An Orchard in a Glass: Black Button Single Barrel Apple Brandy Finished Bourbon

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, our passion extends beyond the hallowed rickhouses of Kentucky to the innovative craft distilleries redefining American whiskey. We seek out bottles that tell a story of local ingredients, meticulous craftsmanship, and creative vision. In the vibrant landscape of craft spirits, Black Button Bourbon stands out with its commitment to grain-to-glass production, and their Single Barrel Apple Brandy Finished Bourbon is a stunning example of their artistry—a rare bourbon that marries the soul of Kentucky with the heart of a New York orchard.
This isn’t just another bourbon whiskey; it’s a harmonious fusion of two classic American spirits. For the discerning drinker seeking a straight bourbon whiskey with a uniquely autumnal and approachable twist, this single barrel bourbon offers a sophisticated and memorable tasting experience that celebrates the best of craft distillation.
The Craft Distiller’s Ethos: The Black Button Story
To fully appreciate this bourbon, one must first understand the philosophy behind Black Button. Founded in Rochester, New York, by Jason Barrett, Black Button Distilling is a testament to the grain-to-glass movement. They are involved in every step of the process, from selecting the grains to the final bottling, ensuring an unparalleled level of quality and character in their spirits.
This hands-on approach is the antithesis of large-scale production and is what defines the best small batch bourbon. The Single Barrel Apple Brandy Finished Bourbon is a perfect embodiment of this ethos. It starts with their core bourbon—a straight bourbon made from locally sourced grains—and elevates it through a finishing process that utilizes their own expertly crafted apple brandy. When you purchase Black Button Bourbon, you’re not just buying a spirit; you’re supporting a story of local agriculture and artisan passion.
The Finishing Touch: A Symphony of Two Spirits
The magic of this expression lies in its innovative finishing process. Unlike a standard Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that derives all its character from new charred oak, this bourbon undergoes a secondary maturation that unlocks new dimensions of flavor.
After reaching maturity, this single barrel bourbon is transferred into casks that previously held Black Button’s own apple brandy. This secondary rest allows the bourbon to interact with the apple-infused wood, absorbing the delicate fruit notes and subtle sweetness of the brandy without losing its foundational bourbon character. This meticulous process creates a small batch bourbon of remarkable balance, making each barrel a unique contender for the best barrell bourbon batch for those who appreciate nuanced, finished whiskeys.
Tasting Notes: An Autumnal Embrace
Tasting the Black Button Single Barrel Apple Brandy Finished Bourbon is like a walk through an orchard at harvest time. It’s a spirit that is both comforting and complex, with a profile that is entirely its own.
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On the Nose: The aroma is an immediate and inviting blend of two worlds. The sweet, familiar scents of caramel, vanilla, and oak from the bourbon base are present, but they are beautifully complemented by the bright, fruity notes of baked apple, ripe pear, and a hint of brown sugar. There’s a delicate floral honey character that ties the bouquet together, creating a nose that is both rich and refreshing.
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On the Palate: The first sip is remarkably smooth and approachable. The mouthfeel is soft and coating. The initial flavor is a delightful burst of apple pie filling—warm baked apples, cinnamon, and a touch of pastry crust. This is seamlessly woven into the backbone of the bourbon, which provides a sturdy structure of toffee, toasted nuts, and a very gentle, peppery spice. The apple brandy influence is pronounced but never cloying, enhancing the bourbon’s natural sweetness rather than overpowering it.
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The Finish: The finish is medium in length, warm, and clean. It lingers with fading notes of spiced apple, a touch of oak, and a final, satisfying hint of honeyed vanilla. It’s a finish that is both festive and sophisticated, leaving a lasting impression of its unique character.
Bourbon Basics & How This Fits In
To hit your broader keyword strategy, it’s smart to give some context. Here’s how you can weave in comparisons and educational content:
Bourbon vs Whiskey
All bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbons. Bourbon must meet specific legal criteria (at least 51% corn, new charred oak aging, no added flavoring or coloring). This Black Button expression qualifies as a straight bourbon (aged at least two years, no additives).
Straight Bourbon / Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Because this whiskey is aged appropriately and doesn’t use additives, it carries the straight bourbon designation. This helps you use keywords like straight bourbon whiskey and straight bourbon in your copy legitimately.
