Founders and Background
Rare Character Whiskey was founded in 2021 by Pablo Moix and Peter Nevenglosky. Moix brings expertise from his extensive experience in distilled spirits, while Nevenglosky is the CEO of Drifter Spirits, overseeing brands like Avuá Cachaça and Paladar Tequila. Their combined efforts have established Rare Character as a distinctive player in the whiskey market, known for its unique, limited-release selections.
Rare Character is recognized for its exceptional limited-edition American whiskeys, particularly bourbons and ryes. The brand excels in sourcing rare expressions, ensuring that each bottle is crafted with attention to detail and quality. This focus on exclusivity appeals to both collectors and whiskey enthusiasts
Understanding Barrel Codes
Rare Character’s whiskeys feature distinct barrel codes that provide insights into their production. Here’s a breakdown of their bourbon and rye whiskey codes:
Bourbon Codes:
- K13: Kentucky bourbon, 78% corn / 13% rye / 9% experimental yeast
- K21: Kentucky bourbon, 70% corn / 21% rye / 9% same yeast as K13
- RIO: Indiana bourbon, 21% rye, Kelvin char 4, aged in Kentucky (MGP distillate, stored at Castle & Key)
- KEL: Indiana bourbon,75% corn / 21% rye / 4%, aged in Indiana
- HRY: Indiana rye, 60% corn / 36% rye / 4% aged in Indiana and Kentucky
- NIO: Indiana bourbon, 75% corn / 21% rye / 4% aged in Indiana and Kentucky
- KOA: Kentucky bourbon, 75% corn / 21% rye / 4% aged in Bardstown
- GLN: Kentucky bourbon, 75% corn / 21% rye / 4% aged in Owensboro
- VEN: Kentucky bourbon, 75% corn / 21% rye / 4% aged in Shelbyville
- WTN: Wheat Tennessee distilled and aged bourbon
- PSB: Pot distilled and aged Tennessee bourbon
Rye Whiskey Codes:
- TKO: Tennessee rye, aged in Kentucky, 70% rye / 25% corn / 5% malt, experimental
- KRY: Kentucky Rye, 95% rye / 5% Distilled and aged in Kentucky - Produced by a bourbon hall of fame distiller. Very different flavor profile than a typical 95/5 - lots of beautiful floral qualities
- SRY: Indiana rye, 51% rye / 45% corn / 4% malt, aged in Kentucky
- P90: Tennessee distilled and aged rye, 90% rye / 10% malt
- AMB: Amburana Finished Ryes.
The 2xx and 3xx codes indicate the production year, with the transition to the 3xx series occurring when the whiskey reaches 8 years of age.
Special Releases: Fortuna, Brook Hill, Exceptional Series, and Limited Release Batches
Rare Character offers several special releases that highlight their commitment to quality:
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Fortuna Bourbon: Managed by Andrew Shapira of Heaven Hill fame, this brand seeks to revive historical labels while maintaining a strong focus on quality. The Fortuna Barrel Proof is a notable release, blended by Chad Watson (@MyDailyBourbon) and features a minimum of 7-year-old Kentucky bourbons, bottled at cask strength. The goal is to use a minimum 8yr base product now that 8 summers is finally in the wild.
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Brook Hill: This collection showcases select barrels considered the best of the best. It includes various distilleries, ages, and proofs, representing Rare Character’s dedication to craftsmanship.
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Exceptional Series: Originally celebrated for its malt whiskey, this series is expanding to include more Kentucky bourbon and West Virginia wheat bourbon, reflecting the brand’s exploration of diverse flavor profiles.
- Limited Release Batches - Four Grain Mashbill (rations are not disclosed) blend of 5.5-15 year old barrels. This is where the brand can experiment with stuff and make cost friendly batches.
The Pride of Anderson County
Rare Character is also involved in producing The Pride of Anderson County, a collaboration with Rare Bird 101, founded by David Jennings. This limited-edition collection features a 13-year-old bourbon and a 9-year-old rye, crafted with care and showcasing the exceptional qualities of whiskey from this storied region.
