KO Distilling Signature Series 10-Year HAZMAT

Age: 10-Years old

Proof:  142.4 proof

Source: MGPi

Mash Bill: 75/21/4 Corn/Malted Barley

Kelvin Char 3

Bottle Count: 430 bottles

Tasting Notes: The nose opens rich and syrupy, with thick cherry, maple whipped cream, and singed citrus with nectary melon/tropical fruit. There’s a mix of cherry candy, apricot, and fruit rope sweetness layered over mature oak and almond croissant filling that gives it a darker, old-school bourbon edge. It grows a soft hickory smoke the longer it opens, balancing the sweeter maple cotton candy notes with a more seasoned, barrel-driven profile.

The palate is creamy and sticky, carrying those same cherry and maple notes into a richer mix of chocolate, oak, and baking spice. The fruit stays bright, almost like candy necklace meets luxardo syrup, but there’s enough sugary oak to keep it grounded. A gentle heat builds through the sip but still drinks lower than you’d imagine, bringing a little grip and spice without overwhelming the sweeter, more integrated mouthfeel.

The finish lingers with creamy oak, boozy cherries, hickory smoke, and a long tingle of spice. That maple sweetness hangs around, giving the whiskey a rich, clinging finish and plenty of familiar nods to that sweet-yet-mature GTS-like character.

The Story:  In 2016, KO Distilling of Manassas, VA & Prestige-Ledroit Distributing Co. of Eldridge, MD agreed to work together in Maryland, the District of Columbia, & Delaware. Ever since our handshake agreement to work together 10 years ago, we are pleased to report that PLDC has been a great partner for us.

In 2015, KO purchased new-make High Rye Bourbon (75% corn, 21% rye, & 4% malted barley) from a well-respected distillery in Indiana. KO had that spirit put into 80 Kelvin Cooperage (Char 3) barrels, which were aged in Manassas. In late 2025, only 9 of those barrels remained. Each was very close to or above 140 Proof. PLDC confirmed that they had a high demand for HAZMAT products. To get the barrels to market faster, we opted to go with a “HAZMAT” micro-batch. So, we are proud to release this 10 y/o High Rye HAZMAT Bourbon to celebrate KO & PLDC’s working relationship, now in its 10th year. We hope you enjoy this full-bodied bourbon, which is still very drinkable at over 140 proof. Cheers!