Buffalo Trace Peated Bourbon debuts Experimental Collection
Welcome to Buffalo Trace Distillery, where some of the best whiskey in the world is crafted on the beautiful banks of the Kentucky River. The latest expression up their sleeves, the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Peated Bourbon. This unique twist on a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, made with smoked peated malt, is probably going to be a unique spirit in your collection. Come join us for a tasting – you won’t regret it.
The much-awaited Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection is finally here, and it’s featured on ourbourbon release calendar for the month of May. However, follow the calendar closely for all the upcoming releases! We’re covering everything you need to know about this limited bourbon release, from pricing to proof. Nonetheless, you may be asking what exactly is theBuffalo Trace Experimental Collection though?
What is the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection?
Since its debut in 2006, the Experimental Collection (EC) has beenshaking up the whiskey world. As the 26th expression, this Peated Bourbon is just one latest example of the distillery’s groundbreaking experimentation that has led to countless awards and accolades. And it all comes down toits unique blend of tradition and innovation with one simple mantra: Honor Tradition. Embrace Change.
But what exactly makes the EC so special? Let’s take a look back at the inaugural releases in 2006:
- French Oak Barrel: Aged for ten years in French oak
- Twice Barreled: Initially aged for 8+ years, then finished in a new charred white oak barrel
- Fire Pot Barrel: Aged in a barrel heated to 102 degrees Fahrenheit for 23 minutes
Let’s take a look back at the very first EC releases from 2006, which focused heavily on barrel experimentation. The French Oak Barrel was aged for ten years in, you guessed it, French oak. The Twice Barreled was aged for over 8 years, and then finished in a new, charred white oak barrel for extra oomph. And the Fire Pot Barrel was aged in a barrel that was heated to 102 degrees Fahrenheit for 23 minutes. These releases allowed Buffalo Trace to isolate specific flavor variables and understand the effects of these variables on the final product.
Buffalo Trace’s commitment to experimentation isn’t new; they’ve been passionately pursuing it since the 90s when American whiskey was still considered a lowly, underappreciated spirit.Experimental Collection is part of their continuing effort to gain a deeper understanding of whiskey’s flavor dynamics. It’s a cool opportunity for whiskey lovers to gain an insider’s look into the R&D process and unique barrel experiments.
Of course, not every experiment is a winner, which explains the limited availability of EC releases. But when they do strike gold, the results are truly mind-blowing. Buffalo Trace’s deep respect for tradition and constant innovation is what makes them stand out in the whiskey world. The Experimental Collection is proof that they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in whiskey-making.
Of course, not every experiment is a winner – that’s why the EC is so limited in availability. But for those lucky enough to snag a bottle, they’re in for an insider’s look at whiskey making excellence. So why not grab a glass and join in on Buffalo Trace’s whiskey revolution?
SEE ALSO: Eagle Rare Bourbon Review, Price, Proof, Where to Buy
“The Experimental Collection is not about breaking the rules of bourbon; in fact, 95% of our experiments stay within the confines of traditional methods of making whiskey. We conduct this research to better understand the variables that affect our final flavor profiles,” says Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace’s Master Distiller. “We were eager to experiment with peat to see how the grain influenced our mashbill from a recipe perspective. We anticipated it providing the perfect hint of smoke, just enough to compliment the sweet and spicy notes from the rye, and I’m happy to report our hypothesis was correct.”
– Harlen Wheatley
Buffalo Trace’s Master Distiller
Review & Tasting Notes
The latest release, Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Peated Bourbon, is a game changer. This unique Kentucky straight bourbon features smoked peated malt as a substitute for traditional barley, resulting in a subtle smoky flavor in the revered rye bourbon mashbill. The distillate was expertly aged for nearly a decade in new charred white oak casks, with Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and team regularly checking on its progress. Bottled at 90 proof, the nose is smoky and nutty, with a hint of leather, mahogany, and cacao beans. On the palate, it’s all about the light smoke, brown butter, and sweet toffee finish. This is certainly a unique bourbon experience that will change your idea of what a bourbon can actually be.
QUICK OVERVIEW:
- Mashbill: used smoked peated malt to its standard rye bourbon mashbill
- Age: 10 years in new charred white oak barrels
- SRP: $46.99 (375ml)
- Availability: May nationwide; select retailers, bars, restaurants
- Distillery: Buffalo Trace
- City: Frankfort, KY
- Style: Straight bourbon whiskey
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Availability: 375 ml bottles, $46 MSRP
If you’re a fan of bourbon, you’ve probably noticed that the flavors are largely derived from corn and rye. But what about malted barley? This ingredient is often overlooked, despite playing an important role in the fermentation and distillation processes. In fact, it’s rarely detectable in the finished product. That is, until now.
Buffalo Trace has released its latest Experimental Collection bottle – Peated Bourbon. This unique take on traditional bourbon has replaced the typical malted barley with a “peated” version, resulting in a dramatic flavor difference. Peat is a condensed vegetal matter commonly found in Scotland, where it’s used as a fuel source and also to dry and smoke malted barley. This process imbues the malt with smoky and seaweed-like flavors that are typically found in scotch.
This bottling contains whiskey that’s been distilled and aged in just six barrels for almost a decade. Stored on low floors of warehouses C and D, the proof has been brought down to 45% ABV (90 proof) before bottling.
If you’re a whiskey enthusiast looking for something new and adventurous, the Buffalo Trace Peated Bourbon is worth a taste.
SEE ALSO: Buffalo Trace OFC 1995 Vintage Bourbon Release
Color
deep amber
Nose
Aroma: Smoky and nutty with hints of leather, mahogany and cacao beans
Palate
Taste: Light smoke and brown butter
Finish
Sweet toffee
Barrel Details
new charred white oak casks
SEE ALSO: Weller Full Proof, C.Y.P.B. Annual Release Coming Says Buffalo Trace
Release Date & Availability
This batch or expression was produced in a quantity of 6 barrels. Although there is no official allocation numbers regarding this release, we’re assuming there will be less than 2,250 bottles in circulation. Those370ml bottles should be hitting shelves at your best local liquor stores in May 2023. Moreover, select retailers and restaurants across the United States are expected to receive this distribution.
Mashbill:
Buffalo Trace has taken their already exceptional rye bourbon mashbill to the next level by adding smoked peated malt. The result? Their delicious and unique Buffalo Trace Peated Bourbon. Get ready for an adventurous twist on a classic favorite.
Proof & ABV:
The Peated Bourbon release of this Buffalo Trace bourbon blend lands at 90 proof. That’s an equivalent of 45% ABV if you prefer the percentage alcohol by volume measurement. This is a familiar territory if you’ve been following this exp bourbon release. Each of the latest releases have all landed at this 90 proofing, even though they are otherwise drastically different.
SEE ALSO: Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Release
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Peated Bourbon MSRP & Secondary Price
The MSRP of the latest Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Peated Bourbon release comes in at$46 for a 375 ml bottle.However, we must warn you that finding this gem won’t come cheap. It is expected theBuffalo Trace Peated Bourbon secondary prices will be above the $600 range since bourbon prices continue to climbdue to its scarcity and hype.
In conclusion, the peated malt has been used just right, creating a bourbon that still maintains its classic flavor but with a unique twist. Trust us, even the most seasoned bourbon drinkers will be in for a treat with this one. But at the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the splurge. Happy sipping!
Be sure to follow our Instagram and ‘Like’ our Facebook page to see all of our latest Bourbon Accessories, New Gear, Shirts, and other fun stuff as they’re released!
