The influence of Brazilian Amburana wood on spirits has been gaining attention in recent years, and with good reason. RD1 brings this exotic finish to a Kentucky straight bourbon, bottled at a confident 55% ABV with a retail price of $79.99. The result is something quite remarkable — a whiskey that leans heavily into dessert territory whilst retaining genuine bourbon character.
Appearance
A honey colour with a slight orange tint — attractive in the glass without being particularly unusual for a finished bourbon.
Nose
This smells, quite unmistakably, of cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting and caramel. The Amburana influence is immediate and dominant — sweet cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, and pastry notes create an aroma that is as inviting as any bakery window. It is dessert in a glass before you have taken a single sip.
Palate
A dry, warming cinnamon arrives up front, followed by nutmeg, clove, and brown sugar. The transition is seamless — lingering fresh cinnamon with a hint of oak and caramel. I would note, however, that adding water skewed the balance in a way I found less appealing. The cinnamon persisted, but something unpleasant emerged beneath it. This is a bourbon best enjoyed neat.
Finish
The cinnamon carries through with oak and caramel providing support. It is a finish that reminds you, pleasantly, of exactly what you have just tasted.
Verdict
I am a genuine admirer of what Amburana brings to spirits, and this is a fantastic sipper. If cinnamon and whiskey together appeal to you, I would recommend this without reservation. I did make rather a good whiskey sour with it, though I would hesitate to use it regularly for that purpose — a cheaper whiskey with some allspice dram would achieve comparable results in cocktails. Where this bourbon truly shines is neat, where that extraordinary cinnamon character can be fully appreciated. One hopes RD1 can maintain their Amburana supply, because this deserves to remain in production. A perfect 10.
