Rare Character X Blackwell's Dirty Dog Batch 2 Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey

The Rare Character x Blackwell’s “Dirty Dog” Batch 2 Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey is the powerful second installment in this exclusive collaboration series—an unapologetically bold, high-rye bourbon designed for serious whiskey enthusiasts. Aged over eleven years and bottled at full cask strength, it delivers intense depth, mature oak structure, and rich dessert-like sweetness balanced by vibrant rye spice. With extremely limited production and a distinctive single-batch identity, this is a collector-level release that perfectly captures the bold personality of the Dirty Dog series.

Origins & Craftsmanship

This release represents the second batch in the Rare Character x Blackwell’s “Dirty Dog” series, a collaboration focused on selecting mature, expressive barrels that showcase Rare Character’s blending expertise alongside Blackwell’s curation.

• Producer
  • Rare Character Whiskey Company, known for sourcing and blending exceptional American whiskey barrels
• Series Concept
  • The “Dirty Dog” line is built around bold, character-driven bourbons selected for intensity, maturity, and individuality
• Mash Bill Style
  • High-rye bourbon, emphasizing spice, structure, and aromatic lift
• Aging
  • 11 years and 5 months, allowing significant barrel interaction and deep flavor development
• Bottling
  • Bottled at cask strength with no dilution, filtration, or compromise
  • Proof: 122.84 
  • ABV: 61.42%
• Production Size
  • Extremely limited release with approximately 132 bottles produced, making it a true collector’s item

The extended aging and high proof amplify the whiskey’s natural complexity—creating a bourbon that is powerful yet layered, with a profile built for slow, contemplative sipping.

Critics Reviews

There are no widely published professional critic scores available.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Deep and inviting, with rich caramel, toasted oak, dark fruit, and warm vanilla layered over subtle rye spice and hints of baking spices.

Palate:
Full-bodied and intensely flavorful. Waves of brown sugar, caramelized oak, and vanilla custard are balanced by black pepper, cinnamon, and rye-driven spice, creating a dense, dessert-like richness with structured warmth.

Finish:
Long, powerful, and warming, with lingering oak, caramel, and spice notes that slowly fade into a rich, mature bourbon sweetness.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Dirty Dog Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Rare Character x Blackwell’s Dirty Dog Batch 2 Bourbon
• 0.25 oz demerara syrup
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters

Preparation:
Stir with ice until well chilled. Strain over a large cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.

Cask Strength Boulevardier

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Dirty Dog Batch 2 Bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz Campari

Preparation:
Stir with ice until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass or over a large cube. Garnish with an orange twist.