Binder's Stash Single Barrel Bourbon #38494 - Selected by Southern Smoke Bottle Club

Southern Smoke Bottle Club — Binder's Stash Willett Experimental Barrel #38494

A special one for the collectors and bourbon nerds. This release traces back to a 2018 barrel-picking trip to Willett Distillery, where Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen previewed a series of experimental barrels — different wood aging, char levels, and barrel sizes pushing beyond tradition. Nearly eight years later, a chance encounter with Binder's Stash (helmed by Kulsveen's friend Bill Binder, who has access to those same experimental Willett barrels) brought it full circle.

This bourbon comes from Rickhouse 1, Floor 1 — the first rickhouse built after Prohibition in 1937. Its ground-floor position means more humidity and gentler temperature swings than barrels higher up, producing a softer expression at a still-potent 126 proof. Non-chill filtered, no water added.

Only 150 bottles exist. Once it's gone, it's gone.

Details:

• Barrel #: 38494
• Age: 7 years
• Proof: 126
• Mash bill: 72% corn / 13% rye / 15% barley
• Source: Willett Distillery

Tasting Notes: Baking spices, cinnamon, honey, and citrus, with a well-balanced structure that drinks easy for its proof.