For Day Twelve of the 30 Days of Bourbon, I’m diving into a bourbon that’s not just finished in any rye barrel—it’s finished in a barrel from the Leopold Brothers’ Three-Chamber Rye. And while I can’t drink a rye (officially) for this challenge, I think I’ve found a way to sneak a taste of that iconic rye through this bourbon finish.
Let’s start with Leopold Brothers, a Denver-based distillery founded by brothers Todd and Scott Leopold. What sets them apart is their meticulous approach to traditional distillation methods, using local ingredients and taking cues from historic practices. Todd Leopold, the mastermind behind much of the distillery’s unique techniques, has a passion for bringing back almost forgotten methods of making whiskey. He’s a visionary distiller who isn’t afraid to dive deep into the history books, as seen with their groundbreaking Three-Chamber Rye.
The Three-Chamber Still is where the magic happens. This still, which dates back to the 1800s, was almost lost to history until Todd resurrected it. It’s a rare piece of equipment that creates a different, richer rye whiskey by allowing the grains to interact more thoroughly with the copper, capturing oils and flavors that are often stripped away in more modern column stills. The Leopold Brothers Three-Chamber Rye is a rye whiskey like no other—rich, bold, and deeply flavorful. And now, they’re taking that same attention to detail and applying it to their bourbon by finishing it in barrels previously used for their Three-Chamber Rye.
Now, onto my pour. Leopold Brothers 8-Year Bourbon, finished in one of those unique rye barrels, blends the smooth richness of aged bourbon with the spice and complexity of a rye finish. On the nose, you get hints of dried fruit, caramel, and just a subtle touch of rye spice creeping in. The palate opens up with classic bourbon notes of vanilla, oak, and brown sugar, but the rye barrel adds an extra layer—think pepper, clove, and a whisper of herbal bitterness. The finish is long and warming, with those rye spices lingering on the back of your palate, reminding you of the still it came from.
Leopold Brothers is celebrating their 25th anniversary this October, and if you haven’t had the chance to explore what they’re doing yet, now is the perfect time. While they are best known for their whiskey, they also produce a wide variety of spirits, including their famous fruit cordials and liqueurs, which showcase the same dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Todd’s commitment to traditional methods and historical equipment means every sip is a taste of whiskey’s past, with a modern twist. Whether it’s their rye, bourbon, or fruit cordials, their bottles are worth seeking out. You won’t be disappointed.
Distiller: Leopold Brothers
Mash Bill: 65% corn, 15% rye, 20% Leopold Bros. Floor Malt
Age: 8 years
Barrel Finish: Finished in a Three-Chamber Rye barrel
Proof: 108.4 (54.2% ABV)
Availability: Limited release
