Doc Holliday 23 Year Bourbon 750ML is a 23-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 96 proof (48% ABV) in a 750ml bottle. Released under the World Whiskey Society's Doc Holliday label, this expression belongs to a rarefied class of American whiskey — very few bourbons reach 23 years of age, as the extended maturation demands enormous patience, warehouse commitment, and acceptance of significant evaporative loss over more than two decades.

Quick Facts: ABV: 48% (96 proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Age: 23 Years  |  Brand: Doc Holliday by World Whiskey Society

Production & Heritage

The Doc Holliday line is produced by World Whiskey Society, a company focused on ultra-premium, limited-edition American whiskey releases. This 23 Year expression is a sourced Kentucky straight bourbon — the specific distillery of origin has not been publicly disclosed by the brand, and the mashbill remains unconfirmed. What is known is that the liquid spent a full 23 years maturing in new charred American oak barrels, as legally required for bourbon. Kentucky's dramatic seasonal temperature swings — scorching summers and frigid winters — drove aggressive barrel interaction across those years, concentrating flavors while the angel's share claimed a substantial portion of each barrel. The decision to bottle at 96 proof rather than cask strength or a more common 90 proof signals a deliberate effort to preserve intensity while maintaining balance after such prolonged wood contact.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep, saturated oak leads into waves of dark chocolate and dried cherry. Worn leather and baking spices develop underneath, hinting at the decades of barrel influence before a single sip is taken.

Taste: The entry is rich and full-bodied, with concentrated dried fruit and dark chocolate arriving immediately. At mid-palate, deep tannic structure takes hold — the kind of pronounced wood complexity only possible after 23 years in charred oak. The 96 proof carries enough weight to keep those flavors assertive without veering into astringency, with subtle sweetness threading through the oak-driven core.

Finish: Long and tannic with espresso-like roast character that lingers well after the swallow. A trace of residual sweetness balances the drying oak tannins, leaving a lasting impression of aged leather and bitter chocolate.

How to Drink Doc Holliday 23 Year

A bourbon of this age and complexity deserves to be explored neat in a Glencairn or tulip glass, ideally at room temperature. A few drops of water can open up additional nuance and soften the tannic grip for those who find the oak influence commanding. Given its depth and proof, it also holds its own in spirit-forward cocktails: an Old Fashioned benefits from the concentrated dark fruit and chocolate notes; a Boulevardier gains added tannic structure that plays well against sweet vermouth and Campari; and a Vieux Carré lets the aged bourbon's leather and espresso character add gravitas to the drink's layered profile.

Best For

• Gifting a serious bourbon collector who values age-stated, limited-release expressions
• Anchoring a tasting flight comparing ultra-aged Kentucky bourbons side by side
• Marking a milestone occasion — retirement, anniversary, or significant birthday
• Adding a rare, conversation-starting bottle to a personal whiskey library

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Doc Holliday 23 Year taste like? It delivers concentrated dark chocolate, dried cherry, and deep oak tannins supported by espresso-like roast and baking spice. The 96 proof provides a bold, full-bodied experience with a long, tannic finish.

How does Doc Holliday 23 Year compare to Elijah Craig 23 Year? Both are 23-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons, but Doc Holliday is bottled at 96 proof compared to Elijah Craig 23 Year's typical 90 proof, resulting in a more assertive, full-bodied palate. Elijah Craig 23 Year is distilled at Heaven Hill with a known mashbill, while the Doc Holliday's source distillery and grain bill remain undisclosed.

Is Doc Holliday 23 Year good for sipping neat? Absolutely — neat is the ideal way to experience this bourbon, as 23 years of barrel aging has produced a level of complexity best appreciated without dilution or mixers, though a few drops of water can help tame the oak tannins.

Where is Doc Holliday 23 Year made? It is a Kentucky straight bourbon released by the World Whiskey Society under the Doc Holliday brand. The specific source distillery within Kentucky has not been publicly identified by the producer.

What foods pair well with Doc Holliday 23 Year? Dark chocolate truffles echo the bourbon's cocoa and espresso notes. Slow-smoked brisket mirrors its deep, tannic char character. Aged cheddar or Gruyère complement the oak-driven complexity. Pecan pie aligns with the residual sweetness and nutty undertones. A charcuterie board with dried fruits and cured meats bridges the leather and dried cherry notes.

What sizes does Doc Holliday 23 Year come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle at 96 proof (48% ABV).

Is Doc Holliday 23 Year worth the price? It positions squarely in the ultra-premium tier, where consumers are paying for rarity and the cost of maintaining barrels for over two decades. Bourbon aged this long is inherently scarce due to evaporative loss, making bottles like this a reflection of time and patience more than production volume.

Why Doc Holliday 23 Year?

The defining fact of this bourbon is its age. Twenty-three years in new charred American oak is an extraordinary commitment in an industry where most premium bourbons carry age statements between four and twelve years. The resulting liquid reflects that time — deeply tannic, richly concentrated, and layered with dark chocolate, espresso, and dried fruit character that shorter-aged expressions simply cannot replicate. Bottled at a purposeful 96 proof, it retains enough intensity to stand among the handful of American whiskeys that have survived more than two decades in barrel and emerged with their balance intact.