Dettling 1867 Cask Strength Bourbon 750ML is a barrel-proof, double-oaked bourbon bottled at 58% ABV (116 proof) in a 750ml bottle. What sets this expression apart is its unusual six-grain mashbill and an accidental double-oaking process that lends complexity rarely found in craft bourbon at this price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 58% (116 proof) | Origin: Atmore, Alabama, USA | Cask Strength / Double-Oaked | Distillery: Big Escambia Spirits

Production & Heritage

Big Escambia Spirits operates out of Atmore, Alabama, producing small-batch whiskey with a distinctly Southern identity. The 1867 Cask Strength expression uses a six-grain mashbill composed of heirloom corn, rye, oats, chocolate malted rye, caramel malted barley, and malted barley — a far more complex grain recipe than the typical bourbon three- or four-grain bill. During original aging, the first barrel leaked excessively, requiring the spirit to be transferred into a second new charred oak barrel after roughly one year, creating an unintentional double-oaking effect. The bourbon is bottled without dilution or chill filtration, preserving the full barrel-proof character. Because proof can vary slightly from barrel to barrel, 58% ABV represents a standard reference point rather than an absolute across every release.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich caramel and dark honey lead, followed by toasted oak and warm baking spice. A subtle undercurrent of vanilla and pipe tobacco adds depth as the bourbon opens up in the glass.

Taste: The entry is bold and sweet, with heirloom corn sweetness meeting butterscotch and a wave of charred oak. Mid-palate, chocolate malt and rye spice create a layered interplay, while hints of cherries and dark berries emerge. At full proof, the heat is substantial but well-integrated, carrying flavors typically associated with longer-aged whiskey — tobacco leaf, dried fruit, and caramelized sugar.

Finish: Long and warming, with toasted oak, baking spice, and lingering caramel that slowly fades into dry cocoa and a trace of stone fruit. A few drops of water open up softer butterscotch and amplify the fruit notes considerably.

How to Drink Dettling 1867

At 116 proof, this bourbon rewards patience. Start neat in a Glencairn or rocks glass, then add a few drops of water to unlock the butterscotch and stone fruit layers hiding beneath the barrel proof intensity. It also stands up exceptionally well in spirit-forward cocktails. An Old Fashioned lets the six-grain complexity shine through simple syrup and bitters. A Boulevardier benefits from the bourbon's bold oak and spice, which push through Campari and sweet vermouth without getting lost. A Gold Rush — bourbon, honey syrup, lemon — plays beautifully off the dark honey and caramel notes already present in the spirit.

Best For

Bourbon enthusiasts exploring craft distilleries beyond Kentucky
Barrel-proof fans seeking unusual mashbill complexity
Gifting to a whiskey collector who values small-batch and single-barrel releases
Side-by-side tastings comparing double-oaked expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dettling 1867 taste like? Dettling 1867 Cask Strength delivers bold caramel, toasted oak, and baking spice up front, with secondary notes of dark berries, pipe tobacco, and butterscotch. The six-grain mashbill gives it a layered complexity uncommon in standard bourbon profiles.

How does Dettling 1867 compare to Maker's Mark Cask Strength? Both are barrel-proof bourbons with prominent caramel and oak character, but Maker's Mark Cask Strength uses a wheat-forward mashbill that yields a softer, rounder texture. Dettling 1867 leans spicier and more grain-complex thanks to its six-grain recipe and double-oaking process.

Is Dettling 1867 good for sipping neat? Yes, though at 116 proof it benefits from a few minutes of rest in the glass or a small addition of water. Neat sipping reveals layers of caramel, oak, and tobacco that unfold gradually as the proof settles on the palate.

Where is Dettling 1867 made? Dettling 1867 Cask Strength Bourbon is produced by Big Escambia Spirits in Atmore, Alabama. The distillery is part of a growing wave of craft bourbon production outside traditional Kentucky strongholds.

What foods pair well with Dettling 1867? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the bourbon's oak and spice. Dark chocolate truffles mirror the cocoa and caramel notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère balances the sweetness with savory richness. Pecan pie echoes the dark honey and toasted nut character. Charred stone fruit desserts play off the bourbon's latent peach and apricot tones.

What sizes does Dettling 1867 come in? Dettling 1867 Cask Strength Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Dettling 1867 worth the price? Dettling 1867 positions as a craft-tier barrel-proof bourbon, competing in a segment where the six-grain mashbill and accidental double-oaking story provide genuine differentiation. For drinkers seeking something beyond mainstream cask strength options, it delivers notable complexity for its category.

Why Dettling 1867?

The six-grain mashbill alone places this bourbon in rare company — most American whiskeys rely on three or four grains, making the inclusion of oats, chocolate malted rye, and caramel malted barley a genuine point of distinction. The accidental double-oaking process, born from a practical barrel failure rather than marketing design, adds a layer of toasted oak and tannic structure that mimics longer aging. At barrel proof, every element of the grain bill and wood influence arrives undiminished, giving experienced drinkers a full-volume snapshot of what Big Escambia Spirits is producing in Alabama. For anyone building a bourbon collection that values originality over pedigree, this is a bottle that earns conversation.

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Dettling 1867 Cask Strength Bourbon 750ML