2025 Mt. Brave Cabernet Cask Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon

rye • dark vanilla • roasted peaches

Mt. Brave Whiskey comes from two of Chris Carpenter's biggest passions, whiskey and wine. Blending the two calls for a similar sense of balance across aromatics, flavor, and texture. Finished in vintage Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, this bourbon carries a real sense of place from Mount Veeder, from the way the air moves over the rocky terrain to the sun above the fog line and the warmth that settles over the steep slopes at night.

The 2025 Mt. Brave Whiskey blends an 11 year, high rye bourbon with a 5 year, high wheat bourbon, landing on a four grain mash bill with a bold mix of aromas, flavors, and textures. It's finished and bottled at cask strength in Bardstown, Kentucky, with plenty of character in every sip.

Nose: Lemon, Honey, Cinnamon, Toffee, Toast

Palate: Dark Rye Bread, Cedar, Roasted Peaches with Dark Vanilla Sprinkled on Top

Serve: Neat or with a Large Ice Cube

2025 Mt. Brave Cabernet Cask Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon FAQs

What is the Mt. Brave Cabernet Cask Finished Bourbon? Mt. Brave is a Napa Valley winery known for Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the volcanic soils of Mount Veeder. This bourbon takes Kentucky Straight Bourbon and finishes it in former Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from Napa Valley, blending bourbon character with the rich fruit of a world class Cabernet.

How is this bourbon made? It starts as a traditional Kentucky Straight Bourbon, distilled and aged in new charred American oak barrels as required by law. After that primary aging, the bourbon moves into Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon casks from Napa Valley for extra finishing. Those wine soaked barrels bring dark fruit, spice, and a hint of tannic structure that set this bourbon apart.

What does the Mt. Brave Cabernet Cask Finished Bourbon taste like? It's complex and layered, with classic Kentucky whiskey notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak alongside dark fruit like blackberry and cassis, a touch of dried herbs, and a long, warming finish with subtle wine like tannins. It bridges bourbon and Napa Cabernet in a way that actually works.

What is the alcohol content? Check the label on your bottle for the exact ABV. Cask finished bourbons like this one are usually bottled between 45% and 52% ABV.

How does this differ from regular bourbon? Standard bourbon ages only in new charred American oak. The Cabernet cask finish adds a second layer of flavor from the red wine left in the barrel, bringing fruit, spice, and a light tannic grip. It's a similar idea to how Scotch whisky is often finished in sherry or port casks.

Can I personalize a bottle of Mt. Brave Bourbon? Yes. Personal Wine offers custom engraving and personalized labels on Mt. Brave Bourbon bottles, making it a distinctive gift for bourbon fans, wine lovers, or anyone who appreciates real craftsmanship.

Is this a good gift? It's a standout choice for anyone who loves both wine and whiskey. The Napa Valley background and creative cask finishing make for a great story, and personalizing the bottle makes it even more special for a big occasion.

How should I serve this bourbon? Serve it neat or over a single large ice cube to really taste the complexity. The Cabernet cask influence pairs well with dark chocolate, grilled steak, aged hard cheeses, or dried fruit and nuts. It also works nicely in a Manhattan, where the wine notes stand out alongside sweet vermouth.

Where does Personal Wine ship Mt. Brave Bourbon? Personal Wine ships this bourbon to most states across the U.S. Liquor cannot be shipped to Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Mississippi, Texas, or Utah due to state regulations.