While there's little out there about The Woodwork Collective out of Louisville, Kentucky, they've been making ripples in the whiskey world as of late under their A. Altschuler & Co label with the goal of taking well-aged whiskeys and, where it makes sense, finishing to unique and enjoyable expressions. We've had a number of 12-yr and 18-yr releases through 2024 come and go from the site, and they have continued to innovate and expand with their The Elites releases and, in collaboration with David Jennings (RareBird101), Raconteur Rye.
We had only a small allotment of their Batch 2 Raconteur Rye last year, but it flew through our text list before we could even get an email out about it. While their new all-Kentucky Batch 3 just hit the market, we have a rare treat to revisit these beautiful Indiana barrels from Batches 1 &2.
In the spirit of storytelling, where every chapter of Raconteur Rye is shaped by bold choices and restless curiosity, we introduce the next release in our Raconteur Rye Private Barrel Series—“Seelbach’s”—a singular expression selected by Seelbach’s, forged at the intersection of bold Indiana tradition and the deep soul of Kentucky rye.
This journey began with an exceptional 8-year-old Indiana rye, a foundation of spice, depth, and richness. But we didn’t stop there. We layered complexity by finishing in both Mizunara and toasted oak barrels, an homage to the profile that defined the “Brazen” release.
Then came the final act—an unexpected turn that rewrote the whiskey’s destiny. Rather than resting as a blend, this whiskey was apportioned into empty Kentucky rye barrels, where it developed a character all its own. These seasoned casks, imbued with the soul of some of the very best Kentucky rye we’ve ever tasted, refined the whiskey’s structure and warmth, elevating its bold intensity with an elegant, oak-driven finesse.
The result is “Seelbach’s”—a whiskey defined by perfumed oak, fresh Dutch apple pie, and caramel drizzle. The palate dazzles, leading with oak and spiced apple pie before revealing a layered and delicate complexity. It carries the front-end softness reminiscent of Batch 1, while delivering the back-end richness that made Batch 2 unforgettable. This is where elegance meets depth, where power finds balance—a whiskey that lingers long after the last sip.
Each private barrel is a singular moment in whiskey-making, a storyteller in its own right. Once they’re gone, their story is written—meant to be savored by those who understand that the best tales are those worth sharing.
