2025 Mt. Brave Cabernet Cask Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon

rye • dark vanilla • roasted peaches

Mt. Brave Whiskey was born from two of Chris Carpenter’s greatest passions: whiskey and wine. Blending both requires similar sensibilities to achieve a balance of aromatics, flavors, and textures. Finished in vintage Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, our bourbon captures a specific moment in time from Mount Veeder—be it the way the air flowed over the rocky terrain, the sun shone above the fog line, or how the night blanketed the steep slopes in warmth.

The 2025 Mt. Brave Whiskey is a blend of an 11-year, high-rye bourbon with a 5-year, high-wheat bourbon, resulting in a four-grain mash bill with a bold fusion of aromas, flavors, and textures. Finished and bottled at cask strength in Bardstown, Kentucky, Mt. Brave offers a spirit of adventure 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 its Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the volcanic soils of Mount Veeder. The Cabernet Cask Finished Bourbon is a unique collaboration that takes Kentucky Straight Bourbon and finishes it in former Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from Napa Valley. This creates a crossover spirit that carries both bourbon character and the rich fruit influence of world-class Cabernet.

How is this Bourbon made? This starts as a traditional Kentucky Straight Bourbon, distilled and aged in new charred American oak barrels as required by law. After the primary aging period, the bourbon is transferred into Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon casks from Napa Valley for additional finishing. The wine-soaked barrels impart notes of dark fruit, spice, and a hint of tannic structure that make this expression distinctively different.

What does the Mt. Brave Cabernet Cask Finished Bourbon taste like? Expect a complex and layered bourbon with the classic vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak of Kentucky whiskey combined with dark fruit notes of blackberry and cassis, a hint of dried herbs, and a long, warming finish with subtle wine-like tannins. It bridges the worlds of bourbon and Napa Cabernet in a compelling way.

What is the alcohol content? Check the label on your specific bottle for the exact ABV. Cask-finished bourbons of this type are often bottled between 45% and 52% ABV.

How does this differ from regular bourbon? Standard bourbon is aged exclusively in new charred American oak. The Cabernet cask finishing step adds a second layer of flavor from the red wine residue in the previous barrel, adding fruit, spice, and a subtle tannic grip. This finishing process is inspired by Scotch whisky's common use of sherry and 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 unique and sophisticated gift for bourbon fans, wine lovers, or anyone who appreciates a spirit with real craftsmanship behind it.

Is this a good gift? The Mt. Brave Cabernet Cask Finished Bourbon is a standout gift for people who love both wine and whiskey. The Napa Valley provenance and creative cask finishing make for a compelling story, and a personalized bottle elevates it further for special occasions.

How should I serve this Bourbon? Serve neat or over a single large ice cube to appreciate the complexity. The Cabernet cask influence pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, grilled steak, aged hard cheeses, or dried fruit and nuts. Try it in a Manhattan where the wine notes can really shine alongside sweet vermouth.

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