Black Maple Hill 16 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
47.5% ABV (95 proof) | 700mL | 16 years old | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey — Black Maple Hill 16 Year is the return of a cult legend: the Rare Character revival (announced July 2026) of the boutique bourbon label that became a collector obsession in the 2000s. This is not old stock — it is premium Kentucky-sourced 16-year-old bourbon, selected and bottled by Rare Character in Lexington, KY, as the flagship of the revival alongside a NAS and an 11-year expression, all at 95 proof.
Black Maple Hill was originally launched in 2000 by CVI Brands with Julian Van Winkle III shaping the line, and its old bottles still trade on the secondary market. Rare Character has been explicit that it does not claim to replicate those past flavor profiles — it sources top-tier Kentucky stocks and bottles them in the spirit of the original. Expect a deeply oaked, well-matured Kentucky bourbon with the richness sixteen years in the barrel brings. A collector-grade revival from one of the most talked-about independent bottlers in American whiskey — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Tasting notes
No official brand tasting notes published for the revival bottling. Third-party impressions describe rich oak, cinnamon and allspice, orange zest, vanilla, and dry caramel fudge — a powerfully oaked, mature Kentucky bourbon profile.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 16 years in Kentucky oak — flagship of the 2026 Black Maple Hill revival by Rare Character
- Bottled at 95 proof, 700mL — the proof the original line was known for
- Kentucky-sourced by Rare Character, one of the most-watched independent bottlers in American whiskey
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat in a Glencairn to take in the full sixteen years of oak. A few drops of water will open up the spice if you prefer it a touch softer.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the original Black Maple Hill from the 2000s?
No — this is the 2026 Rare Character revival of the Black Maple Hill label. It is premium Kentucky-sourced 16-year-old bourbon bottled under the revived brand, not old CVI-era stock, and Rare Character does not claim it replicates the original flavor profiles.
What is the proof and bottle size?
95 proof (47.5% ABV) in a 700mL bottle. Some stale retailer listings show 750mL/45% — those describe old-era bottles, not this one.
Where is it distilled?
Rare Character has not disclosed the source distillery; it is Kentucky-sourced. Do not attach Stitzel-Weller or Van Winkle rumors to this bottle.