This series, which debuted in 2022 with Camp Nelson C, highlights the concept of whiskey “terroir,” by exploring how specific barrel resting places impact a whiskey’s final character. Each iteration features stocks drawn entirely from an individual rickhouse.
Built in the 1940s, the Camp Nelson Rickhouse F sits lower than its peers on the Camp Nelson grounds overlooking the Kentucky River. The airflow and wind currents coming off the river benefit the barrels aging inside, the company says, which are known to “breathe” more than most. For this reason, the rickhouse has long been a favorite in the distillery’s private barrel selection program.
For Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson F, Master Distiller Eddie Russell selected barrels from the rickhouse’s center cut — floors four and five — of the seven-story building.
“We knew we had big shoes to fill with our second Single Rickhouse release after our first bottling from Camp Nelson C,” says Russell. “I didn’t expect we’d release two Camp Nelson whiskeys back-to-back, but after just one sip from those Camp Nelson F barrels, I knew we had to bring this whiskey to our fans — it’s too special not to share. I like to think that Camp Nelson C mirrored my personal flavor preferences — more dessert-like with sweet notes of caramel, crème brûlée and toffee — and with Camp Nelson F, we’ve gone the opposite direction — big, bold, spicy and oaky, it takes on a different persona entirely. We’re really excited about this one, and hope everyone enjoys it as much as we do.”
Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson F is non-chill filtered, and comes bottled at cask strength at 117.6 proof. Like all Single Rickhouse releases, it aged for more than 10 years.
The result is aromas of oak, vanilla and cinnamon, which transition to notes of cherry, raisins and dates, the company reports. On the palate is clove and white pepper that give way to sweet notes of caramel, orange peel and dark fruits. The finish brings honey and baking spice that lead into tobacco and mature oak.