When a whiskey labels itself “War,” it better come prepared to fight—and Whiskey War Barrel Select doesn’t just show up, it takes over the AO like a battalion of seasoned grunts. This is high-proof, Ohio-born bourbon that doesn’t need a Kentucky address to prove it belongs in the big leagues. Crafted by High Bank Distillery in Columbus, Whiskey War Barrel Select takes the standard bourbon blueprint and kicks the damn door down with a higher rye content, bold character, and cask-strength punch. This is the kind of pour you reward yourself with after a long patrol through civilian nonsense.
If you’re looking for a bourbon that goes full throttle from first sniff to final sip—while still managing to show some finesse under fire—this one’s earned its deployment papers.
Whiskey War Barrel Select
Mission Briefing
- Operation: Whiskey War Barrel Select
- Command: High Bank Distillery – Columbus, OH
- Classification: Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Rations: 70% Corn / 20% Rye / 10% Malted Barley
- Firepower: Varies by barrel (mine clocked in at 58.45% ABV / 116.90 Proof)
- Time in Service: NAS (rumored 4+ years)
- Enlistment Fee: ~$60 (750ml)
- Website: highbankdistillery.com
Recon Notes (Nose)
The nose hits with intensity—no stealth mode here. First contact reveals brown sugar, burnt orange peel, and tobacco leaf, followed by spicy rye and a touch of dusty leather. There’s a toasted oak presence that reminds you this bottle’s seen some time in the barrel—seasoned, not green. Take a deep whiff, and you’ll get warm vanilla drifting through like mail from home after a long deployment.
Whiskey War Velvet Bag
Frontline Flavor (Palate)
Right out of the gate, the rye spice takes lead like a battle-hardened squad leader—cinnamon, black pepper, and clove charge the palate. Mid-sip, the sweet cavalry rolls in: caramel, dark cherry, and molasses. But it’s not a sugary mess—this bourbon has discipline. Hints of roasted peanuts and pipe smoke round it out with a savory edge that keeps things balanced. It’s bold and layered, with enough complexity to hold your attention without going full tactical manual on you.
After Action (Finish)
The finish is where this bourbon flexes. Long, warm, and satisfying, it leaves you with notes of charred oak, dark chocolate, and lingering spice. That cask-strength proof ensures the final salute is strong, but not reckless. It fades like a well-executed extraction—clean, controlled, and leaving no regrets behind.
Whiskey War The Distiller
Debrief
Whiskey War Barrel Select isn’t for the timid. It’s for those who prefer their bourbon with guts, backbone, and a little heat. High Bank Distillery isn’t just playing in the craft game—they’re leading missions behind enemy lines and winning. If you’re a high-proof enthusiast, a fan of bold rye spice, or just someone tired of over-filtered, underwhelming pours, this bottle delivers on all fronts.
Ohio may not be the first place you think of for great bourbon—but after this, it should be.
Whiskey War Barrel Select Side Label
🎖 Whiskey Orders (Rating):
Active Duty Pour – Bold, balanced, and battle-tested. This bottle’s earned its place in your front-line rotation.
