YOU’RE TRACKING

Cask #004

TIME UNTIL BOTTLING
9
Months
1
Days

You’re stepping into a historic moment - the very first Bourbon Cask Co-Op, created in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company. Years of patience, oak, and time are finally ready to reveal what they’ve been crafting all along.

Cask coop

Cask’s journey chapters

Chapter 1
October 2019 - November 2025
You joined your whiskey’s journey

Every whiskey begins as a clear, grain-distilled spirit called new make. Understanding this raw form is key to appreciating its full journey.

Includes: A 1.5 oz vial of new make bourbon from the same mash billl

Chapter 2
January 2026
Glass
First feedback on your bourbon

Get an early read from the distillers on how your barrel is evolving. This stage sets the tone for its final year of maturation.

Includes: Progress update from the distillers

Chapter 3
March 2026
Understanding strength & proof

Learn what cask strength is, how proofing works, and how your distiller will shape the final flavor through expert techniques.

Includes: Education update on proofing process

Chapter 4
May 2026
Your first aged sample

Taste how far your bourbon has come - experience your first real sip of what time, oak, patience, and expert craft have created.

Includes: 2× 1.5 oz vials of aging bourbon from your cask

Chapter 5
June 2026
Voting on the cask finish

Explore different finishing casks and vote on which one your bourbon enters next, directly shaping its unique final character.

Includes: Voting rights on finishing cask

Chapter 6
October 2026
It’s your Bourbon bottling time

The final stretch is here. Customize the label before your 6YO bourbon ships. Learn how it’s bottled and when to expect it on your doorstep.

Includes: Label customization, bottling and shipping info

Chapter 7
November 2026
Hand
Unlocks November

After years of aging, your two bottles of 6YO bourbon are finally ready. One to open, one to keep - each filled with whiskey that exists nowhere else.

Includes: 2× 750 ml bottles of your 6YO bourbon

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The First of Its Kind

Chapter content

This is where history begins - the very first Bourbon Cask Co-Op, born in Bardstown, Kentucky, and crafted in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company. It’s a milestone for our community and a tribute to the birthplace of Bourbon itself.

Made from a bold, high-rye recipe and aged in new charred American oak, it’s already showing depth, color, and that unmistakable Kentucky character. This isn’t just another barrel - it’s the start of a legacy, bottled one cask at a time.

Inside our warehouse:

Chapter content
Avg. Temperature:
65°F
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Avg. Humidity:
55%
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Avg. Angel’s Share:
2,8%

Meet your private whiskey guides

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What is
New make
Unaged bourbon - straight from the still and not yet touched by oak. It’s clear, high-proof, and bursting with warm corn sweetness and raw grain power.
What is
Fresh fill
Newly distilled bourbon poured into a new charred oak barrel to begin aging. Bright, high-proof, and brimming with the promise of vanilla, caramel, and time.
What is
Mash bill
The grain recipe used to make Bourbon. By law, it must be at least 51% corn - the source of its signature sweetness - balanced by rye or wheat for spice and malted barley for depth.
What is
Mash bill balance
The mash bill defines Bourbon’s character — more rye brings bold spice, more wheat adds softness and warmth. It’s the precise balance of grains that gives each Bourbon its soul.
What is
Barrel entry proof
The spirit’s strength when it hits the cask. Higher proof pulls more from the oak, lower proof brings a gentler touch. It shapes everything that follows.
Now
It’s time to taste!
You’ve met us, learned where your bourbon comes from, and picked up the basics. Now comes the best part - your first try.
Joe & Steve
TAKE THE FIRST SIP
Chapter content

Ready to taste?

This isn’t just any pour - it’s history in a glass. The very first Bourbon Cask Co-Op. So take a breath, slow down, and be in the moment. Before we talk flavor and finish - do you have your vial ready, glass in hand, and a moment to take it all in?

Chapter content

Take a sip and return to where your Bourbon story began

Before barrels, before time - this is how your Bourbon’s story began. This new make is raw, powerful, and brimming with potential. No oak yet, no aging influence - just pure grain, fire, and craft, captured at the very start of something historic.

Sticker
From still to glass, this is your first true taste of what Rye really is.
Border

What did you taste?

Every new make tells a different story. What stood out to you in your first sip?

Keeper’s feedback:

You’re picking up the Bourbon in a formative moment, where grain sweetness, spice, and early oak are coming into focus. Whether it leaned cereal-sweet, softly fruity, or carried a touch of heat, this is the core character taking shape. The foundation is set. Now the barrel gets to refine it in the final stretch.

How your cask is developing

FIRE IN THE WOOD
FIRE IN THE WOOD

The deeply charred American oak has given your Bourbon its backbone. Early layers of caramelized sugar, toasted vanilla, and warm baking spice have formed, laying a rich, Kentucky-classic foundation for what’s to come.

