Small Batch vs Single Barrel Whiskey
Small batch and single barrel whiskey are common labels, but they don’t always mean what they suggest. Single barrel is straightforward, bottled from one barrel with no blending. Small batch, however, is more ambiguous. Since there’s no legal definition, distilleries use the term however they see fit. Some blend just a few barrels, while others mix hundreds and still call it small batch.
The difference comes down to consistency versus individuality. Small batch whiskey is blended to create a balanced, curated flavor. While single barrel whiskey is a one-of-a-kind expression, shaped entirely by how that specific barrel aged.
What Does “Small Batch” Really Mean?
The phrase small batch is widely used in the bourbon industry, but without strict regulations, its meaning varies. Master Distiller, Jeff Duckhorn explains: “It’s a pretty empty term for me as it’s used by large distilleries blending thousands of barrels together and calling it small batch.”
At Redwood Empire, we could use this loose term on all of our products, but instead, we choose to only feature it on our Lost Monarch American Whiskey as we blend together 100 barrels of Rye and Bourbon together for each bottling. This hands-on approach means that every batch is distinct, shaped by careful barrel selection, blending choices, and aging conditions.
This craft bourbon-rye blend that crafts a balance of sweetness and spice. As Bourbon Bossman describes it:
“With great flavors of rye spice, fruitiness, and sweet classic bourbon notes, this is a very crushable, low-proof, yet flavorful bourye that I could sip any time of the year!”
This balance of aged bourbon and rye reflects the depth and complexity that small batch blending can achieve.
What is Single Barrel Whiskey?
Single barrel whiskey is bottled directly from one aged barrel with no blending involved, making it one of the purest forms of whiskey. Because each barrel can age differently, single barrel releases across the same whiskey can be unique. Even within the same distillery, one barrel may develop deep caramel and vanilla notes, while another barrel from the same batch might lean more into spice or oak. There is no effort to smooth out differences in single barrel whiskey. Instead, the goal is to showcase the distinctive character of each barrel, letting the natural aging process and barrel conditions determine the final flavor.
Why Whiskey Enthusiasts Seek Out Single Barrel Bottles
- Unpredictable and unique: No two barrels are exactly alike, as each barrel develops its own profile.
- Higher proof, more concentrated flavors: Many single barrels are bottled at cask strength, meaning they are not diluted after aging.
- Highly collectible: Whiskey enthusiasts seek out single barrels for their one-of-a-kind expressions.
Redwood Empire’s Haystack Needle Single Barrel Whiskey
Aged in a cool, foggy climate, Haystack Needle Single Barrel Whiskey is a prime example of what makes single barrel whiskey special. Each release tells its own story, shaped by time and the barrel itself. Some barrels develop rich layers of dark fruit and caramelized sugar, while others lean into toasted oak and warm spice.
Whiskey writer Nick Anderson of Amongst the Whiskey highlights how Haystack Needle Rye captures the essence of its origins:
“Pine needles, wintergreen, funky oak, and lemon pepper come together in a cohesive, dashing, and daring assemblage of realistic outdoor scents. I find myself amongst the trees with this pour—somewhere I long to be on these drawn-out winter nights, barred in by frigid winds and quiet desolation. A good whiskey has the power to transport; this is one such glass.”
Whether you prefer the curated balance of small batch whiskey or the unpredictable, raw character of single barrel, the best way to decide is to experience them side by side.