What Does Small Batch Bourbon Mean?
For those asking “what does small batch bourbon mean?”, the answer begins with selection. Small batch bourbon is made by blending a limited number of barrels chosen for balance, harmony, and character. Unlike mass-produced blends, which emphasize uniformity, small batch expressions offer consistency without sacrificing nuance.
This approach creates a bourbon that feels intentional. Every barrel that goes into the batch is selected to contribute to a layered flavor experience.
What Is a Single Barrel Bourbon?
If small batch is about balance, single barrel is about individuality. What is a single barrel bourbon? It is whiskey drawn entirely from one cask, bottled on its own without blending. This makes each barrel a unique snapshot of the aging process, influenced by warehouse placement, wood grain, and time.
Single barrel bourbon appeals to those who want exclusivity and discovery in every pour. No two barrels taste exactly alike, and that unpredictability is part of the intrigue.
Is Single Barrel Bourbon Better?
It is natural to wonder, “is single barrel bourbon better?” The truth is that “better” depends on what you value. Small batch offers consistency with a crafted balance of flavors. Single barrel highlights individuality, giving each bottle its own personality. Both styles reward careful craftsmanship, but they express it differently.
The Forbidden Approach
At Forbidden, we see both styles as opportunities to push flavor forward. Our Small Batch Select is built from carefully chosen barrels that highlight the smooth, velvety influence of white wheat, the layered sweetness of white corn, and the depth of barley. It is a bourbon designed for balance yet still alive with detail.
Our Single Barrel Bourbon captures the other side of the spectrum. Each barrel is chosen for its individuality, showcasing unique notes of caramel, spice, fruit, or oak that cannot be replicated in another cask. It is bourbon in its most unfiltered form.
Why the Difference Matters
The distinction between small batch and single barrel is not just technical. It reflects two philosophies of craft: one prioritizes balance and control, the other celebrates uniqueness and risk.
At Forbidden, we believe both approaches deserve attention. By elevating grain quality, guiding fermentation and distillation with precision, and tailoring barrels to our mash bill, we ensure that whether blended or bottled from a single cask, the final bourbon carries unmistakable personality.
In a crowded market, the choice is not about which style is better. It is about recognizing how both can express craftsmanship in bold and meaningful ways.
