Wheel Horse Whiskey has just dropped a game-changer with its Barrel Master Select Batch 1, a bold new addition to the world of Kentucky bourbon. Distilled and matured in the heart of Owensboro, Kentucky, this limited-edition release marks the brand’s first venture into barrel-proof small-batch whiskey. With only 2,100 bottles available, this 5-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, bottled at a robust 112.6 proof, is already making waves among whiskey enthusiasts. Crafted by Barrel Master Stephen Corrigan, this release showcases the rich heritage and craftsmanship of one of Kentucky’s historic distilleries.
The story begins at Green River Distilling, a legendary facility founded in 1885, located at the westernmost edge of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. For over 130 years, this site has been a cornerstone of whiskey-making tradition, surviving Prohibition, changing hands, and even a fire. Today, under the careful guidance of Corrigan, Wheel Horse is breathing new life into this storied location. The Barrel Master Select Batch 1 is a testament to that legacy, blending 12 hand-selected barrels of 5- to 6-year-old bourbon to create a whiskey that’s both powerful and approachable.
What sets this bourbon apart is its commitment to authenticity. Bottled without chill filtration, it retains the full depth of its character, delivering a sipping experience that’s as raw and unfiltered as Kentucky itself. At 56.3% ABV, it’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s crafted to balance boldness with versatility. Corrigan, who’s been steering Wheel Horse since its inception in 2019, aimed to create a whiskey that honors the brand’s signature 101-proof roots while pushing the boundaries with an uncut, unfiltered expression.
Take a whiff, and the nose hits with a burst of cherry, mocha, and warm spices that invite you in. On the palate, it’s a rich journey through decadent flavors—think toffee, vanilla, and the creamy smoothness of café au lait. The finish lingers like a warm Kentucky evening, with notes of toasted walnut, burnt sugar, and a nod to Black Forest cake that leaves you wanting another sip. It’s the kind of whiskey that demands a slow pour, a good glass, and maybe a quiet porch to savor it on.
With only 2,100 bottles produced, this release is as exclusive as it gets. Priced at a suggested retail of $39.99, it’s a steal for a barrel-proof bourbon of this caliber, making it a must-have for collectors and casual sippers alike. Available online nationally and in select markets, it’s already generating buzz, with future releases in the Barrel Master Select series—including a Kentucky Straight Rye expected this fall—promising more to come.
Wheel Horse’s journey started in 2020, when its flagship 101-proof bourbon earned a spot in Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Whiskies of 2021. Distilled at Green River and batched and bottled at Wheel Horse’s headquarters in Rhode Island, the brand has built a reputation for quality and consistency. This new release, however, takes things to another level, showcasing the distillery’s ability to craft small-batch whiskeys that stand toe-to-toe with Kentucky’s heavy hitters.
For those who love the romance of bourbon—the history, the craft, the stories etched into every barrel—Barrel Master Select Batch 1 is a love letter to Kentucky’s whiskey tradition. It’s a chance to taste the past and the future in one glass, a sip of Owensboro’s enduring spirit. Whether you’re cracking open a bottle to share with friends or saving it for a special occasion, this bourbon delivers a flavor and experience that’s worth seeking out. Grab one while it lasts, because at 2,100 bottles, it won’t be around for long. For more details or to snag a bottle, check out wheelhorsewhiskey.com or follow @wheelhorsewhiskey on Instagram.
