The Story
16 years. 47.5% ABV. A premium small batch release from the classic era of Black Maple Hill — one of American whiskey collecting's most prized sourced labels, with barrel selection overseen by Julian Van Winkle III.
Black Maple Hill is a sourced label that produced some of the most celebrated American whiskey releases of the early 2000s. Working through Julian Van Winkle III's selection expertise and the Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD) network in Bardstown, the Black Maple Hill label accessed some of Kentucky's finest aging barrels and released them under its own name. The 16 Year Small Batch is from this foundational production era.
At 16 years and 47.5% ABV, this is a bourbon built for both drinking and collecting — old enough to show genuine complexity from extended maturation, at a proof that allows the full aromatic range to express without the dilution of lower proofs. The small batch format means a handful of carefully selected barrels were mingled rather than a single cask, producing a slightly more consistent and approachable profile than the single barrel releases while maintaining the exceptional quality standard of the Black Maple Hill name.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Rich amber with the depth of 16 years in white oak.
- Nose: Caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak — the classic Kentucky bourbon profile at 16-year maturity.
- Palate: Rich and complex — toffee, dried fruit, warm spice, and the elegant grain character of extended aging.
- Finish: Long and warm — oak and caramel fading through a deeply satisfying close.
Specs
- Label: Black Maple Hill / CVI Brands
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Premium Small Batch
- Age: 16 years
- Proof: 95 (47.5% ABV)
- Size: 750ml
Browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Black Maple Hill? Black Maple Hill is a sourced whiskey label — the brand did not distill its own whiskey but sourced exceptional aged barrels from Kentucky distilleries. Julian Van Winkle III personally oversaw barrel selection for the classic-era releases. The combination of Van Winkle's palate and access to extraordinary vintage stocks made Black Maple Hill one of the most sought-after labels of the early 2000s.
- How does the small batch differ from the single barrel releases? The single barrel expressions (18 Year Cask R70, 21 Year, 23 Year) come from one specific barrel. The small batch draws from several barrels mingled together, producing a more consistent and approachable profile while maintaining the same sourcing quality standard.
- Is classic-era Black Maple Hill still produced? The releases bottled under Julian Van Winkle III's oversight are not being reproduced. Black Maple Hill has gone through ownership changes and the original production era ended with the transition of the CVI Brands program.
- Is the 16 Year Small Batch still available? In limited quantities through specialty retailers with legacy stock.
Description
16 years. 47.5% ABV. A premium small batch release from the classic era of Black Maple Hill — one of American whiskey collecting's most prized sourced labels, with barrel selection overseen by Julian Van Winkle III.
Black Maple Hill is a sourced label that produced some of the most celebrated American whiskey releases of the early 2000s. Working through Julian Van Winkle III's selection expertise and the Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD) network in Bardstown, the Black Maple Hill label accessed some of Kentucky's finest aging barrels and released them under its own name. The 16 Year Small Batch is from this foundational production era.
At 16 years and 47.5% ABV, this is a bourbon built for both drinking and collecting — old enough to show genuine complexity from extended maturation, at a proof that allows the full aromatic range to express without the dilution of lower proofs. The small batch format means a handful of carefully selected barrels were mingled rather than a single cask, producing a slightly more consistent and approachable profile than the single barrel releases while maintaining the exceptional quality standard of the Black Maple Hill name.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Rich amber with the depth of 16 years in white oak.
- Nose: Caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak — the classic Kentucky bourbon profile at 16-year maturity.
- Palate: Rich and complex — toffee, dried fruit, warm spice, and the elegant grain character of extended aging.
- Finish: Long and warm — oak and caramel fading through a deeply satisfying close.
Specs
- Label: Black Maple Hill / CVI Brands
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Premium Small Batch
- Age: 16 years
- Proof: 95 (47.5% ABV)
- Size: 750ml
Browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Black Maple Hill? Black Maple Hill is a sourced whiskey label — the brand did not distill its own whiskey but sourced exceptional aged barrels from Kentucky distilleries. Julian Van Winkle III personally oversaw barrel selection for the classic-era releases. The combination of Van Winkle's palate and access to extraordinary vintage stocks made Black Maple Hill one of the most sought-after labels of the early 2000s.
- How does the small batch differ from the single barrel releases? The single barrel expressions (18 Year Cask R70, 21 Year, 23 Year) come from one specific barrel. The small batch draws from several barrels mingled together, producing a more consistent and approachable profile while maintaining the same sourcing quality standard.
- Is classic-era Black Maple Hill still produced? The releases bottled under Julian Van Winkle III's oversight are not being reproduced. Black Maple Hill has gone through ownership changes and the original production era ended with the transition of the CVI Brands program.
- Is the 16 Year Small Batch still available? In limited quantities through specialty retailers with legacy stock.
