Celebrity Cruises and Rabbit Hole exclusive partnership appeals to the discerning traveler

As cruising continues to grow in popularity, cruise lines use their food and beverage offerings to appeal to a particular guest. For Celebrity Cruises, the brand has gone beyond the concept of the wonder of a journey full of possibilities to embrace the more robust, emotional experience. Once on board, guests can fully appreciate that nothing comes close to the Celebrity vacation. The line’s partnership with Rabbit Hole Distillery is one chapter in that ongoing story.

When a guest steps aboard a cruise ship, the outside world fades from view. While the endless horizon with crystal blue waters invites relaxation, the food and beverages tempt guests away from that mesmerizing vista.

Anyone who has had the privilege of escaping onto a Celebrity Cruise appreciates that the restaurants and bars are far different from other cruise lines. From its culinary collaboration with Daniel Boulud to its high energy Martini Bar, there is a table that fits every mood, craving, and whim.

While the food fits many genres, Celebrity Cruises bar program focuses on sophisticated spirits and unique offerings. It is more than the showmanship of the flare bartenders with their ability to do the unthinkable with a cocktail shaker. Each and every location invites the guest to explore flavor, creativity, and push themselves to explore what is possible. Unlike that local watering hole at home, these bars invite guests to be swept away by that unique experience.

One of the most intriguing examples of the beverage offerings is the exclusive partnership with Rabbit Hole Distillery. While Louisville’s Bourbon Trail is lined with historic distilleries, Rabbit Hole is a newer entrant to the conversation. The Pernod Ricard spirit embraces both the craft and the modernity that a gifted distiller can possess.

Celebrity Cruises Ascent pours an exclusive Rabbit Hole single barrel bourbon

While Celebrity Cruises has featured Rabbit Hole spirits on board, a new offering will not only pique the interest of bourbon lovers but also will invite all guests to explore the nuanced experience of a celebratory, specialty, unique spirit. As many people appreciate, travel is meant to broaden horizons. Food and beverages are the flavorful entry to that sentiment.

Recently, the Celebrity Cruises food and beverages team headed to Rabbit Hole’s Distillery to choose its specialty, signature, exclusive barrel. As many spirit drinkers appreciate, a unique, single barrel is coveted. Just like those limited edition, special releases, that precious golden liquid is savored for its deliciousness.

In a very fortunate turn of events, I was able to join the team to be part of the barrel picking discussion. While everyone at the table could appreciate the differences in aroma, finishes, and flavor notes, it was more than just personal preferences and potential food pairings that guided the final decision. The guest experience was woven into that discussion.

This specialty barrel is a release of Cavehill, a signature bourbon whiskey from the brand. The four-grain spirit has an underlying sweetness but a rich complexity that occurs by combining the various grains. Whether drunk on its own, with a few drops of water, or with a single cube, the nuanced liquor demands a moment of contemplation.

While the team is very familiar with the traditional Cavehill, everyone had an opportunity to try three different barrel expressions. Each one had a slightly different proof, but it was the flavors and their impact that influenced the final decision. Enjoyed with and without food, the complexity, versatility, and approachability were key factors in the overall discussion.

One of the aspects that makes the bar experience on Celebrity Cruises unique is the staff’s knowledge. It is more than knowing recipes by heart or the ability to work efficiently behind the bar. The bartenders can explain the spirits, offer unique insight, and guide the guest to a pour that fits their flavor preferences. For those people willing to step away from their usual pour, the bartenders can guide the beverage experience to spark their curiosity to explore what is possible.

As the group tasted the various offerings, two pours quickly became front runners. While there was an inherent similarity to the flavors, one underlying factor started to tilt the favor in a particular direction.

While everyone appreciated the bright sweetness of orange and warmth of spice, it was more than a sublime smoothness that tickled the palate. It was about how the Rabbit Hole Single Barrel would offer the guest another experience in their overall beverage journey.

Bridging the familiar and the new is key. Understanding that the pour is perfect on its own but also transforms into another experience when paired with a charcuterie board was vital.  All the elements, presentations, and iterations were considered.

Although it might sound as if a group of beverage geeks plummeted down the hole to no return, that conversation is vital to making this substantial of a decision. As is written on the Rabbit Hole Distillery wall, bourbon is a verb. The spirit comes through taking action, invites people to react, and compels drinkers to do something more. No one should sit idle. Being part of the drinking dexperience is what makes one pour more memorable than just any brown liquid in the glass.

From the whiskey connoisseur who seeks out the highly coveted single barrel for their collection to the bourbon newbie who has never stepped foot on the Bourbon Trail, both drinkers will appreciate Celebrity Cruises specialty barrel from Rabbit Hole. Whether it is the glass enjoyed before a romantic dinner a Le Voyage, a simple evening of a bourbon and nibbles, or the glass enjoyed with quiet contemplation after seeing that night’s performance, this bourbon fits any person’s whim. For the guest who wants the more from their travel experience, another bar offering does not come close to this drinking experience.

It is time to step aboard the Celebrity Cruises Ascent, open yourself to all the experiences and raise a glass of the specialty Rabbit Hole Single Barrel. Life is meant to be full, meaningful, and emotional. A glass holds limitless possibilities for those who are willing to take a sip of its bounty.