RABBIT HOLE RACEKING LIMITED EDITION 6 YEAR
KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
WHY BUY:
Two of the best things in life are bourbon and chocolate. And Rabbit Hole brings them together annually with its limited edition Kentucky Derby release, Raceking — the latest edition of which has pulled off a kind of alchemical magic. Made from a 5-grain mashbill that includes chocolate malted wheat and chocolate malted barley (alas, there’s no actual chocolate in the mix; the descriptor refers to the character it takes on in the roasting process), and aged for six years in new American oak, this is a singular and indulgent bottling, utterly unique in the world of bourbon, and as irresistible a pour as any we've had the privilege of sitting and lingering with. And at under $95, this is a bottle that you surely don’t want to miss on.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
Critics have been effusive about Rabbit Hole's annual Derby releases, with the Robb Report (“a resounding success”), Whiskey Wash (“excellent”) and Maxim (“an undeniable palate pleaser”) all lauding previous editions.
OUR TASTING NOTES:
Maybe the most impressive aspect of this excellent and memorable bourbon is that it could easily have gone overboard into dessert territory. But Rabbit Hole shows admirable discipline. This is chocolate done right, integrated rather than dumped in. Start with the nose, in which sherry notes, rich and resonant, arrive first, followed by traces of caramel and cherry, and, to prime you for what comes next, a touch of cocoa. On the palate, raisins and currants take charge initially, with cherries and almond soon asserting themselves. The chocolate influence shows up not as artificial sweetness but as cocoa and espresso. Sophisticated and controlled, evocative but not over-the-top. The finish is light with a touch of dryness that keeps the experience from veering into the cloying.
THE STORY:
In 2012, psychologist Kaveh Zamanian made what might seem a lark of a leap when he decided to "go down the rabbit hole" and found a distillery whose name pays honor to his obsession. But this wasn't just another entry into the crowded bourbon market. Zamanian was seized with a bold idea: to create modern whiskeys that would challenge convention and, just maybe, redefine what premium American whiskey could be. While most distilleries focus on traditional methods, Rabbit Hole approaches bourbon-making with scientific precision and culinary artistry. Their grain cooking process treats each ingredient with the attention a chef might give to a fine dish. Their innovative mash bills push beyond conventional recipes to create distinctive flavor profiles. The Raceking, with its chocolate malted wheat and chocolate malted barley, exemplifies Zamanian's eagerness to experiment. As with all Rabbit Hole releases, it pays deep respect to the tradition of bourbon while refusing to be bound by its assumptions.
THE MASHBILL:
70% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley, 4% chocolate malted wheat, 3% chocolate malted barley.
ABV:
47.5% (95 proof).
WHAT TO PAIR IT WITH:
As you might guess, this is a bourbon that is all but crying out for dark chocolate desserts, from flourless chocolate cake to chocolate pot de crème, or even just a few squares of 70% dark chocolate. But don't overlook the possibilities in going for more savory applications: the roasted coffee notes in here will make a marvelous match with espresso-rubbed steak or mole-braised short ribs.
FUN FACT:
Zamanian was living an entirely different life when he fell hard for a Louisville native … and fell hard at the same time for bourbon. He abandoned a thriving career as a clinical psychologist and went "all in" — falling down a rabbit hole of exploration and testing to create something truly original in an industry where 90% of bourbon comes from just a handful of distillers. His lovestruck venture is our gain.
OUR GUARANTEE:
As always, we only buy and source directly from the distillery to ensure that your bottles arrive with perfect provenance. With limited production and previous Derby releases selling out in days, secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2026. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer not valid in DC, GA, KS, MI, NC, NE, NY, TN, VA, & WA. This offer will expire on Thursday, February 11, 2026.