Rare Character Announces the Return of Black Maple Hill: Restoring a Legend to Its Kentucky Roots
Rare Character proudly announces the official reintroduction of Black Maple Hill, 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—honoring the heritage that first made it a cult favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.
“Black Maple Hill has always occupied a singular, almost mythical place in the bourbon world,” said Peter Nevenglosky, co-founder of Rare Character Whiskey Co. “For 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’re not simply reviving a name—we’re restoring the identity that helped shape the modern bourbon conversation.”
The Enigmatic History of Black Maple Hill
First introduced in 2000 by Paul Joseph of CVI Brands, Black Maple Hill was never a distillery, yet it quickly became one of bourbon’s most talked-about sourced labels. Early releases produced by Julian Van Winkle III—widely believed to include wheated bourbon from the famed Stitzel-Weller distillery—cemented its mystique among collectors. Bottling later moved to Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (2009–2014), 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.
