Rabbit Hole’s latest release doesn’t shout for attention, but it definitely has presence. Adourra, the newest member of the Founder’s Collection, is a 9-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Armagnac casks and bottled at a confident 108 proof.
Named after the Adour River in France’s Armagnac region, this limited-edition whiskey blends Kentucky muscle with a splash of French polish. Founder Kaveh Zamanian has long leaned into creative cask finishes, but Adourra takes things a step further—channeling the oak-driven elegance of one of France’s oldest spirits into something distinctly American.
So, What’s the Big Deal with Armagnac Casks?
For starters, Armagnac isn’t your average brandy. It’s earthy, elegant, and often overlooked in favor of its flashier cousin Cognac. But what it lacks in PR, it makes up for in serious aging pedigree—especially thanks to the Solera method, a cascading system where older brandy casks are continuously refreshed with younger spirit. The result? Barrels that are layered with decades of deeply integrated aromas and complexity.
When Rabbit Hole bourbon rests in these seasoned casks, it takes on more than just flavor. The result is a deep amber whiskey with layered complexity, subtle warmth, and a long, smooth finish.
How Does It Fit Into Rabbit Hole’s Founder’s Collection?
Launched as a series of limited-edition releases, the Founder’s Collection serves as a creative playground —a place where traditional Kentucky bourbon meets unexpected influences from around the world.
Each expression in the collection starts with mature, high-quality whiskey, often aged for nearly a decade. But it’s the finishing casks that set these releases apart. Past bottles have included bourbons rested in rare sherry casks, French oak, and now, with the release of Adourra, Armagnac barrels from southern France. The goal isn’t novelty for novelty’s sake. Rather, the distillery uses the collection to explore how nuanced cask finishes can deepen complexity without overpowering the bourbon’s core character.
Bottled at cask strength and released in small batches, every Founder’s Collection bottle is individually numbered and presented in a custom-designed box. It’s not just about taste—it’s also about ritual and presentation. Whether you’re opening it for a special occasion or keeping it sealed on your shelf, the collection is made to feel rare and intentional.
Tasting Adourra: What to Expect
Rabbit Hole Adourra opens with a rich, aromatic nose layered with dried stone fruit, toasted almond, and delicate floral notes, underscored by hints of vanilla and spice from its time in Armagnac casks. On the palate, the 108-proof bourbon delivers a bold yet balanced profile—velvety in texture with flavors of caramelized sugar, dark cherry, and a subtle nuttiness that nods to its brandy-barrel finish. The mid-palate reveals a touch of leather and baking spice, giving way to a long, warming finish marked by oak tannin, gentle sweetness, and a lingering note of fig and cocoa. It’s a whiskey that marries Kentucky strength with French refinement in every sip.
Rabbit Hole recommends enjoying it neat (as do I), or with a touch of water to unlock deeper notes.
Packaging Worth Its Own Shelf
Adourra isn’t just designed to taste good—it’s designed to look good. Each bottle is individually numbered, sealed with a heavy gold cork, and arrives in a linen-wrapped gift carton complete with the founder’s debossed signature. It’s giving “I splurged, and it was worth it.”
Where to Get It
Rabbit Hole Adourra is available now at the Rabbit Hole Distillery and in select U.S. markets. Like other releases in the Founder’s Collection, it’s limited edition—which in whiskey terms is code for: you should probably move fast.