Backbone Bourbon Company Old Bones 20 Year Single Barrel Rye Review.

    Every once in a while, a whiskey crosses your path that makes you stop mid-pour just to admire what’s in the glass. Backbone Bourbon Company has been on a roll with their big, unapologetically bold releases, and tonight’s pour, the Old Bones Rye Whiskey Single Barrel, is a true statement piece. Bottled at a jaw-dropping ABV and clocking in at 20 years old, this Indiana-sourced rye proves that Canadian whiskey can still pack a punch when given the right treatment.

    This particular barrel was selected by Rich over at Holly’s Package Store in Greentown, Indiana. One of those passionate folks who just knows how to find liquid gold. Backbone’s transparency has always been one of their strong suits. This whiskey originates from a distillery outside Montreal, Canada, where they sourced a rye recipe that leans heavier on corn than the usual rye mash bill, resulting in a more buttery, rounded character. Once the whiskey hit at least 15 years of age, in this case 20, Backbone re-barreled it in freshly charred oak and gave it another 15 months of rest.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/NysJeKwxme4.

Age Statement: 20 years.

ABV: 67.6% (Single Barrel & Barrel Proof).

Mash bill: N/A.

Area of Distillation: Outside of Montreal, Canada.

Finishing: New oak barrel for 15 months.

Appearance: Dark amber.


On the nose:

    From the moment the glass hits your nose, you know you’re in for something special. Waves of dark cherry, warm baking spices, and rich caramelized sugars hit first, followed by buttery vanilla frosting and soft herbal rye spice. It’s dense, layered, and dripping with complexity, like double-oaked cake batter soaked in whiskey.

Taste:

    This is an explosion of flavor. It’s thick and viscous, coating the palate with notes of spearmint, clove, and cinnamon stick. The rye spice carries an herbal depth, weaving through dark vanilla, caramel, and worn leather tones. There’s even a touch of green apple brightness tucked beneath all that richness, balanced by the sweetness of brioche bread and an earthy herb garden of sage and thyme. It’s a sip that keeps unfolding, each layer more decadent than the last.

Finish:

    Endlessly long and buttery smooth, the finish lingers with vanilla, oak spice, and a faint echo of dark chocolate. Even at nearly 68% ABV, there’s no harshness, just pure, velvety warmth that settles deep and steady.

Final Thoughts: 

    Backbone’s Old Bones Rye Whiskey Single Barrel is a triumph in every sense. At 20 years old, 67.6% ABV, and the price, this bottle defies logic and expectation, offering a level of depth and refinement that rivals bottles four times the price. It’s buttery, bold, and unbelievably balanced, a masterwork of blending and finishing. If you can find one, buy it immediately. Then buy another, because once this bottle is gone, you’ll wish you had more.

Rating: +A (Perfection).

Cost: $102.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/NysJeKwxme4.

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