Backbone Bourbon Estate Special Barrel Series is a 110-proof blended bourbon whiskey from 8th Day Distillery, aged 5 years and crafted through an innovative process of blending curated barrels and rebarreling to amplify depth and character. This Indiana bourbon represents a bold approach to whiskey making, where traditional techniques meet modern innovation to create something distinctly memorable on the back bar.

8th Day Distillery's Backbone Bourbon embodies the spirit of adventure and innovation that defines modern American whiskey. Based in Indianapolis, the brand champions the philosophy that great bourbon comes from taking risks and pushing boundaries. The Estate Special Barrel Series showcases this ethos perfectly, with master blenders selecting exceptional barrels, marrying them together, then allowing the blend to further mature and develop complexity through additional barrel aging.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich caramel and vanilla bean, toasted oak spices, dark chocolate brownie edges, hints of dried fruit and leather
• Palate: Bold honey sweetness, baking spices and cinnamon bark, roasted nuts, black pepper heat, underlying grain complexity from the blend
• Finish: Long and warming with lingering oak tannins, sweet vanilla fade, gentle spice tingle

Product Details

Perfect For

• Cocktail Innovation: The 110 proof holds up beautifully in stirred cocktails and punches
• Whiskey Flights: Excellent for comparing blended vs. single barrel expressions
• Spirited Dinner Parties: A conversation starter with its unique rebarreling story
• Home Bar Experimentation: Perfect for exploring high-proof bourbon versatility

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Backbone Bourbon Estate Special Barrel Series taste like?

This blended bourbon delivers bold honey sweetness balanced by rich oak spices and dark chocolate notes. The 110 proof provides substantial heat that carries flavors of caramel, baking spices, and roasted nuts, finishing with long-lasting vanilla and oak complexity from the innovative rebarreling process.

Is Backbone Bourbon Estate Special Barrel Series good for cocktails?

Absolutely - the 110 proof makes it excellent for cocktails where you want the bourbon to shine through. It works beautifully in Old Fashioneds, Boulevardiers, and whiskey punches, where the higher proof ensures the bourbon character isn't lost among other ingredients.

How should I drink Backbone Bourbon Estate Special Barrel Series?

This bourbon shines neat or with a splash of water to open up the flavors from the blending and rebarreling process. The 110 proof can handle dilution well, so experiment with different amounts of water to find your preferred intensity level.

What makes the Special Barrel Series different from other bourbons?

The unique rebarreling process sets it apart - after blending selected barrels, the whiskey goes back into barrels for additional maturation. This extra step adds complexity and depth that you won't find in standard single barrel or straight blended bourbons.

Is Backbone Bourbon Estate Special Barrel Series worth the price?

For bourbon enthusiasts interested in innovative production methods, this offers excellent value. The 5-year age statement, 110 proof, and unique rebarreling process deliver complexity typically found in more expensive craft releases, making it a solid choice for adventurous drinkers.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.