{"title":"Rush Creek Distilling","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"rush-creek-cherry-bomb-single-barrel-straight-whiskey-cask-strength","title":"Rush Creek Cherry Bomb Single Barrel Straight Whiskey Cask Strength","description":"The afternoon sun streams through the windows of Rush Creek's barrel house in Harvard, Illinois, casting amber light across rows of slumbering casks. Among them sits barrel 18-56, nicknamed \"Cherry Bomb\" — a single vessel that would become something extraordinary. This is Rush Creek Distilling Curated Barrel Cherry Bomb Single Barrel Selection, a 130.4-proof straight whiskey bottled uncut and unfiltered, preserving every ounce of intensity that developed within this individual cask.\n\nRush Creek Distilling represents the artisan spirit of Northern Illinois, where master distillers hand-select only the most exceptional barrels for their elite Curated series. Each single barrel tells its own story, shaped by the unique interplay of grain, wood, and time. This Cherry Bomb selection embodies their philosophy of authentic craft — no shortcuts, no compromises, just pure whiskey expression as nature and the barrel intended.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cherry cordial, vanilla bean, toasted oak, dark chocolate, leather-bound books\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe cherries, caramel, black pepper, charred oak, honey drizzle, tobacco leaf\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long — cherry pie spices, oak tannins, warming cinnamon, dark fruit compote\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpirit Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCurated Barrel Straight Whiskey\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eABV\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e65.2% (130.4 Proof)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVolume\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e750ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAge Statement\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNAS (No Age Statement)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDistillery\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRush Creek Distilling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRegion\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHarvard, Illinois, USA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBarrel Number\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18-56 \"Cherry Bomb\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStyle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle Barrel Selection, Uncut \u0026amp; Unfiltered\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNeat Sipping:\u003c\/strong\u003e Experience the full intensity and character of this exceptional single barrel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhiskey Connoisseurs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perfect for collectors seeking rare, unrepeatable expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Occasions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Commemorate moments with a whiskey that captures a singular point in time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGift Giving:\u003c\/strong\u003e Present the adventurous whiskey lover with something truly unique\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does Rush Creek Cherry Bomb taste like?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRush Creek Cherry Bomb delivers an intense cherry-forward profile with rich vanilla, caramel, and oak at 130.4 proof. The nose opens with cherry cordial and dark chocolate, while the palate explodes with ripe cherries, honey, and warming spices. The long finish showcases cherry pie spices and oak tannins that linger beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShould I add water to this cask strength whiskey?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 130.4-proof whiskey can be enjoyed neat for the full intensity experience, or with a few drops of water to open up additional flavors. Start neat, then gradually add small amounts of room temperature water until you find your preferred drinking strength. The high proof allows you to customize the experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs this whiskey good for cocktails?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Rush Creek Cherry Bomb excels when sipped neat or with a splash of water, its high proof and unique single barrel character make it exceptional in spirit-forward cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Manhattans. However, given its rarity and distinctive profile, it's best appreciated on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat makes this single barrel special?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis whiskey represents barrel 18-56, hand-selected by Rush Creek's master distiller and nicknamed \"Cherry Bomb\" for its exceptional character. Bottled uncut and unfiltered, it preserves the exact flavor profile that developed in this specific cask — a combination that can never be replicated once the barrel is emptied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does Rush Creek compare to other Illinois whiskeys?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRush Creek represents the emerging craft distilling scene in Northern Illinois, focusing on small-batch, artisanal production methods. Their Curated series emphasizes single barrel selections and unfiltered expressions, setting them apart from larger producers with their commitment to preserving each barrel's unique character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rush Creek Distilling","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43322011156554,"sku":"RCCBSBSWCS","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/6095\/7258\/files\/front_27613e5b-7efb-413b-b250-a8503084573a.jpg?v=1771346976"},{"product_id":"rush-creek-curated-barrel-straight-whiskey-cherry-bomb","title":"Rush Creek Curated Barrel Straight Whiskey Cherry Bomb","description":"\u003cp\u003eRush Creek Curated Barrel Straight Whiskey is an elite single barrel selection from Northern Illinois, bottled uncut and unfiltered to preserve the raw intensity and unique character of barrel 18-56. This \"Cherry Bomb\" expression represents the pinnacle of Rush Creek's craft, hand-picked from their most exceptional reserves and bottled at cask strength to capture every nuance developed within the wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the rolling prairie lands of Harvard, Illinois, Rush Creek Distilling has built its reputation on uncompromising quality and authentic craft spirit production. Their Curated Barrel series represents a singular moment in time, where each individual cask tells its own story through years of patient aging. This particular barrel, lovingly nicknamed \"Cherry Bomb,\" showcases the bold character that emerges when Illinois grain meets charred American oak in the fluctuating seasons of Northern Illinois.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright cherry cordial, vanilla bean, toasted oak, brown butter, hint of baking spice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cherry bomb intensity, caramel richness, peppery rye spice, dark chocolate, honeyed grain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and warming with lingering cherry sweetness, oak tannins, gentle heat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpirit Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCurated Barrel Straight Whiskey\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVolume\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e750ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAge Statement\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo Age Statement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDistillery\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRush Creek Distilling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRegion\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHarvard, Illinois, USA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBarrel Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle Barrel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBarrel Number\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18-56\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBottling\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUncut and Unfiltered\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNeat Sipping:\u003c\/strong\u003e Experience the full intensity and complexity of this cask strength expression\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhiskey Collectors:\u003c\/strong\u003e A unique single barrel that can never be replicated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCraft Spirit Enthusiasts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Authentic Illinois whiskey showcasing regional terroir\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Occasions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mark memorable moments with this exceptional single barrel selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does Rush Creek Curated Barrel Straight Whiskey taste like?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis whiskey delivers bold cherry bomb flavors with vanilla, caramel, and oak complexity. The uncut and unfiltered bottling preserves intense fruit-forward notes balanced by warming spice and rich grain character developed in Northern Illinois' climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Rush Creek Curated Barrel good for cocktails?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile this cask strength single barrel can be used in cocktails, it's best appreciated neat or with a splash of water to unlock its complex flavors. The high proof and unique barrel character make it ideal for sipping rather than mixing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow should I drink Rush Creek Curated Barrel Whiskey?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe neat in a Glencairn glass at room temperature to appreciate the full complexity. Add a few drops of water if desired to open up the flavors and tame the cask strength heat. Allow it to breathe for a few minutes before tasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat makes Rush Creek Curated Barrel special?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Curated Barrel is hand-selected from Rush Creek's most exceptional reserves and represents a singular moment in time. Bottled uncut and unfiltered, it preserves the raw intensity and unique character developed in that specific barrel, making it unrepeatable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Rush Creek Curated Barrel worth the investment?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor collectors and craft whiskey enthusiasts, this single barrel selection offers exceptional value. The uncut, unfiltered bottling and unique barrel character provide an authentic taste of Illinois craft distilling that showcases true artisanal quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rush Creek Distilling","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43325101670474,"sku":"RCCBSWCB","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/6095\/7258\/files\/label_1_98e8ca16-1b09-41fb-a552-587bfaa506aa.jpg?v=1771429400"}],"url":"https:\/\/theoldrickhouse.com\/collections\/rush-creek-distilling.oembed","provider":"The Old Rickhouse","version":"1.0","type":"link"}