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. Rush 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.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Cherry cordial, vanilla bean, toasted oak, dark chocolate, leather-bound books
• Palate: Ripe cherries, caramel, black pepper, charred oak, honey drizzle, tobacco leaf
• Finish: Long — cherry pie spices, oak tannins, warming cinnamon, dark fruit compote

Product Details

Spirit Type	Curated Barrel Straight Whiskey
ABV	65.2% (130.4 Proof)
Volume	750ml
Age Statement	NAS (No Age Statement)
Distillery	Rush Creek Distilling
Region	Harvard, Illinois, USA
Barrel Number	18-56 "Cherry Bomb"
Style	Single Barrel Selection, Uncut & Unfiltered

Perfect For

• Neat Sipping: Experience the full intensity and character of this exceptional single barrel
• Whiskey Connoisseurs: Perfect for collectors seeking rare, unrepeatable expressions
• Special Occasions: Commemorate moments with a whiskey that captures a singular point in time
• Gift Giving: Present the adventurous whiskey lover with something truly unique

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rush Creek Cherry Bomb taste like?

Rush 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.

Should I add water to this cask strength whiskey?

This 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.

Is this whiskey good for cocktails?

While 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.

What makes this single barrel special?

This 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.

How does Rush Creek compare to other Illinois whiskeys?

Rush 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.

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