Rambling Spirit "The Beautiful and the Damned" is a 10-year-old straight bourbon whiskey from Indiana's Cardinal Spirits, bottled at cask strength 115.4 proof from a single barrel (Cask No. 09). This high-rye bourbon features a 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley mash bill, delivering bold spice and complexity in every sip.

Part of the Single Cask Series, this expression captures the artistry of Cardinal Spirits' Indiana distillery and the curatorial vision of Lost Generation Bottling in Bloomington. Each bottle tells a story of patient aging and careful barrel selection, with the poetic name drawing inspiration from literary heritage and the rambling spirit of American whiskey making.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Charred oak, baking spices, vanilla bean, dried orange peel, leather-bound books
• Palate: Cinnamon bark, caramelized brown sugar, toasted almonds, black pepper, dark chocolate
• Finish: Long and warming with lingering rye spice, oak tannins, and hints of tobacco leaf

Product Details

Perfect For

• Neat Sipping: Experience the full complexity of this cask-strength single barrel bourbon
• Whiskey Collectors: Limited single cask release with unique literary inspiration
• Evening Contemplation: Perfect companion for quiet moments and deep conversations
• Special Occasions: Celebrate milestones with this distinctive Indiana straight bourbon

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rambling Spirit Beautiful and the Damned taste like?

This high-rye bourbon delivers bold spice upfront with cinnamon bark and black pepper, balanced by rich caramelized brown sugar and vanilla. The 36% rye content creates a spicy backbone while the 10-year aging adds depth through charred oak and leather notes. At cask strength, it's intense and warming with a long, satisfying finish.

Should I drink this bourbon neat or with water?

At 115.4 proof, this cask-strength bourbon benefits from a few drops of water to open up the complex flavors. Start neat to experience the full intensity, then add small amounts of water to find your preferred balance. The high proof allows you to customize the drinking experience to your taste.

What makes this different from other Indiana bourbons?

This single cask expression showcases Cardinal Spirits' high-rye mash bill at cask strength, offering more spice and complexity than typical Indiana bourbons. The literary-inspired name and companion playlist create a unique sensory experience, while the single barrel bottling ensures each release has distinct character traits.

Is this bourbon worth the investment for collectors?

Yes, this represents excellent value for single cask bourbon collectors. The 10-year age statement, cask strength bottling, and limited single barrel nature make it a distinctive addition to any collection. Indiana bourbon continues to gain recognition, and Cardinal Spirits' quality distillation adds to its collectible appeal.

How does the high rye content affect the flavor?

The 36% rye content creates a spicier, more complex flavor profile compared to wheated or low-rye bourbons. You'll taste more baking spices, cinnamon, and black pepper, with a drier finish that balances the corn's natural sweetness. This makes it appealing to rye whiskey fans and bourbon drinkers seeking more complexity.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.