Declaration Bourbon 750ml is a 108-proof (54% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon aged in rare Chinquapin oak barrels, bottled in a 750ml format. Produced under the Michter's Distillery umbrella as Bomberger's Declaration, this small-batch release earned an A grade from Drinkhacker, anchored by its distinctive barrel program that separates it from the wider bourbon field.Quick Facts: ABV: 54% (108 proof) | Origin: Kentucky, USA | Kentucky Straight Bourbon | Distillery: Michter's (Bomberger's)Production & HeritageThe Bomberger's name traces back to one of America's oldest distilling operations in Pennsylvania, a legacy now carried forward by Michter's in Kentucky. Declaration Bourbon uses an estimated mashbill of 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley, with recent releases incorporating malted rye into the grain bill. What truly distinguishes this expression is its maturation in Chinquapin oak barrels — a bolder, more tannic cousin of standard American white oak — that are naturally air-dried for over 36 months before being toasted and charred. This extended seasoning and unique wood species impart a deeper, more layered character than conventional bourbon aging.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with dark fruit and burnt sugar, followed by roasted nuts and rich caramel. A buttery undercurrent weaves through dried fruit and brown sugar as the glass breathes.Taste: On entry, toffee and salted chocolate arrive immediately, giving way to a mid-palate surge of jammy red berries and baking spices. The Chinquapin oak makes itself known through toasted oak depth and a milk-chocolate richness that coats the tongue, balanced by a delicate rye spice that prevents sweetness from dominating.Finish: Long and robust, with complex layers of dark chocolate, charred oak, and lingering berry sweetness. The finish holds considerable depth at 108 proof without turning hot, a sign of well-managed barrel selection.How to Drink Declaration BourbonAt 54% ABV, this bourbon rewards neat sipping with a few minutes of rest in the glass; a small splash of water opens up the dark fruit and caramel notes without diminishing body. It also stands up powerfully in cocktails: Old Fashioned — The toffee and dark chocolate profile pairs naturally with a demerara sugar cube and aromatic bitters, creating a rich, dessert-leaning classic. Boulevardier — Declaration's berry sweetness and baking spice complement Campari's bitterness and sweet vermouth's herbal depth for a well-structured drink. Manhattan — The bold proof and Chinquapin oak tannins cut through sweet vermouth cleanly, holding structure where lower-proof bourbons can get lost. Best For Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who values limited or unusual barrel programs Side-by-side tastings comparing Chinquapin oak to standard white oak expressions After-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or dessert Adding depth to a curated home bourbon collection focused on unique production methods Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Declaration Bourbon taste like? Declaration Bourbon leads with toffee and salted chocolate, transitions into jammy red berries and baking spices, and finishes with robust dark chocolate and toasted oak. The Chinquapin oak aging adds a bolder tannic structure than most standard bourbons.How does Declaration Bourbon compare to Old Forester 1920? Both are high-proof Kentucky bourbons with rich, dessert-forward profiles, but Declaration's Chinquapin oak barrels deliver a deeper tannic complexity and darker fruit character than Old Forester 1920's standard American white oak maturation at 115 proof. Declaration tends toward a more chocolate-driven, berry-laced experience, while 1920 leans into caramel and baked apple.Is Declaration Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes — despite its 108-proof strength, the bourbon drinks smoothly neat, with well-integrated heat and enough complexity in its dark fruit and chocolate notes to reward slow exploration. A splash of water further opens the aroma without thinning the body.Where is Declaration Bourbon made? Declaration Bourbon is produced by Michter's Distillery in Kentucky under the historic Bomberger's label, a name that references one of America's earliest distilling operations originally based in Pennsylvania.What foods pair well with Declaration Bourbon? Dark chocolate truffles highlight the bourbon's cocoa and toffee notes. Smoked brisket matches its charred oak backbone. Blue cheese echoes the sweetness-and-spice interplay. Pecan pie reinforces the roasted nut and caramel aromatics. Dried fig and walnut crostini complement the dark fruit and buttery character.What sizes does Declaration Bourbon come in? Declaration Bourbon is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle size.Is Declaration Bourbon worth the price? Declaration positions as a premium limited-release bourbon, and its use of rare Chinquapin oak barrels air-dried for over three years, combined with its small-batch production and A-grade critical recognition from Drinkhacker, places it firmly in the upper tier of Kentucky bourbons where unique barrel programs command a justified premium.Why Declaration Bourbon?The Chinquapin oak barrel program is the clear differentiator here — few distilleries invest in sourcing, air-drying for three-plus years, and coopering this rarer wood species, which naturally delivers more aggressive tannin and deeper flavor extraction than standard American white oak. The result at 108 proof is a bourbon with genuine structural complexity, not just high heat. Drinkhacker's A grade reflects a whiskey that delivers on its ambitious production choices rather than relying on proof alone for impact. For drinkers who have explored the usual Kentucky lineup and want something with a genuinely different barrel-driven fingerprint, Declaration is a meaningful step sideways into less charted territory.
