Boone County 12 Year 114.26 Proof Bluegrass Hospitality Group Barrel BO513

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

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.