In a grand unveiling, Rare Character, a prominent name in the realm of premium spirits, proudly presents Fortuna Barrel Proof, an opulent addition to the reinvigorated Fortuna whiskey brand. This barrel proof offering, aged for over seven years and meticulously blended into five distinctive batches, pays homage to Fortuna's late 19th-century heritage, promising a robust and unparalleled whiskey experience.
Fortuna, a brand deeply rooted in history and tradition, draws inspiration from the golden era of whiskey craftsmanship. Initially established in the late 1800s, Fortuna has undergone a meticulous resurrection by Rare Character, seamlessly blending old-world charm with contemporary craftsmanship.
Fortuna Barrel Proof stands as a testament to Rare Character's unwavering commitment to honoring the brand's legacy while pushing the boundaries of flavor and quality. This small-batch release serves as a canvas for the artistry of whiskey-making, encapsulating the essence of the historic Fortuna brand in every meticulously crafted bottle.
Chad Watson, the mastermind behind the initial blending, shared his passion for creating a whiskey that appeals to a broad audience. "I wanted this to be something that fans of the standard offering, fans of Rare Character, and just whiskey fans in general could enjoy," said Watson. He devoted extensive time and effort to perfecting each batch, ensuring a unique profile for every whiskey enthusiast.
The inaugural bottling of Fortuna Barrel Proof comprises five distinctive batches, each with its own character:
Batch 1: 121.46 proof
Batch 2: 122.14 proof
Batch 3: 120 proof
Batch 4: 118.82 proof
Batch 5: 121.8 proof
Rare Character's unwavering dedication to authenticity and innovation sets Fortuna Barrel Proof apart in the prestigious world of premium spirits. This release marks a joyous celebration of the brand's revival, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past while simultaneously establishing a new standard for the future of Fortuna.
For whiskey enthusiasts and collectors eager to secure a piece of this limited edition release, Fortuna Barrel Proof is now available in select retailers. Those interested can explore the opportunity to purchase a bottle through seelbachs.com or bourbonoutfitter.com. Additional information can be found on rarecharacterwhiskey.com.
This unveiling comes after Rare Character's collaboration with Andrew Shapira, a member of the esteemed Shapira family, owners of the Heaven Hill brand. Shapira's involvement in resurrecting Fortuna faced legal challenges in September 2022, with allegations of breach of contract, creating an intriguing backdrop to the brand's triumphant return.
Fortuna, founded in the 1800s by German immigrant Phil Hollenbach, faced closure in the 1960s, seemingly lost to history. However, the collaboration between Rare Character and Shapira has breathed new life into the brand, with the barrel-proof release symbolizing not just a celebration of its revival but a visionary step towards defining the future of Fortuna.
Within Rare Character's extensive portfolio, Fortuna stands as just one expression among the Single Barrel Series, Native Wood Series, and Exceptional Series. Those eager to experience Fortuna's Barrel Proof expression can conveniently acquire it online through Seelbachs or Bourbon Outfitter, providing an opportunity to savor a piece of history and craftsmanship in every sip.