This 1942 Old Hillsboro Bourbon was distilled by the Bernheim Distilling Co. which was bought by Schenley in ’37. This particular bourbon was distilled around 1937 at RD #1 which was their Warwick distillery (formerly Old Times). This is back when RD (Registered Distillery) was used instead of the more modern DSP (Distilled Spirits Plant). Though what’s really cool about this is it being a private bottling for someone living in North Hollywood, CA!
Close inspection of the label shows that this 1942 Old Hillsboro Bourbon was bottled for Rudolph L. Reina in North Hollywood, CA which is fascinating if you think about it. Someone liked this whiskey so much, or had a generous friend, that they bought enough of this for Bernheim to bottle it and make custom labels for them. For whatever reason they never drank this particular bottle and now 70 years later I’m helping to finish what they started… how cool is that?
1942 Old Hillsboro Bourbon Info
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Bernheim Distilling Co.
Mashbill: Corn, Rye, Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 5 Years
ABV: 50%
Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller
1942 Old Hillsboro Bourbon Review
EYE
Copper
NOSE
Butterscotch, dark fruit, oak, toasted nuts, acetone, earthiness, nutmeg, vanilla and anise.
PALATE
OBE, oak, soap, nutmeg, butterscotch, nuts, vanilla, citrus, honey and allspice.
FINISH
Medium drawl of butterscotch, OBE, spice, oak and soap.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Good balance, medium body and a soft feel that fades out dry and tannic.
OVERALL
1942 Old Hillsboro Bourbon is not amazing, but it’s far from poor. After a while of being aired out notes of honey and allspice arrive on the palate and bits of hazelnut on the nose. It’s not an overly exciting whisky, but it is a fun whisky for sure and it’s only major downfall is the soap. If that didn’t appear, which unfortunately it often does in older bourbon, this would be a strong B+ contender.
SCORE: 85/100 (B)
