Old Commonwealth Distillery has introduced Colonel Randolph 16-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon, marking its third ultra-premium expression. This single barrel bourbon was selected by Gordon Hue, who played a significant role in reviving the Colonel Randolph brand in 1990. The whiskey is bottled at 106 proof and is produced using the same mashbill as Hue’s earlier release, featuring characteristics reminiscent of vintage whiskey.
The Colonel Randolph brand has a historical context, having previously been available only in Japan 35 years ago. It is set to return to American retailers in February as a limited release. Hue, while managing a spirits and wine retail chain in Ohio during the late 1980s, was involved in selling a large number of barrels sourced from a Pennsylvania distillery. He collaborated with Julian Van Winkle III to bottle these barrels, which were primarily released under the A.H. Hirsch label.
At that time, bourbon was not selling well in the United States, but there was significant demand from Japan. An importer, Nishimoto Trading, requested alternative labels for bourbon that would not compete with the high-end positioning of A.H. Hirsch. Hue identified the Colonel Randolph brand, which was registered to a known liquor distributor, the Leavitt family. After acquiring the brand, he ensured that the packaging met the meticulous standards of the Japanese market.
The Colonel Randolph 16 Year was initially produced using Pennsylvania whiskey, with shipments sent to Japan before demand decreased due to an economic downturn. Old Commonwealth Distillery aims to revive historical brands as premium whiskey offerings. Zachary Joseph, the president of operations, expressed satisfaction in partnering with Hue for this release, which was made possible by acquiring barrels from a notable heritage distiller that matched the original mashbill.
Hue conducted blind tastings to select the final barrel for the 2025 release, noting its balanced flavor profile, which includes sweet notes and a lengthy finish. He preferred the Colonel Randolph 16 over the A.H. Hirsch 16 Year, describing it as a more integrated and complete whiskey.
The Colonel Randolph 16 Year is classified as Kentucky Straight Bourbon, with undisclosed distillation details. It is aged for 16 years and has a proof of 106. The mashbill consists of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, and it is priced at $349. The tasting notes reveal a complex profile, featuring elements such as rich tannins, charred oak, and various sweet flavors, culminating in a finish that balances sweetness without being overly cloying.