Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 21 Years

Overview
Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 21-Year Bourbon is the second release in Diageo's Orphan Barrel series, launched in 2015 to rediscover and share forgotten stocks from old rickhouses, demonstrating the evolution of bourbon flavors through extended aging.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Diageo curates these releases from obscure barrels aged in undisclosed distilleries, with Rhetoric emphasizing the nuanced changes from two decades of maturation. Initial MSRP ranged from $120-$180, reflecting its rarity as a "forgotten" stock.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Prominent banana evokes banana pudding, layered with vanilla, brown sugar, and caramel apple.
• Palate: Dry entry with mild spice; bold dark cherry, vanilla, oak, and burnt orange provide varied fruit and wood depth.
• Finish: Smooth and long, with butterscotch, vanilla, and oak trailing into subtle bitterness.

Notable details

• Production: Bottled at 90.2 proof from stocks aged 21 years in uncertain origins.
• Lineage: Part of Diageo's Orphan Barrel project to highlight progressive aging in rare bourbon.
• Availability: Limited release contributing to elevated secondary market prices due to scarcity.

"The Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 21-Year Bourbon delivers a unique and easy-drinking flavor profile that makes it worthwhile despite the premium price." – Capital City Bourbon

Closing
A refined study in long-aged bourbon subtlety, ideal for those seeking layered complexity without overwhelming intensity.

Sources

[1] Capitalcitybourbon – "Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 21-Year Bourbon"

[2] Thewhiskeywash – "Whiskey Review: Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 21 Year Old"

[3] Drinkhacker – "Review: Diageo Orphan Barrel Project Rhetoric Bourbon 21 Years Old"

[4] Distillerytrail – "Diageo’s Orphan Barrel Whiskey Releases Rhetoric 21 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey"

[5] Thewhiskeywash – "Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 21 Year Old Whiskey Review: Aged Bourbon Analysis"

[6] Adventuresinwhiskey – "Rhetoric 21-Year-Old Bourbon Review"