Rabbit Hole Founder’s Collection Cask Strength Boxergrail 8 Year Rye (2nd Release)
Specs
ABV: 51.9%
Age: 8 Years
Recipe: 95% rye & 5% malted barely, matured in a level 3 char oak barrel
Distiller: New Riff (Contract distilled for Rabbit Hole)
Country/Region: USA/Kentucky
Price Paid (MSRP): $285 ($300)
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Rich and inviting, bursting with notes of vanilla extract, black cherry, dark chocolate, and toasted oak, complemented by allspice, clove, anise, and a refreshing touch of menthol. It’s one of the most captivating noses I’ve experienced recently—deep, aromatic, and complex.
Palate:
The mouthfeel is thick and luxurious, delivering a rich blend of – what reads to me as – Dove chocolate-coated vanilla ice cream sticks, brown sugar, oak, and cinnamon spice. A touch of apple and more cherry adds some fruitiness. This is dangerously easy to drink—the lower cask strength makes it really approachable, without losing any depth of flavor.
Finish:
The finish is long and indulgent, with lingering vanilla sweetness, zesty orange peel, and a hint of licorice and mint. The oak shows through with mild tannins, leaving a pleasantly drying finish of cocoa powder.
Rating: 90/100 – Incredible | An all-time favorite
Summary:
This is outstanding whiskey. While I thoroughly enjoyed the previous release, this 8-year-old expression takes things up a notch. It’s a true dessert whiskey, with decadent chocolate notes and a smooth, easy-drinking profile that makes it perfect for cozy holiday sipping. That rich, dessert-like character is beautifully balanced by a solid oak backbone and just the right level of spice. The persistent anise and licorice flavors that I noted with the previous release have faded into the background without being lost completely.
My one gripe with this bottle is the price — and it’s a significant one. In going from 6 to 8 years, Rabbit Hole chose to raise an already high ask by $100 to a staggering $300 MSRP. That’s a lot to ask for an 8 year rye whiskey. And while I feel that the whiskey itself is truly exceptional, it’s hard to recommend to anyone at this price point without having the chance to try it beforehand. If you’re a Rabbit Hole fan who has enjoyed previous Founders Collection releases or just a lover of indulgent rye whiskies then this may just be worth the splurge. Otherwise approach with caution and, if possible, try before you buy.
