For Day Seventeen of the 30 Days of Bourbon, I’m diving into a brand that’s relatively new but already making waves in the whiskey world — Hidden Barn. Originally founded in 2022 by Nate Winegar, Matt Dankher, Royce Neeley, and Jackie Zykan, Hidden Barn was created to focus on creating unique and high-quality bourbons. The name honors the ingenuity and tradition of the early whiskey makers who painted their barns black to hide signs of distilling during Prohibition. Today, the brand is solely owned by Royce Neeley, the Master Distiller at Neeley Family Distillery, but it continues to carry the deep involvement of Jackie Zykan, who plays a crucial role in shaping its future.
Jackie Zykan is well-known in the whiskey industry for her previous role as the Master Taster at Brown-Forman, where she was responsible for creating the Old Forester 117 and 150 series. Her expertise and innovative approach to blending have brought a new dimension to Hidden Barn. Now, with Royce giving her “the keys to the warehouse,” she has access to a wealth of barrels to craft one-of-a-kind releases. This collaboration between Jackie and Royce is setting the stage for Hidden Barn to become a significant player in the craft whiskey scene, with a focus on creating unique and high-quality expressions.
Today’s pour is a glimpse into this future: the Hidden Barn 7-Year-Old Double Barreled in French Oak. This bourbon is a blend of five barrels that were initially aged for five years in 24-month open-air seasoned barrels. It was then transferred into new, charred French oak casks for an additional two years. This double-barrel aging process adds a layer of complexity and richness to the whiskey, creating a distinct flavor profile.
Bottled at 109.4 proof (54.7% ABV), this non-chill filtered bourbon shows off a deep burnt umber color that’s inviting right from the start. On the nose, you’re met with rich aromas of chocolate and wild berries, with caramel and mint weaving in, and a unique, almost meaty black raisin jam quality. The palate doesn’t disappoint—it’s full-bodied and viscous, opening up with black raisins, figs, and toffee. As it develops, you get those warming notes of nutmeg, tobacco, and leather that add depth and complexity. The finish is a slow build, lingering long with a warm, drying sensation and hints of old leather, black pepper, bananas, caramel, and figs.
This release is more than just a one-time offering; it’s a signal of where Hidden Barn is headed. With Jackie’s blending expertise and Royce’s commitment to quality, we can expect to see many more innovative releases in the future. If you’re looking for something unique that pushes the boundaries of traditional bourbon, keep an eye out for Hidden Barn’s future offerings. They’re definitely worth watching.
Distiller: Neeley Family Distillery
Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 20% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Age: 7 Years (5 years in seasoned barrels, 2 years in new charred French oak)
Proof: 109.4 (54.7% ABV)
Availability: Limited release
