Colonel Randolph 16 Year Bourbon: A Legacy Revived

For enthusiasts, few releases in 2025 are as anticipated as Colonel Randolph 16 Year Bourbon. This ultra-premium Kentucky straight bourbon, personally selected by industry veteran Gordon Hue, brings back a label with deep historical roots. Originally a Japan-only release in the late 1980s, this long-lost bourbon is finally returning to the American market, offering collectors and connoisseurs a chance to savor its exceptional complexity. Set to launch in February 2025, this single-barrel selection from Old Commonwealth Distillery promises an unforgettable drinking experience at 106 proof—a bold yet refined statement of vintage craftsmanship.

Colonel Randolph 16 Year Bourbon has a storied past that dates back to a time when Gordon Hue, then overseeing an Ohio-based spirits and wine retail chain, stumbled upon a large cache of barrels from a Pennsylvania distillery. Partnering with Julian Van Winkle III, Hue bottled 766 barrels of that whiskey under what would later become the legendary A.H. Hirsch label. However, he also set aside a special selection for a new brand—Colonel Randolph 16 Year—which was sent exclusively to Japan in limited quantities, totaling just over 50 cases. Unfortunately, when the Japanese economy collapsed in 1991, demand for premium bourbon plummeted, and Colonel Randolph 16 Year Bourbon faded into obscurity.

Now, in 2025, the revival of Colonel Randolph 16 Year is the result of meticulous curation. The Old Commonwealth Distillery team sought out a rare stock of 16-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon, crafted by a respected heritage distiller, and put it through a rigorous blind selection process. Hue himself tasted each barrel at various proofs, comparing them directly against the original A.H. Hirsch 16 Year. His ultimate choice? The new release of Colonel Randolph 16 Year Bourbon, which he confidently claims captures the soul of the legendary Pennsylvania-distilled original.

Tasting Colonel Randolph 16 Year Bourbon is an exercise in appreciating balance, depth, and old-school bourbon character. The nose is rich with tannins, charred oak, cinnamon, honey, and dusty brown sugar, complemented by notes of toffee, coffee cake, almond butter, and vanilla. The palate delivers layers of baking chocolate, cherry syrup, candied peaches, and pecan pie, all carried by a velvety mouthfeel. Despite the 106-proof strength, it drinks smoother than expected, allowing the nuanced flavors to unfold gracefully. The finish is long and deeply satisfying, dominated by dark chocolate, before tapering off with a delicate touch of maraschino cherry.

With a mashbill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, Colonel Randolph 16 Year Bourbon is a quintessential Kentucky straight bourbon that balances sweet, spicy, and oaky elements to perfection. Set at a suggested retail price of $349, it is positioned as a collector’s item and a must-have for serious bourbon aficionados. The exclusive online VIP sale begins on February 6, 2025, at 11 AM EST.

For those who appreciate heritage bourbon with a deep connection to whiskey history, Colonel Randolph 16 Year represents both a rare opportunity and a nostalgic return. This single-barrel selection delivers a drinking experience that bridges past and present, reminding us that Old Commonwealth Distillery is committed to craftsmanship, authenticity, and excellence.

About The Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

See author's posts