High Bank dropped their first barrel proof bourbon across their Columbus restaurant locations, and I managed to snag a bottle of Batch 001. At 120.2 proof, this 6-year minimum aged bourbon brings serious heat alongside classic leather and tobacco notes that make it worth seeking out. As of Jan 16, 2026, it’s available only at High Bank’s three Columbus locations, with OHLQ distribution expected soon.
Quick Take
| Profile: Sweet caramel and corn backbone with leather, tobacco, and warming spice |
| Proof Management: Hot but not offensive at 120.2°, opens beautifully with water |
| Standout Feature: Rich leather and tobacco finish that bourbon lovers crave |
| Best For: High-proof bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate traditional flavors |
| Watch Out: Limited availability and that proof will bite newcomers |
A Morning Release Worth the Hunt
There’s something special about being among the first to try a distillery’s new release, especially when it’s their inaugural barrel proof offering. High Bank has been building their reputation in Columbus through their restaurant locations, and this morning’s release of their Barrel Proof Bourbon felt like a milestone moment. Getting my hands on a bottle from Batch 001 meant I could experience this whiskey exactly as the distillery intended – no dilution, no compromises, just pure barrel strength bourbon.
About High Bank’s Barrel Proof Process
High Bank bottles this bourbon at full barrel strength using a small batch approach, blending just 10 barrels for each release. With an average age statement of six years minimum, they’re letting the whiskey develop proper depth before bottling. The limited quantities mean each batch represents a specific moment in time from their aging program, making bottles like this Batch 001 particularly interesting for bourbon collectors and enthusiasts.
Appearance and Color
In the glass, this bourbon shows a beautiful copper color that catches the light nicely. The legs are slow and thick, exactly what you’d expect from a 120.2 proof whiskey. That viscosity promises the oily mouthfeel that delivers on the palate – this isn’t a thin, hot whiskey but something with real body and substance.
Nose
The nose opens with classic caramel and oak notes that feel familiar and welcoming. At this proof, you might expect more alcohol burn to dominate, but the aromatics come through clearly. High Bank’s official tasting notes mention caramel buttercream and dried donut on the nose, and after reading those, I can absolutely pick up those sweeter bakery elements alongside the oak foundation.
Tasting Notes
The palate delivers exactly what I love in a good bourbon: corn sweetness providing the base, with caramel and vanilla adding richness, while cinnamon brings warming spice. But the real stars here are the leather and tobacco notes that develop as the whiskey sits on your tongue. These aren’t subtle background players – they’re front and center, giving this bourbon a mature, traditional character that speaks to serious aging and careful barrel selection.
The official notes describe maple pecan pancakes on the palate, and with a few drops of water, those breakfast flavors become more apparent. The sweetness rounds out, and the spice elements integrate more smoothly, making the overall experience more approachable while maintaining that distinctive character.
Neat vs. With Water
Neat, this bourbon brings serious heat at 120.2 proof, but it’s not unbearable or offensive. The alcohol integration is good enough that you can taste through the proof to appreciate the underlying flavors. However, adding just a few drops of water transforms the experience entirely. The heat becomes more manageable, the sweetness becomes more pronounced, and those maple and pecan notes that High Bank describes become much more apparent. Both approaches work, but water definitely opens up more complexity.
Finish
The finish provides a warm, medium-length conclusion with leather and tobacco taking center stage. It’s exactly the kind of finish that makes you want another sip – substantial enough to linger but not so intense that it overwhelms. High Bank’s notes mention sugared cornflakes, nutmeg, and oak on the finish, and those grain and spice elements do show up alongside the leather and tobacco that dominated my initial tasting.
Who Should Buy This
This bourbon is perfect for high-proof bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate traditional flavors like leather and tobacco. If you’re someone who enjoys the intensity of barrel strength whiskey and can handle 120+ proof, this delivers excellent value and character. It’s also ideal for bourbon collectors interested in trying a new distillery’s flagship barrel proof offering, especially from a growing Ohio operation.
However, this isn’t a beginner-friendly bourbon. The proof alone will be challenging for newcomers, and the leather and tobacco notes might be too intense for those who prefer lighter, fruitier profiles. If you typically add mixers to your bourbon or prefer lower-proof options, this probably isn’t your bottle.
Where to Buy
Currently, High Bank Barrel Proof Bourbon is only available at High Bank’s three Columbus restaurant locations. Based on the distillery’s information, OHLQ (Ohio Liquor) distribution is expected in the near future, which will make it more widely available throughout Ohio. Given that this is Batch 001 and produced in limited quantities from just 10 barrels, availability will likely remain limited even with broader distribution.
For exact locations and availability, check our distillery directory for High Bank’s [Columbus locations placeholder link]. If you’re not in Ohio, you’ll need to wait and see if they expand distribution beyond state lines as production increases.
FAQ
What does barrel proof mean?
Barrel proof (also called cask strength) means the bourbon is bottled directly from the barrel without adding water to reduce the alcohol content. This preserves the whiskey exactly as it aged, typically resulting in proof levels between 100-130°.
How should I drink high-proof bourbon?
Start by sipping it neat to experience the full intensity, then experiment with adding a few drops of water. The water will open up more flavors and reduce the heat. Ice works too, but water gives you more control over dilution.
Is High Bank Barrel Proof good for beginners?
No, at 120.2 proof with intense leather and tobacco notes, this is better suited for experienced bourbon drinkers. New whiskey drinkers should start with lower-proof options and work their way up.
What foods pair well with barrel proof bourbon?
The rich, intense flavorsshould work excellently with dark chocolate, grilled meats, aged cheeses, and cigars. The leather and tobacco notes complement smoky, savory flavors particularly well.
How much does High Bank Barrel Proof cost?
This bottle is priced for excellent value at $59.99.
Final Verdict
High Bank’s first barrel proof release delivers exactly what bourbon enthusiasts want: authentic flavors, proper proof, and the kind of leather and tobacco notes that separate good bourbon from great bourbon. At 120.2 proof, it brings serious heat but remains drinkable and complex. The limited availability makes this a bottle worth seeking out if you’re in Ohio and love high-proof bourbon. This earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars – a strong debut that suggests High Bank’s barrel proof program has serious potential as they continue releasing future batches.
