ORPHAN BARREL FANGED PURSUIT
17 YEAR KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
KENTUCKY, USA
Why Buy: Orphan Barrel has earned its reputation through relentless exploration, combing through Kentucky's most storied rickhouses in search of forgotten treasures. Its latest discovery, Fanged Pursuit, exemplifies why bourbon enthusiasts have come to trust these master hunters: a non-chill filtered 17-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon that speaks of patience and precision, developed over nearly two decades in charred American oak. A bourbon to cherish, and while away the hours with.
What They're Saying: Recent Orphan Barrel releases have garnered significant praise from bourbon authorities. The Bourbon Finder lauded the Rhetoric 24 Year Old for its “supple mouthfeel” and a “medium to long finish that’s a flavor wheel of fun,” while Bourbon Culture hailed the Lost Prophet 22 Year Old as “decadent and rich."
Our Tasting Notes: I keep coming back to how this bourbon reveals itself in stages – each nosing brings something new to discover. At first, it's all about those deep waves of vanilla and red cherry, but give it time and there's this fascinating thread of wild honey that emerges, adding brightness to the deeper aromas. The palate is where Fanged Pursuit really shows its distinctive character. That first sip delivers toasted oak and orchard fruits with remarkable clarity, then transforms into something more complex as warming spices begin to surface. What captivates me most is how the texture evolves – there's this gorgeous viscosity that comes from the non-chill filtering, allowing every note to unfold with remarkable presence. After several tastings, I'm convinced the patient aging has created something special here. The finish is particularly compelling – it doesn't rush away but lingers deliberately, giving you time to parse each note as it develops.
The Story: In the quiet corners of Kentucky's bourbon country, some of the most remarkable spirits rest in patient obscurity. Orphan Barrel has built its name on finding these forgotten treasures, giving voice to barrels that might otherwise never see the light of day. Fanged Pursuit represents its first venture into non-chill filtered bourbon, allowing the spirit's natural oils and esters to remain, preserving its full depth of character. Named for Kentucky's solitary hunter, the bobcat, this bourbon embodies that same patient persistence – waiting in the shadows until the perfect moment reveals itself.
The Method: Each barrel of Fanged Pursuit aged for seventeen years in charred American oak, developing its distinctive character in Kentucky's seasonal temperature shifts. By skipping the chill filtration process, Orphan Barrel preserves the bourbon's natural complexity and mouthfeel, resulting in a more robust expression of its time in wood.
ABV: 46% (92 proof).
Fun Fact: Kentucky bobcats, the inspiration for Fanged Pursuit's name, are known for their solitary nature and remarkable patience – they've been observed waiting motionless for hours to secure the perfect opportunity for a successful hunt.
Our Guarantee: As always, we buy and source only from the distillery, to ensure that your bottles arrive with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!