RD1 "Finished with Brazilian Amburana Wood" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (RD One)

RD1 “Finished with Brazilian Amburana Wood” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is one of the most distinctive and flavor-forward finished bourbons on the market today. Driven by the exotic influence of Brazilian Amburana wood, it delivers an unmistakable profile of cinnamon, baking spice, and dessert-like richness layered over a classic Kentucky bourbon base. Bold, aromatic, and highly memorable, this is a bourbon that stands out immediately—especially for drinkers looking for something beyond traditional oak aging.

Origins & Craftsmanship

RD1 is based in Lexington, Kentucky, and focuses on pushing the boundaries of bourbon finishing through innovative wood techniques. Instead of traditional secondary barrel finishing, RD1 uses Amburana wood staves inserted into the barrel, increasing wood contact and accelerating flavor integration.

The base whiskey is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon aged for over four years, built on a classic mash bill of approximately:

• 70% corn
• 21% rye
• 9% malted barley

After initial maturation, the Amburana finishing process begins. Amburana—often used in Brazilian cachaça—imparts intense aromatic compounds, particularly cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet spice, which quickly influence the whiskey.

The result is typically bottled around 110 proof (55% ABV), providing enough structure to carry the bold spice profile while maintaining balance.

This technique represents a modern approach to finishing—more controlled and efficient than transferring whiskey into secondary barrels, while still achieving deep flavor impact.

Critics Reviews

Ultimate Spirits Challenge

Described as “dense and woodsy on the nose” with layers of orange marmalade, dates, and vanilla, leading to a luscious, slightly sweet palate with dried fig and burnt brown sugar complexity.

The Tasting Panel

Highlights the Amburana influence, noting pronounced cinnamon spice with additional notes of apple, nutmeg, and brown sugar that build over time.

Breaking Bourbon

Praised for maintaining classic bourbon structure while layering in graham cracker, gingerbread, cinnamon, and dark chocolate, achieving a well-integrated balance.

Tasting Profile

Nose
Cinnamon stick, apple pie, brown sugar, vanilla, and toasted oak.

Palate
Rich and dessert-driven with flavors of spice cake, gingerbread, caramel, and baking spice layered over traditional bourbon sweetness.

Finish
Long and warming with lingering cinnamon, allspice, sweet oak, and subtle dark chocolate.

Quick Overview

Recommended Service

Serving:
Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to temper the spice and reveal deeper sweetness.

Cocktail Use:
This is a standout in seasonal cocktails—particularly fall and winter drinks, where its cinnamon-forward profile enhances flavors like apple, maple, and coffee.

95 Points – 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge
PLATINUM – 2023 Ascot Awards by Fred Minnick
GOLD – 2023 SIP Awards
GOLD – 2023 San Francisco International Spirits Competition