Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1331779
29 No Going Back: RABBIT HOLE DISTILLERY According to an old adage, there can be only one captain of a ship. But that is certainly not the case at the eight-year-old Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, where founder Kaveh Zamanian has bucked all convention by championing teamwork rather than having a master distiller—and the result- ing whiskeys are the better for it. "Rabbit Hole is a family business, and that applies to all that we do," Zamanian says. "[We] work together to make sure everything from grain selection to the liquid in the bottle meets our quality standards." Zamanian's background may have something to do with his novel approach: He didn't grow up along the Bourbon Trail, nor did he come up through the industry. In fact, it wasn't until he met his wife Heather, a Louisville transplant, that he became a fan of the spirit and began digging into its history by reading books and talking with industry veterans. A fire was ignited as Zamanian saw an opening for himself in the marketplace: "The variety of bourbon recipes disappeared as the industry . . . moved from farmer-distillers to mass production," he explains. "I wanted something different." So Zamanian took the gamble of his life, leaving his career in clinical psychology and tapping his savings to create his own recipes. Such dedication to the "belief that individuality matters," in his words, has since paid off. Rabbit Hole's unique mash bills and custom-made barrels yield a distinct flavor profile that bourbon lovers— and industry insiders—have fallen for. The distillery, now an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that produces 20,000 barrels annually, has collected medal after medal for its whiskeys; the brand has also been named the official bourbon of the James Beard Foundation's Taste America program. Here's just a taste. Boxergrail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey: Aged three-plus years in wood-fired, toasted, and charred New American oak. Aromas of brown sugar and butterscotch; bright citrus, floral, and herb flavors; finish of tea and baking spice. Cavehill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Four-grain mash bill; aged three-plus years in wood-fired, toasted, and charred New American oak. Nose of apples and honey; creamy palate with hints of toasted grain; vanilla-custard finish. Dareringer Straight Bourbon Finished in PX Sherry Casks: Aged first in charred New American oak, then in Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks. Sherry-like aromas and flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel on the nose and palate. Heigold Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: High German rye mash bill; aged three-plus years in wood- fired, toasted, and charred New American oak. Toasted malt nose; butterscotch and citrus palate; peppery finish.