We recently had the pleasure of visiting Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, to film a Flight Spotlight with Kristie Duve, Global American Whiskey Ambassador. Together, we explored the distillery’s four core expressions—each a testament to Rabbit Hole’s dedication to innovation, artistry, and storytelling.
Here’s what we uncovered during the tasting flight:
Mash Bill:
70% Corn
10% Malted Wheat
10% Honey Malted Barley
10% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Spice, honey, and fresh apples
Palate: Creamy flavors of orange, honey, mint, and toasted grain
Finish: Vanilla custard
Flight Takeaway:
Kristie walked us through Cavehill’s soft complexity—its triple malt character creating a uniquely creamy and aromatic profile. It’s approachable yet full of nuance, with honey and mint leaving a lasting impression.
Mash Bill:
70% Corn
25% Malted Rye
5% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Sweet with toasted malt
Palate: Butterscotch and citrus bursts
Finish: Peppery, warming spice
The Backstory:
Heigold is named after a German immigrant stonemason who settled in Louisville in the 1840s and carved his patriotism in stone. The spirit of innovation and craft lives on through this bold, rye-forward bourbon.
Flight Takeaway:
High in flavor and high in rye, this expression was a standout for its contrast of richness and brightness. Kristie praised its versatility and ability to satisfy both rye fans and bourbon purists.
Mash Bill:
95% Rye
5% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Spice, brown sugar, butterscotch
Palate: Citrus, floral notes, and herbaceous character
Finish: Black tea and sweet spice
The Inspiration:
Boxergrail honors Louisville’s boxing legacy and the tenacity of its champions. It’s a whiskey that hits hard, yet with finesse—exactly how Kristie described the tasting experience.
Flight Takeaway:
A beautifully constructed rye, balanced with delicate floral complexity and a peppery finish. This one had us revisiting the glass again and again.
Mash Bill:
65% Corn
25% Wheat
10% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Sherry, caramel, cherry
Palate: Raisins, currants, cherries, almond, and vanilla
Finish: Light with a dry touch
The Love Story:
Named after Rabbit Hole’s founder’s wife, Dareringer is a romantic expression that blends traditional bourbon with the sweetness of Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. Kristie shared the heartfelt story behind its inspiration—making each sip even more meaningful.
Flight Takeaway:
This one’s lush, dessert-like, and absolutely elegant. It brings Old World depth to a modern Kentucky bourbon.
See Kristie Duve lead the full tasting experience inside Rabbit Hole’s stunning Louisville distillery.
Watch the Flight Spotlight
Rabbit Hole’s lineup showcases a contemporary approach to bourbon, rooted in craft and inspired by heritage. With Kristie Duve’s expert guidance, each pour took on deeper meaning—whether honoring Louisville’s boxing legends or celebrating a love story in a sherry cask.
This flight isn’t just about tasting—it’s about experiencing the layers of story, flavor, and innovation in every bottle.