Rush Creek Distilling's Curated Barrel Cherry Bomb is a single barrel straight whiskey bottled at cask strength 130.4 proof, representing the distillery's most exceptional reserves from Northern Illinois. This unfiltered, uncut expression from Barrel No. 18-56 captures the raw intensity and unique character that can only come from a single cask, delivering an authentic craft spirit experience in its unaltered form.

Founded in Harvard, Illinois, Rush Creek Distilling has built its reputation on uncompromising quality and the artisan's pursuit of exceptional single barrel selections. Their Curated Barrel series represents the pinnacle of their craft, with each barrel hand-picked from their most prized reserves. The "Cherry Bomb" designation speaks to the explosive character contained within this particular cask, where time, wood, and spirit have converged to create something truly distinctive. This is whiskey-making as it was meant to be—honest, bold, and uncompromising.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich cherry cordial, vanilla bean, toasted oak char, dark honey, subtle spice cabinet warmth
• Palate: Bold cherry bomb intensity, caramelized brown sugar, leather, black pepper heat, concentrated grain sweetness
• Finish: Long and warming, with lingering cherry tartness, oak tannins, and a pleasant burn that showcases the high proof

Product Details

Perfect For

• Whiskey Collectors: Single barrel selections with unique barrel designations for serious enthusiasts
• Cask Strength Exploration: Experiencing the full intensity of uncut, unfiltered American whiskey
• Special Occasions: Celebrating moments that demand something truly exceptional and unrepeatable
• Craft Distillery Supporters: Supporting innovative American craft distilling from the heartland

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rush Creek Cherry Bomb taste like?

Rush Creek Cherry Bomb delivers bold cherry and vanilla flavors with intense heat from its 130.4 proof bottling. The single barrel character brings concentrated grain sweetness, caramelized sugar, and leather notes, finishing with cherry tartness and warming oak tannins that showcase its cask strength nature.

Should I add water to this high-proof whiskey?

At 130.4 proof, Cherry Bomb benefits from a few drops of water to open up its complex flavors, though many cask strength enthusiasts prefer it neat to experience its full intensity. Start with small amounts of water and adjust to your palate preference—this whiskey rewards both approaches.

What makes this single barrel special?

This Cherry Bomb expression represents a unique moment in time from Barrel No. 18-56, hand-selected from Rush Creek's most exceptional reserves. Being uncut and unfiltered preserves all the individual character developed in that specific cask, meaning this exact flavor profile can never be replicated once the barrel is emptied.

Is this good for cocktails or best enjoyed neat?

While Cherry Bomb's high proof makes it excellent for bold cocktails that won't dilute its character, this single barrel selection is best appreciated neat or with a splash of water. Its rarity and distinctive barrel character make it more suited for sipping than mixing, allowing you to experience the full craftsmanship.

How does this compare to other craft whiskeys?

Rush Creek's Cherry Bomb stands out among craft whiskeys for its uncompromising cask strength bottling and single barrel character from Northern Illinois. For fans of high-proof American whiskeys like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Old Ezra 7 Year Barrel Strength, this offers a unique Midwest perspective on bold, unfiltered whiskey-making.

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