Single Barrel Bourbon
This is truly a single barrel bourbon, meaning each release comes from a single cask, not a blend of barrels. That gives each bottle its own character, and it also adds collectible appeal.
Small Batch Bourbon
While this expression is not a “small batch” in the traditional sense of merging several barrels, Black Button is a craft distillery, so many of their expressions (especially limited finishes) are treated with the care and exclusivity typical of bourbon whiskey small batch releases.
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey / American Kentucky Whiskey
Although many of your keywords refer to Kentucky bourbon, emphasize that this Black Button finish is not a Kentucky straight bourbon — it’s a New York / craft offering. But you can position it in context: “while Kentucky continues to be the benchmark for bourbon, distillers across the U.S. (including Black Button) are expanding the frontier of American whiskey.” That lets you still use those comparative keywords like American Kentucky whiskey or Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey in contrast.
Black Button in the World of Craft Bourbon
For those curious about the nuances of bourbon vs whiskey, this bottle is a perfect case study. It begins its life as a classic straight bourbon but the apple brandy finishing places it in an innovative category that pushes the boundaries of the spirit.
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Craft vs. Legacy: While major bourbon whiskey brands offer consistency, craft distilleries like Black Button offer creativity and a distinct sense of place. This expression is a direct reflection of New York’s apple country.
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Single Barrel Uniqueness: As a single barrel bourbon, each bottle offers a slightly different experience, a testament to the unique personality of each individual cask. This makes the hunt for your favorite barrel a personal and engaging journey.
Market Position & Collectibility
Because of its unusual finishing, limited nature, and single barrel status, this is a rare bourbon that can deserve a premium. Some key selling angles:
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It’s a limited release, so quantities are small.
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Given its novel finishing with apple brandy barrels, it appeals to whiskey lovers who enjoy cask-finished or hybrid styles.
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It offers a storytelling edge: apple barrel finishing, single barrel status, craft distillery provenance.
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Pricing in secondary/retail markets is elevated: for instance, one listing shows it priced around $192.99 for 750 mL.
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Another listing from BarCartatalog shows a price of $150 (plus shipping).
Frame it as a “special occasion” or “collector’s bottle” in your store’s lineup.
Why This Apple Brandy Bourbon is a Connoisseur’s Choice
The Black Button Single Barrel Apple Brandy Finished Bourbon has earned a dedicated following for several key reasons:
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Innovative Profile: It successfully combines two beloved spirits into a harmonious and delicious whole, offering a tasting experience that is both unique and accessible.
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Craft Provenance: Its grain-to-glass story and use of local ingredients appeals to drinkers who value authenticity and supporting small businesses.
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Limited Availability: As a single barrel release from a smaller distillery, it is inherently a rare bourbon compared to mass-produced labels.
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Versatile Pour: Its approachable and fruity profile makes it an excellent choice for sipping neat, and it creates incredible seasonal cocktails.
How to Find This Artisan Gem
While Black Button’s distribution is growing, finding a specific Single Barrel pick can still be a challenge for those searching for bourbon for sale near me. This is where Rare Finds Liquor Store provides a distinct advantage.
We are your best place to buy bourbon online, offering a curated selection that includes standout craft spirits like this Black Button Bourbon. Our platform makes it simple and secure to buy bourbon whiskey online, delivering this celebrated expression directly to your door, no matter where you are.
The Final Verdict: A Perfect Harmony of Orchard and Barrel
Black Button Single Barrel Apple Brandy Finished Bourbon is more than a spirit; it is a celebration of craft and creativity. It is a smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced bourbon that showcases how thoughtful finishing can elevate a great base spirit into something extraordinary. It is the perfect acquisition for the craft spirit enthusiast, for the bourbon drinker looking for a unique, fruit-forward pour, and for anyone who wants to taste the result of true passion in a bottle.
It is a delicious proof that great American whiskey can come from any corner of the country.
Taste the Fusion of Bourbon and Orchard.
Discover the unique character of this artisan masterpiece. Browse our curated collection at Rare Finds Liquor Store, where we bring the best of American craft directly to you.
Visit our website to buy bourbon online and secure your bottle of Black Button Single Barrel Apple Brandy Finished Bourbon. Experience the innovative flavor of a true craft whiskey original.




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