First introduced in 2000 by Paul Joseph of CVI Brands, Black Maple Hill was never a distillery, yet it quickly became one of bourbon’s most talked-about sourced labels. Early releases produced by Julian Van Winkle III—widely believed to include wheated bourbon from the famed Stitzel-Weller distillery—cemented its mystique among collectors. Bottling later moved to Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (2009–2014), where well-aged Kentucky stocks, including releases up to 22 years old, deepened its cult following.

As mature Kentucky inventory tightened, production shifted to Oregon in 2014, marking a departure from the Kentucky profile that defined its early acclaim. Through each transition, Black Maple Hill retained its reputation as a distinctive and influential name in modern bourbon history.

Today, Rare Character is returning Black Maple Hill to its spiritual home in Kentucky—honoring the heritage that first made it a cult favorite among bourbon enthusiasts. The revival centers on a renewed dedication to sourcing premium Kentucky whiskey, reconnecting the brand with the profile that built its reputation. The initial phase introduces two core expressions: a Kentucky Straight Bourbon at 95 proof, as originally bottled, and a 16-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon at 95 proof, crafted from rare, long-aged Kentucky stocks. Together, these expressions signal a deliberate step back toward the quality and identity that made Black Maple Hill a sought-after name in the first place.