons in Lexington. The distillery uses local limestone well water and 100% Kentucky-grown corn.

What foods pair well with RD1 Small Batch? Smoked brisket complements the bourbon's peppery oak and caramel sweetness. Dark chocolate truffles echo the baking chocolate notes on the palate. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the honeyed richness, while pecan pie mirrors the roasted nut and vanilla aromas. Grilled stone fruit, such as peaches, pairs well with the mandarin orange and warm spice elements.

What sizes does RD1 Small Batch come in? RD1 Small Batch Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is RD1 Small Batch worth the price? RD1 Small Batch positions in the mid-range value tier for Kentucky straight bourbons, sitting between everyday mixing bourbons and premium single-barrel releases. Its non-chill filtration, 98-proof strength, and Double Gold medal at the 2023 SIP Awards place it favorably against competitors at a similar price point.

Why RD1 Small Batch?

RD1 Small Batch represents the distillery's core vision before any of its signature wood-finishing experiments come into play — a straightforward Kentucky straight bourbon built on a classic 70/21/9 mashbill and proven through competition results. The Double Gold at the 2023 SIP Awards and an 89-point rating from tastings.com validate what the liquid delivers: concentrated flavor, honest proof, and enough complexity to hold its own against more established labels. Non-chill filtration at 98 proof is not standard at this tier, and that choice pays dividends in mouthfeel and flavor retention. For drinkers who want a Lexington-distilled bourbon that punches above its weight class, this is a bottle that earns repeat pours on merit.