Rabbit Hole Brings Back Its Chocolate Malt Bourbon

by Nino Kilgore-Marchetti
December 13, 2022

Rabbit Hole out of Kentucky recently announced the return of Raceking, its five grain, chocolate malt bourbon.

Rabbit Hole Raceking, according to those behind it, is the third expression of the Rabbit Hole Founder’s Collection series and was named in honor of Kentucky horse racing. Said to sport a “one-of-a-kind mash bill” made up of 70% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Rye, 4% Chocolate Malted Wheat and 3% Chocolate Malted Barley, this bourbon is noted as exploring “malting organically expands the range of flavors in whiskey.

“Through proprietary malting processes, a chocolate wheat from Germany and a chocolate barley from the UK achieve the aromatic top notes and rich essence of chocolate.”

“Creating Raceking was part art, part science and a true risk-reward proposition for us,” said Kaveh Zamanian, founder and whiskey maker of Rabbit Hole, in a prepared statement. “I wanted to bring out unique flavors in the whiskey without any adulteration or flavoring, instead letting the malted grains and the way we cook and process them tell the story. Being able to execute this from a process standpoint and bringing the liquid to life was very challenging, so Raceking began as a small batch ‘experiment’ if you will.

“There was an element of uncertainty when we developed the recipe and the process, but the potential reward proved to be worth the risk as I had a hunch it would. Raceking represents our passion for creativity and innovation, and I’m especially proud that we will be able to release this special whiskey annually moving forward.”

Raceking is offered at a cask strength of 109.8 proof/54.9% ABV, and prices around $395 per 750 ml bottle. It is be available exclusively at the Rabbit Hole Distillery this month and available nationally beginning in early 2023. Only 1,335 sequentially-numbered bottles are being released, each housed inside a linen-patterned box.

Plans call for it to be an annual release that will be available each fall.

Official tasting notes for this bourbon indicate that it “begins as an olfactory sensation: a rush of rich cocoa rushes forward, flanked by aromas of brown sugar and toasted bread. A field of warm, luxurious flavors follows, exciting the senses with hints of hazel, cinnamon spice, black cherry and tobacco. Raceking finishes strong with earthy notes of wood and leather complemented by a delicious lingering chocolate.”