LEXINGTON, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rare Character proudly announces the official reintroduction of Black Maple Hill<\/b>, one of the most enigmatic and revered names in American whiskey. With a renewed commitment to quality and authenticity, Rare Character is returning the brand to its spiritual home in Kentucky\u2014honoring the heritage that first made it a cult favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.<\/p>
\n\u201cBlack Maple Hill has always occupied a singular, almost mythical place in the bourbon world,\u201d said Peter Nevenglosky, co-founder of Rare Character Whiskey Co. \u201cFor years, enthusiasts have looked back at the early Kentucky bottlings as benchmarks of the category. Our mission is to honor that legacy by sourcing exceptional Kentucky whiskey and ensuring the next chapter lives up to the reputation that made the brand legendary. We\u2019re not simply reviving a name\u2014we\u2019re restoring the identity that helped shape the modern bourbon conversation.\u201d<\/p>
\nThe Enigmatic History of Black Maple Hill<\/b><\/p>
\nFirst introduced in 2000 by Paul Joseph of CVI Brands, Black Maple Hill was never a distillery, yet it quickly became one of bourbon\u2019s most talked-about sourced labels. Early releases produced by Julian Van Winkle III\u2014widely believed to include wheated bourbon from the famed Stitzel-Weller distillery\u2014cemented its mystique among collectors. Bottling later moved to Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (2009\u20132014), where well-aged Kentucky stocks, including releases up to 22 years old, deepened its cult following. As mature Kentucky inventory tightened, production shifted to Oregon in 2014, marking a departure from the Kentucky profile that defined its early acclaim. Through each transition, Black Maple Hill retained its reputation as a distinctive and influential name in modern bourbon history.<\/p>
\nThe First Phase: A Return to Kentucky Excellence<\/b><\/p>
\nRare Character\u2019s revival centers on a renewed dedication to sourcing premium Kentucky whiskey\u2014reconnecting the brand with the profile that built its reputation.<\/p>
\nThe initial phase of the relaunch introduces some core expressions:<\/p>
\nKentucky Straight Bourbon \u2013 95 Proof as originally bottled\n
\nTogether, these expressions signal a deliberate step back toward the quality and identity that made Black Maple Hill a sought-after name in the first place.<\/p>
\nAbout Rare Character Whiskey<\/b><\/p>
\nRare Character Whiskey is a purveyor of fine American whiskey, focused on unique selections tailored to each of our customers and partners. Through special relationships with top distillers across the country, Rare Character has exclusive access to expressions that have never been released to the public.<\/i><\/p>
\nWhether it\u2019s through historic brand revivals such as Brook Hill, ultra premium and limited bottlings like Pride of Anderson County and Old Cassidy, or the fan favorite collectibles like The Single Barrel Series and The Exceptional Series, we\u2019ve made a name for ourselves as providers of fine American whiskeys fit for any occasion.<\/i><\/p>