There’s a kind of hush that falls over a room when someone uncorks an uncut whiskey—something raw and unfiltered that demands your full attention. That’s exactly what Wheel Horse Whiskey delivers with its newly released Barrel Master Select Batch 1, a bold new chapter from a brand that’s never shied away from doing things its own way.
Crafted under the watchful eye (and nose) of Barrel Master Stephen Corrigan, Batch 1 is a blend of twelve carefully chosen barrels of 5–6-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The whiskey is bottled at barrel proof, without chill filtration—an intentional move that preserves its muscle and soul, letting every nuance stay right where it belongs.
“When we launched Wheel Horse in 2019 as a 101 proof brand, our goal was to create a whiskey that was bold yet approachable,” Corrigan explains. “We still stand by that, but there’s something electric about releasing whiskey in its purest form. Barrel Master Select lets us showcase the raw character of each barrel, and every batch will carry its own personality.”
Batch 1 hits the nose with a swirl of cherry, mocha, and warm spice—like a Kentucky morning after a summer storm. On the palate, it’s a slow, decadent waltz of toffee, vanilla, and café au lait, unfolding gradually into a finish that hangs on like a gospel note: toasted walnut, burnt sugar, and the lush darkness of Black Forest cake.
There’s a sense of old-school craftsmanship here, a reverence for barrel magic that feels like an ode to Kentucky’s deep whiskey roots. But make no mistake: this isn’t some dusty relic. It’s modern, fierce, and unapologetically alive.
Wheel Horse Whiskey Barrel Master Select Batch 1 is now available online nationwide and in select markets, but stocks are limited—consider it a small invitation to experience the unfiltered heart of Wheel Horse before it gallops off. Future editions promise more surprises, including a barrel proof Kentucky Straight Rye coming this fall.
Whether you’re a longtime devotee or a curious newcomer, there’s no better time to saddle up. For more details or to secure a bottle, visit wheelhorsewhiskey.com
