The Story
Boone County 12 Year 114.26 Proof Bluegrass Hospitality Group Barrel BO513 is a private single barrel selection from one of Kentucky's most historically rooted distilleries. Originally established in 1833 — once the largest distillery in the state — Boone County Distilling Co. was revived in 2015 in Independence, KY under the motto "Made by Ghosts." Barrel BO513 was hand-selected by Bluegrass Hospitality Group through Boone County's single barrel program, bottled at cask strength 114.26 proof without dilution or chill filtration.
The spirit is MGP-sourced from Lawrenceburg, Indiana (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley), aged 12 years and finished under Boone County's program. MGP's high-rye mashbill at this age and proof produces a characteristically dense, spice-driven bourbon with serious depth.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Rich caramel, toasted oak, vanilla, dried fruit, warm baking spice
- Palate: Dark toffee, cinnamon, charred oak, candied nuts, leather — dense and oily
- Finish: Long and warming, rye spice, sweet oak, satisfying barrel heat
Product Details
| Type | Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon |
|---|---|
| Producer | Boone County Distilling Co., Independence, KY |
| Mashbill | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley (MGP sourced) |
| Barrel | BO513 — Bluegrass Hospitality Group Selection |
| Age | 12 Years |
| Proof | 114.26 (57.13% ABV) |
| Filtration | Non-chill filtered, cask strength |
| Size | 750ml |
How to Drink It
- Neat: Small pour to start — 12 years of age brings natural softness despite the proof.
- Drop of water: Opens the dried fruit and vanilla, sharpens the rye spice focus.
- Large ice cube: Slows the heat, lets toffee and oak emerge over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bluegrass Hospitality Group barrel selection?
Bluegrass Hospitality Group hand-selected Barrel BO513 directly through Boone County's single barrel program. Private retailer picks like this are tasted and chosen barrel-by-barrel, so the profile can differ meaningfully from other BO-series releases even at similar age and proof.
Is Boone County bourbon MGP sourced?
The older age-stated single barrel expressions like this 12 Year were sourced from MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana — one of the most respected sourced whiskey producers in the country. Mashbill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley. The spirit was aged and finished under Boone County's program.
What proof is Barrel BO513?
114.26 proof (57.13% ABV), bottled directly from the barrel without dilution. True cask strength after 12 years of Kentucky aging.
How does this compare to the Bourbon Cartel selection B0515?
Both are 12-year Boone County cask strength singles from the same MGP mashbill. BO513 comes in at 114.26 proof versus B0515's 114.66 — extremely close. The real difference is the individual barrel character developed over 12 years, which varies even within the same program.
Description
Boone County 12 Year 114.26 Proof Bluegrass Hospitality Group Barrel BO513 is a private single barrel selection from one of Kentucky's most historically rooted distilleries. Originally established in 1833 — once the largest distillery in the state — Boone County Distilling Co. was revived in 2015 in Independence, KY under the motto "Made by Ghosts." Barrel BO513 was hand-selected by Bluegrass Hospitality Group through Boone County's single barrel program, bottled at cask strength 114.26 proof without dilution or chill filtration.
The spirit is MGP-sourced from Lawrenceburg, Indiana (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley), aged 12 years and finished under Boone County's program. MGP's high-rye mashbill at this age and proof produces a characteristically dense, spice-driven bourbon with serious depth.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Rich caramel, toasted oak, vanilla, dried fruit, warm baking spice
- Palate: Dark toffee, cinnamon, charred oak, candied nuts, leather — dense and oily
- Finish: Long and warming, rye spice, sweet oak, satisfying barrel heat
Product Details
| Type | Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon |
|---|---|
| Producer | Boone County Distilling Co., Independence, KY |
| Mashbill | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley (MGP sourced) |
| Barrel | BO513 — Bluegrass Hospitality Group Selection |
| Age | 12 Years |
| Proof | 114.26 (57.13% ABV) |
| Filtration | Non-chill filtered, cask strength |
| Size | 750ml |
How to Drink It
- Neat: Small pour to start — 12 years of age brings natural softness despite the proof.
- Drop of water: Opens the dried fruit and vanilla, sharpens the rye spice focus.
- Large ice cube: Slows the heat, lets toffee and oak emerge over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bluegrass Hospitality Group barrel selection?
Bluegrass Hospitality Group hand-selected Barrel BO513 directly through Boone County's single barrel program. Private retailer picks like this are tasted and chosen barrel-by-barrel, so the profile can differ meaningfully from other BO-series releases even at similar age and proof.
Is Boone County bourbon MGP sourced?
The older age-stated single barrel expressions like this 12 Year were sourced from MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana — one of the most respected sourced whiskey producers in the country. Mashbill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley. The spirit was aged and finished under Boone County's program.
What proof is Barrel BO513?
114.26 proof (57.13% ABV), bottled directly from the barrel without dilution. True cask strength after 12 years of Kentucky aging.
How does this compare to the Bourbon Cartel selection B0515?
Both are 12-year Boone County cask strength singles from the same MGP mashbill. BO513 comes in at 114.26 proof versus B0515's 114.66 — extremely close. The real difference is the individual barrel character developed over 12 years, which varies even within the same program.
