Maryland - This Bottled in Bond bourbon started its life from corn we planted in March, 2018 and harvested that October. The mash bill for this barrel included 650 lbs. of that corn and 180 lbs. of rye (78% corn – 22% rye). That's a pretty hefty rye percentage in the mash bill, but we like the way the rye’s spiciness complements the corn's sweetness. While we generally shoot for a barrel entry proof of abound 112-115, this barrel was specifically selected to be bottled at 100 proof since the spirit entered the barrel at only 105 proof. We filled the barrel with 53 gallons, but the "angel" definitely enjoyed her share. We harvested only 38 gallons after over 5 years of aging. While bourbon aged in tall rick houses in dryer climates generally increases in alcohol concentration, the opposite occurs here in Maryland when you’re close to the Chesapeake Bay. The average humidity in Southern Maryland generally exceeds the water percentage in the barrel's bourbon and the result is osmotic pressure that favors the transfer of water into the barrel, not out. This bourbon left the barrel at 103.8 proof so we only needed to add less than a gallon of our ancient aquifer water to reach the 100 proof bottled in bond requirement. Try a sample neat first and you'll be in for a treat. The notes of dried cherry, oak, and caramel sweetness are all amplified by the slightly higher alcohol percentage. Even the spicy rye finish is more noticeable. Enjoy!