SEASONS AT WORK
SEASONS AT WORK

With every rise and fall in temperature, the spirit has moved through the staves, drawing out color, sweetness, and structure. What began as youthful energy is now evolving into a more balanced, expressive profile.

OAK’S EMBRACE
OAK’S EMBRACE

Time in barrel has softened the sharper edges. Tannins are smoothing out the grain, shaping a rounder mouthfeel and bringing forward notes of honeyed oak, soft spice, and gentle warmth.

MATURITY IN MOTION
MATURITY IN MOTION

Now, your Bourbon isn’t just aging - it’s refining. These final years in the cask are about polish and precision, layering depth and elegance before it’s ready to meet the bottle.

Inside our warehouse:

Chapter content
Avg. Temperature:
60°F
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Avg. Humidity:
56%
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Avg. Angel’s Share:
2,9%

Impressions after aging

This Bourbon is showing its age in the best possible way. The oak has brought depth and structure, while the spirit itself still shines through. The edges have rounded beautifully, the spice is now fully integrated, and the wood is carrying everything in harmony. What once felt bold and energetic has matured into something balanced, steady, and refined - a whiskey with calm strength and quiet confidence as it moves toward its final chapter.

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What is
Flavor integration
When a spirit starts to mature, the flavors begin to blend smoothly. No harsh notes, no flavor dominating. That balance? It’s called integration.
What is
What is tannin?
Tannins are natural compounds in oak. They add structure, a dry touch on the finish, and help round out sharp flavors over time.
What is
Barrel breathing
Barrels aren’t airtight. As temperatures change, the spirit expands into the wood and then pulls back out, drawing color and flavor in a cycle known as “barrel breathing“.
What is
Flavor layering
The grain recipe sets the tone. More rye brings spice, while more corn adds sweetness. That balance defines the Rye’s core personality.
What is
Micro-shift
The spirit’s strength when it hits the cask. Higher proof pulls more from the oak, lower proof brings a gentler touch. It shapes everything that follows.
The patience of
Seven years
You won't see fireworks in month two—and honestly, not even in year two. But after seven years of quiet transformation, the real show is about to begin. Every subtle cue the spirit has picked up over these years is now converging, ready to define its grand finale. We've nurtured it this far, and now we approach crucial last year.
Joe & Steve
SEE WHY THE LITTLE THINGS MATTER

Why small changes matter

Chapter content

Maturation doesn’t happen in dramatic moments - it happens quietly, day by day. A little more color, a softer edge, a deeper warmth. Over time, your Bourbon has absorbed countless subtle shifts, each one layering nuance, balance, and character into the spirit.

In whiskey, it’s these small changes that shape the final pour. Compared to other barrels at this stage, your cask is showing slightly richer sweetness, smoother integration, and an earlier sense of harmony. A sign that time and oak are working together beautifully - and that something truly special is taking form.

Border

What stuck with you in this chapter?

You’ve just peeked inside the barrel—literally. Which part of this chapter left the biggest impression on you?

Keeper’s feedback:

If it seems like a lot of quiet magic’s happening behind the scenes… you’re right. These are the building blocks of boldness. They may not shout but they never miss.

Proof in progress

Chapter content

Your Rye has aged beautifully. Now it’s time to talk strength. This is where we start thinking about how much power the final pour will pack.

Right now, your spirit is still at cask strength - untouched, uncut, and bold. From here, it’s up to your distillers to decide how (and if) they’ll proof it down.

What’s happening inside the barrel? The alcohol is slowly shifting, evaporating slightly, mingling deeper with the oak, and becoming more refined. You’re no longer just aging, you’re preparing for the finish line.

Inside our warehouse:

Chapter content
Avg. Temperature:
65°F
Chapter content
Avg. Humidity:
54%
Chapter content
Avg. Angel’s Share:
2,7%

Even small shifts in humidity, can lower the spirit’s strength. That’s why the environment matters more than ever.

News from your distillers

People always ask why we don’t just bottle everything at cask strength. The truth? Not every whiskey benefits from staying that bold. At full proof, some notes can overpower others. Too much heat, not enough nuance.That’s where proofing comes in. A few drops of water can open up the spirit, mellow the sharp edges, and let hidden flavors shine through. It’s not about watering it down, it’s about letting the whiskey breathe and find balance.

People always ask why we don’t just bottle everything at cask strength. The truth? Not every whiskey benefits from staying that bold. At full proof, some notes can overpower others. Too much heat, not enough nuance.

