Blended Whiskey, 'Warlander - Benchetler'

• Limited edition blend of Kentucky straight rye and bourbon whiskeys produced by High N’ Wicked in Frankfort, Kentucky
• The third release from a collaboration between Altamar Brands and professional skier and artist Chris Benchetler; the label features Benchetler’s painting Warlander
• Rye whiskeys distilled by New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky; bourbon is distilled at a non-disclosed distillery
• 50% of the blend is 4-year-old Kentucky straight rye sour mash whiskey composed of 91% rye and 9% malted barley
• 33% of the blend is 3-year-old Kentucky straight rye sour mash whiskey composed of 91% rye and 9% malted barley
• 17% of the blend is 4-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon sweet mash whiskey composed of 51% corn, 39% rye, and 10% malted barley
• Rye is distilled in a Vendome copper column still and copper continuous doubler; bourbon is distilled in a Vendome copper column still and doubler
• Rye and bourbon are aged in seasoned and toasted char #4 new American white oak barrels
• After marrying, the vatting is re-barreled in a combination of its original ex-bourbon and ex-rye casks and allowed to rest for just over two months while being slowly proofed down
• Approximately 6000 bottles produced
• Rich, enticing, and confectionary on the nose, opening with a puff of Dubble Bubble gum followed by wet barrel grain, tangerine, and crème brûlée, plus dill and roasted corn. The palate expands on these themes, offering dark brown sugar, fresh apple slices, and grilled peaches, reinforced by citrus oil, leather, and persistent baking spice. The finish is ample, ending with black cherry, peppercorn, cocoa, and a lush impression of barrel.
• Non-chill filtered; 49.5% ABV

High N’ Wicked’s core bourbon and rye expressions are re-purposed and re-packaged to stunning effect in this dynamic collaboration between Altamar Brands and artist, filmmaker, and professional extreme skier (and kindred spirit!) Chris Benchetler. Deriving the proportions and the proof in the blend through blind tastings with bartenders, distillers, and other spirits professionals, the High N’ Wicked production team sought to produce a spirit that would simultaneously transform and elevate whiskey-making tradition. Much like the charging Warlander horse of the label (a cross between Friesian and registered purebred Iberian horses), this whiskey is a vibrant sum of two noble bases, one that transcends category through bold creativity.