Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 20 Years Bourbon

Overview
Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 20 Year Bourbon is the inaugural release in the brand's progressive aging series, a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey aged 20 years and sourced from rare stocks discovered in Stitzel-Weller warehouses in Louisville, Kentucky. Launched in June 2014 as the third expression from Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Company, it exemplifies the hunt for forgotten barrels to deliver collectible, high-age-statement pours.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Company, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Tullahoma, Tennessee, specializes in sourcing rare craft whiskey barrels worldwide as part of Diageo's portfolio. Rhetoric follows Barterhouse and Old Blowhard in the lineup, with its gold label featuring a hummingbird motif symbolizing clarity amid chaos—the label's background deepens in color across annual age-progressive releases. Bottled by hand in Tullahoma from warehouse finds at historic Louisville sites.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Pronounced notes of caramel, vanilla, and subtle oak emerge from the rare aged stocks, with hints of dried fruit and honey adding depth.
• Palate: Toffee and caramel lead boldly, layered with orchard fruits, gentle baking spices, and a wheated softness from Stitzel-Weller lineage; medium body unfolds smoothly.
• Finish: Lingering oak tannins and faint char provide a warming, extended aftertaste.

Notable details

• Production: Distilled at Bernheim distilleries in Louisville, Kentucky; aged 20 years; hand-bottled in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
• Lineage: Part of Diageo's Orphan Barrel series dedicated to resuscitating lost warehouse stocks.
• Availability: Original MSRP $85; progressive releases increased in age annually starting 2015.

"Rhetoric provides whiskey aficionados with a unique series to collect and compare as it progressively ages and releases annually." – BourbonBlog

Closing
A sophisticated collector's bourbon that rewards patience with layered maturity from forgotten Kentucky barrels.

Sources

[1] Bourbonblog – "Rhetoric 20-year-old Orphan Barrel Bourbon Coming in June"

[2] Drinkhacker – "Review: Diageo Orphan Barrel Project Rhetoric Bourbon 20 Years Old"

[3] Whiskeyreviewer – "Orphan Barrel Releases Rhetoric 20 Year Old Bourbon – The Whiskey Reviewer"

[4] Whiskycritic – "Orphan Barrel Begins Releasing Their Rhetoric"

[5] Thewhiskeywash – "Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 20 Year Old Bourbon Review: Aged Luxury in a Glass"

[6] Thewhiskeywash – "Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 20 Year Old Bourbon Review: Aged Luxury in a Glass"

[7] Thebourbonbabe – "Rhetoric: Diageo Orphan Barrel Project, 3rd release"

[8] Adventuresinwhiskey – "Rhetoric 20 Year Old Bourbon Review"

[9] Breakingbourbon – "Rhetoric Bourbon 20 Year Review | Breaking Bourbon"

[10] Bourbonbanter – "Rhetoric 20 Year Bourbon Review & Tasting Notes"