Very Olde St. Nick Super Freak 11 Years Old Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey The Prime Barrel Pick #165

A group of Prime Barrel members traveled to Bardstown, Kentucky, with expectations set high, knowing we were about to experience something unforgettable at Preservation Distillery - the opportunity to select a barrel of Very Olde St. Nick.  What we found exceeded even those expectations.  This Very Olde St. Nick Superfreak selection rose above three other blends —  an unforgettable bourbon that now makes its way to you.

Established in 1986 as an ultra-aged bourbon exported mainly to Japan, Very Olde St. Nick built its reputation as one of the most mysterious and coveted names in bourbon. Known for quirky releases, exceptional single barrels and ultra-small batches—often no more than two or three barrels—it defined rarity long before the modern era of allocated whiskey.  Years before Pappy Van Winkle reached cult status and before the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection existed, Very Olde St. Nick was already setting the standard for ultra-premium, hard-to-find Kentucky bourbon.

Superfreak is built for the seasoned palate — a bourbon that leans unapologetically into age, oak and intensity while maintaining the structure and balance to keep you coming back for another pour.  This Prime Barrel selection is cask strength at 114.2 proof and was crafted from a rare blend of:

• Two 11-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon barrels featuring low barrel entry proof from undisclosed distilleries
• One 18-year-old Kentucky bourbon from a Shively distillery that closed in the early 1990s

The 18-year-old bourbon serves as the foundation for the blend and anchors the entire experience, delivering a deeply mature, layered profile that defines this Superfreak release.  While exact ratios remain undisclosed, the influence is unmistakable, with notes of big oak, dark caramelized sugar, rich Madagascar vanilla, bourbon-soaked dried cherries, leather, and tobacco.  

This Superfreak selection is a testament to the legendary barrel inventory curated by Very Olde St. Nick founder Marci Palatella and the blending expertise of Preservation Distillery Master of Maturation Kyle Lloyd.  It’s a deliberate, layered expression of mature Kentucky bourbon crafted to deliver the depth of an 18-year profile with the balance to match.  This isn’t just a bottle—it’s a statement pour.

Barrel Details:

• Barrel: #9163
• Distilled:  By undisclosed legacy Kentucky distilleries
• Age:  11+ years - undisclosed ratio of two 11-year-old barrels and an 18-year-old barrel
• Mashbill:  undisclosed
• Proof: 114.2 proof

Tasting Notes:

• Nose:  Deep mature oak, rich Madagascar vanilla, bruleed sugar, aged cherry preserve, leather, and tobacco
• Palate:  Dark caramelized sugar, Madagascar vanilla, bourbon-soaked dried cherry layered with mature oak and baking spice
• Finish:  Long with tobacco, worn leather, black tea, barrel-aged vanilla, and lingering oak spice