Frank August Single Barrel Bourbon 123 Proof

Frank August Single Barrel Bourbon 123 Proof. Frank August, Lexington, Kentucky — a specific proof expression from Frank August's first-ever single barrel release program, hand-selected by a panel representing a combined 116 years of master distilling and master blending experience, bottled at cask strength at 123 proof from a 5.1-year-old barrel, delivering baking spice, cinnamon, and rye-forward character alongside vanilla and caramel with a long, evolving finish of black cherry, oak, and subtle vanilla.

Each barrel in Frank August's Single Barrel program is an individual document: one cask, one proof, one specific flavor statement shaped by that barrel's specific aging trajectory. The 123 Proof expression reflects the exact concentration of the selected barrel — evaporative loss over 5.1 years in the Kentucky warehouse produced this specific ABV from a cask that the expert selection panel chose for its quality and character over the many barrels evaluated. No two single barrel releases from Frank August carry identical proof, because no two barrels age identically.

The selection process is what differentiates this program from standard single barrel releases: a panel combining 116 years of accumulated master distilling and master blending experience evaluated every candidate barrel. That level of expertise in barrel selection — usually reserved for distillery-owned programs at major Kentucky houses — is what Frank August brings to a sourced single barrel program and what gives the 123 Proof its confidence and quality assurance.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Baking spices and mild oak open first, followed by sweet vanilla and caramel. The 123 proof carries the aromatics without harshness — deep mahogany color with full legs.
• Palate: Cinnamon comes forward immediately before rye spice gradually introduces itself, coating the palate warmly. The 123 proof intensity is balanced by vanilla and caramel from the nose, creating an intensity that feels controlled rather than overwhelming.
• Finish: Long and evolving. Baking spice and hints of black cherry emerge as the cask strength settles, layered between subtle oak and vanilla. Develops between sips.

Specs

• Producer: Frank August, Lexington, Kentucky
• Age: 5.1 years
• Barrel Selection: Hand-selected; 116 years combined expertise
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel, Cask Strength
• ABV: 61.5% (123 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What does Frank August Single Barrel 123 Proof taste like? Baking spice and mild oak opening to vanilla and caramel on the nose. Cinnamon and rye spice on the palate, balanced by vanilla and caramel intensity. Long evolving finish with black cherry, oak, and vanilla.
• How does 123 Proof differ from other Frank August Single Barrel expressions? Each single barrel is bottled at its own natural proof. The 123 Proof reflects the specific evaporative concentration of this particular barrel over 5.1 years. Different barrel selections produce different proofs and slightly different flavor emphases — same expert selection standard, different individual cask character.
• How should I drink 123 proof bourbon? Neat first in a tasting glass — allow a few minutes for the proof to settle. Then add a few drops of water at a time to find your preferred dilution. At 123 proof, even a small amount of water opens additional fruit and floral notes that the full proof keeps compressed.