That’s where proofing comes in. A few drops of water can open up the spirit, mellow the sharp edges, and let hidden flavors shine through. It’s not about watering it down, it’s about letting the whiskey breathe and find balance.

smartass title
What is
Proof?
A measure of alcohol strength. In the U.S., proof is twice the ABV (alcohol by volume). So 120 proof = 60% ABV.
What is
Proofing?
The process of adding water to lower alcohol content. It softens the burn and can open up flavors.
What is
The sweet spot?
The ideal strength where flavor, mouthfeel, and aroma come into perfect balance. Not too hot, not too soft - just right.
What is
Cask strength?
Whiskey straight from the barrel - no water added. Pure, high-proof, and full of character.
Why not
Always bottle at cask strengths?
Not every spirit shines at full power. Proofing helps control balance, mouthfeel, and drinkability.
What
Cask strength really means
It’s not just about high ABV. It’s how bold your whiskey feels, how intense the flavor hits, and how much of the barrel shows through.
WHAT ABOUT MY RYE

What cask strength really means to your Rye

Chapter content

You’ve tasted your Rye in its rawest form, as New Make. What comes next is a whole new beast: straight from the barrel, uncut, and matured. This is cask strength.

Every cask strength pour is different. The barrel, the climate, and the grain all play a role. That’s why this stage is key: we’re watching, measuring, and preparing to decide how strong your Rye should stay.

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What’s your style?

When it comes to whiskey strength, what do you usually go for?

Keeper’s feedback:

No wrong answers here. Some folks want full fire, others want finesse. That’s why we’re taking our time to get the strength just right.

You’ll get the chance to taste how we did in the next chapter, when you receive new samples straight from the cask.

Want in on the next cask?

Don’t miss your chance to join the Cask Co-Op Collective!
Explore the rest of the rack:
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Bottling:
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Cask #001
3 MONTHS UNTIL BOTTLING
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MAY 2018
Bottling:
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Cask #002
4 MONTHS UNTIL BOTTLING
Distilled
MAY 2018
Bottling:
JUNE 2026
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Cask #003
5 MONTHS UNTIL BOTTLING
Distilled
MAY 2018
Bottling:
JULY 2026
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Cask #005
11 MONTHS UNTIL BOTTLING
Distilled
DECEMBER 2020
Bottling:
JANUARY 2027
Bottom tag

Got Questions?

What is this page?

This is your dashboard for tracking the progress of your Cask Co-Op cask. From warehouse updates to flavor evolution, this is where your whiskey journey unfolds.

What will I find here?

You’ll find regular updates on your cask’s aging process, tasting milestones, behind-the-scenes content, and more. It's also where we'll share key dates, progress chapters, and interactive opportunities like voting on the cask finish.

How often is this page updated?

We update the page whenever there’s meaningful progress with your cask—such as a new aging milestone, tasting sample, or important production decision. Expect updates every few months.

Will I be notified when there’s a new update?

Yes! We’ll send you an email whenever there’s a major update or new content available on the page—so you’re always in the loop.

When will I get my shipments?

  • Month 1: Welcome kit + new-make spirit
  • Month 6: 2 vials from the aging cask
  • Month 12: Final delivery—2 full-size bottles of 6YO Bourbon

Will I be notified before my whiskey is shipped?

Yes. Before each shipment—whether it’s a sample vial or your final bottles—we’ll email you to confirm your shipping address. You’ll have time to make any updates if needed. Once your package is on the way, we’ll follow up with tracking info.

Will my bottles be numbered?

Yes. Each of your two 8YO Rye bottles will be individually numbered for authenticity and traceability. They’re exclusive to your Collective and your cask.

What do I get with the included Flaviar Black Membership?

Your Flaviar Black membership unlocks an elevated experience for serious spirits lovers, including:

  • Up to 40% off full-size bottles and special pricing on Tasting Boxes
  • Free shipping on select products
  • Early access to limited releases—like Flaviar Originals, presales, and exclusive collabs
  • Access to the world's most exceptional spirits inside The Vault

It’s everything you’d expect from a premium membership, included at no extra cost.

Can I cancel or get a refund after joining the Collective?

You can cancel your order and get a full refund within 3 days of purchase—no questions asked.

After that, we’re unable to offer refunds or cancellations due to the limited nature of the product and the personalized elements involved—each spot in the Collective is reserved just for you, and once the journey begins, your cask is already in motion.

What if I need to change my address?

No worries—just reach out to our customer support team and we’ll get things sorted for you.

What exactly did I purchase when I joined the Collective?

Participation in this cask co-ownership program represents a pre-order of the specified items. By joining, you acknowledged that you are purchasing the right to receive the outlined products, which will be delivered within a 12-month period. This is not a financial investment or security, and does not confer any legal ownership of the cask or its contents beyond the agreed-upon final goods.

Do you deliver where I live? 

Currently, our services are available in all US states, except AL, AK, AR, DE, HI, MS, SD, UT, and WV.

Our services are currently unavailable in Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and overseas US military bases.

Furthermore, our vendors are unable to ship to PO Boxes, APO/FPO/DPO (AE/AP/AA) addresses, courier depots, and mail forwarding services.

What sets Flaviar apart as a unique whiskey club?

Flaviar has a wealth of experience with over 12 years in the industry and hundreds of thousands of satisfied members worldwide.

We leverage our industry connections to provide our members with excellent deals on popular brands and grant them exclusive access to collectible, rare, and hard-to-find spirits.