Rock Hill Farms bourbon is a single barrel Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 100 proof and produced by Buffalo Trace using the higher rye Mashbill No. 2 family that also includes Blantons and Elmer T Lee. The brand is named for farmland along the Kentucky River and is known for classic flavor, elegant packaging, and limited releases. Many buyers cite MSRP near sixty dollars, though real shelf prices and secondary market numbers are often much higher due to allocation and demand.
Rock Hill Farms bourbon draws strong interest because it blends vanilla and caramel with rye spice, offers a 100 proof frame, and comes in a decanter style bottle that stands out on the bar. It sits within Buffalo Trace’s sought Mashbill No. 2 line and historically filled the 100 proof slot among its peers. For enthusiasts seeking a balanced, higher proof single barrel from this mash family, Rock Hill Farms is a worthy target when priced fairly.
Rock Hill Farms Bourbon Overview
Rock Hill Farms is a straight bourbon from Buffalo Trace, bottled at 100 proof with no age statement and drawn from the higher rye Mashbill No. 2 recipe. Exact grain percentages are not published, but the profile is known for rye lift over corn sweetness. As a single barrel product, flavor can shift from bottle to bottle, which is part of the appeal and challenge for buyers comparing notes and releases.
Availability remains tight and allocation driven, which pushes shelf prices far beyond typical list price in many regions. That scarcity helped the bourbon earn a cult reputation within Mashbill No. 2, even though official brand details are minimal compared with other labels. Many collectors and casual drinkers seek it for the proof point, single barrel status, and shared DNA with other fan favorites from the same recipe group.
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
Common notes reported by reviewers include vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, and baking spice on the nose, with apple or cherry accents and a layer of oak that fits the 100 proof frame. On the palate, many find maple, caramel apple, honey, and cocoa tones, with rye spice rising in the finish alongside cinnamon and clove. Texture often reads creamy for the proof with a clean finish, which keeps it versatile neat or with a small splash of water.
Single barrel variation means not all bottles show the same depth. Some will feel lighter, while standout barrels bring extra complexity and layered spice. When judged close to list pricing, many tasters view the profile as a strong value at 100 proof. At inflated retail or secondary pricing, value shifts toward other bourbons that are easier to find.
Mash Bill, Distillery Context, and Place in the Lineup
Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill No. 2 is considered the higher rye bourbon recipe relative to Mashbill No. 1. Several single barrel labels use Mashbill No. 2, and the differences come from proof, barrel selection, and warehouse aging. Rock Hill Farms is the 100 proof expression in this family for the US market, while Blantons standard US release is 93 proof and Elmer T Lee is 90 proof. With broader US availability of Blantons Gold at 103 proof, that expression now sits slightly higher in proof than Rock Hill Farms.
The brand has limited official web presence, which adds to its mystique. Distribution is tight and allocation driven, so buyers often depend on retailer alerts, store lists, and community updates to time purchases. For fans building a Mashbill No. 2 vertical, Rock Hill Farms adds proof variety and a distinct presentation that rounds out the set.
Price, Availability, and How to Buy Smart
List price is often cited near sixty dollars, but shelf price is commonly higher because the label is allocated and sporadic. Secondary prices can run several multiples of list and change with the season. Setting a clear price ceiling helps avoid regret purchases. Practical steps include building store relationships, joining notification lists, and checking shop calendars if traveling to Kentucky, while keeping expectations realistic.
If premiums stretch too far, consider quality alternatives in the same proof range that are easier to obtain and priced closer to list. Sampling a pour at a reputable bar before buying helps confirm fit with personal taste, especially given single barrel variation. To free budget for a fair bottle, use simple planning tools on home projects to avoid over ordering and wasted spend.
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Rock Hill Farms vs Blantons and Elmer T Lee
All three share Mashbill No. 2 and the single barrel format, but proof and selection differ. Rock Hill Farms at 100 proof often shows more spice and finish length than standard US Blantons at 93 proof and more punch than Elmer T Lee at 90 proof. With Blantons Gold at 103 proof available in the US, that label sits slightly higher in proof, though the family profile remains similar.
Side by side, Rock Hill Farms often reads a touch darker with brown sugar and baking spice, while Blantons Gold leans a bit richer and fruit driven. Availability may drive purchase decisions as much as flavor. The best pick is often the one found near list price with solid store provenance. For a high rye single barrel experience at 100 proof, Rock Hill Farms is compelling when priced fairly.
How To Enjoy Rock Hill Farms Bourbon
Neat in a Glencairn or small tulip glass opens vanilla, caramel, and orchard fruit on the nose, with 100 proof keeping aromas lively without sharp heat for most palates. A few drops of water can pull forward toasted sugar and soften rye spice on the finish. On a large cube, some spice and fruit may mute, so taste neat first to set a baseline.
Food pairing works best with dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and aged cheddar, which highlight oak and caramel without overpowering the mid palate. In cocktails, use spirit forward builds so the single barrel character shines. A measured Old Fashioned with careful dilution is a reliable choice that keeps proof structure intact while balancing sweetness and bitters.
Is Rock Hill Farms Bourbon Worth It Today
Near list price, Rock Hill Farms is often a strong buy for fans of Mashbill No. 2 who want a balanced 100 proof single barrel with classic notes and a clean finish. At steep markups, value becomes less clear compared with more available 100 proof options that match depth and price. For collectors seeking the family set or the 100 proof slot, Rock Hill Farms earns a place when pricing feels reasonable.
Given ongoing demand, patience and a clear budget ceiling are the best strategies. Try a bar pour for confirmation before buying if pricing is high. Treat it as a high rye single barrel experience with heritage appeal and the potential for standout barrels rather than a guaranteed step up in every case.
Buying, Storage, and Collecting Tips
Buy from reputable retailers with clear shipping policies, age verification, and fair return terms. Be cautious with offers far below prevailing street prices. Store bottles upright in a cool, dark place and avoid wide temperature swings. For open bottles kept long term, consider an inert gas spray once the fill drops below the shoulder to slow oxidation.
Keep packaging and receipts if collecting or trading is part of the plan and focus on trusted channels to reduce authenticity concerns. If visiting Kentucky, check daily gift shop calendars for potential availability but expect limited inventory that moves quickly. Some buyers log single barrel codes and purchase dates to track experiences over time, even though official bottling details are limited.