A. Altschuler and Co. 19 Year "Ristretto" Single Barrel Straight Bourbon The Prime Barrel Pick #161

A. Aultschuler & Co continues to knock it out of the park with expertly crafted, ultra-aged barrel-finished bourbon, and this exceptional 19-year-old Kentucky bourbon finished in French oak is no exception. A sister barrel to the highly sought-after 18-year Prime Barrel selection, this release was a standout during the recent Prime Barrel virtual tasting with Woodwork Collective.

This rare double oak bourbon carries a story as rich as its flavor. Originally contract distilled in 2005 by a legacy Kentucky distillery, the whiskey matured for 15 years and 8 months in American oak, developing deep, classic bourbon character before being toted. It was then transferred into a 500-liter French oak barrel, crafted by a renowned German cooperage, where it underwent an additional four years of secondary aging—unlocking a new dimension of complexity and refinement.

Distilled from a traditional mashbill of 78% corn, 13% rye, and 9% malted barley, this cask strength bourbon (114.46 proof) delivers a rich, refined profile. Expect luxurious layers of bruleed caramel, soft vanilla, and stewed cherry on the nose, giving way to spiced cherry pastry, caramelized sugar, black tea, and cacao nib on the palate, and a long finish with lingering baking spices as the sweetness fades into a refined drying oak.  

Over 15 years in American oak have built the foundation.  Four years in French oak changed the conversation.  

The result is a beautifully integrated French oak finished Kentucky bourbon—rich, complex, and unmistakably distinctive. The A. Aultschuler & Co. 19-year double oak bourbon will make a standout addition to any premium bourbon lineup this summer.

Barrel Details:

• Barrel #22-W
• Distilled:  2005 by an undisclosed legacy distillery in Kentucky
• Age:  19 years  (15 years, 8 months in original cask, 4 years in French oak barrel)
• Mashbill: 78% corn, 13% rye, 9% malted barley
• Proof: 114.46 proof

Tasting Notes:

• Nose:  Rich and refined with bruleed caramel and soft vanilla layered with stewed cherry, dried rose petal, and polished French oak
• Palate:  Spiced cherry pastry layered with clove, cinnamon and dark fruit evolving into caramelized sugar, black tea, cocoa nib, and structured oak
• Finish:  Long with lingering baking spice as the sweetness fades into a refined drying oak