‘Something For Everyone’: Rare Character Adds Barrel-Proof Expression to Revitalized Fortuna Brand

Rare Character announced the release of Fortuna Barrel Proof Bourbon. (Photo: Instagram/BourbYourEnthusiasm)

On Tuesday, Rare Character unveiled a barrel-proof expression as the latest edition to the Fortuna bourbon brand. According to the brand, it was blended into five batches and is over seven years of age.

“I wanted this to be something that fans of the standard offering, fans of Rare Character, and just whiskey fans in general could enjoy,” said Chad Watson of Rare Character in a news release from the brand.

Watson blended the bourbon and claims he spent “many hours and days,” trying to get it right, and “can assure that there is something for everyone.”

According to Rare Character, Fortuna’s first limited-edition offering of Fortuna Barrel Proof hosts bourbon drawn from five batches clocking in at varying strengths of 121.46, 122.14, 120, 118.82 and 121.8 proof.

In September 2022, Pablo Moix and Peter Nevenglosky, founders of Rare Character, teamed up with Andrew Shapira to resurrect Fortuna. Shapira hails from the Shapira family, owners of the Heaven Hill brand. In September, Shapira filed a lawsuit against Moix and Nevenglosky alleging breach of contract with no further developments.

Fortuna was founded in the 1800s by a German immigrant named Phil Hollenbach. Though the brand survived Prohibition and had several successful decades, it ultimately shuttered its doors in the 1960s. It was believed to have been lost to history — until the crew chose to revitalize the brand.

The brand claims that the barrel-proof release is meant to be a “celebration of [Fortuna’s] revival, offering a glimpse into the past while setting a new standard for the future of Fortuna.”

Fortuna is just one expression within Rare Character’s portfolio, and the brand has a Single Barrel Series, Native Wood Series and Exceptional series within its collection.

Those interested in trying Fortuna’s Barrel Proof expression can purchase it online at Seelbachs or Bourbon Outfitter.

Join the Whiskey Raiders Bottle of the Month Club, where you will receive hard-to-find bottles curated by Whiskey Raiders staff with a 90+ rating on whiskeyraiders.com plus live virtual tastings. Sign up here!