Buffalo Trace Prohibition-Era Whiskies 5-Pack Release
Step back in time with Buffalo Trace Distillery as they pay homage to the Prohibition era with their newest collection of whiskeys. The Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection features five rare bottles that bring back long-lost brands from the distillery’s past. Each bottle is a piece of history, housed in a book-shaped case and displayed in a wooden showcase. Introducing the Prohibition Collection, Buffalo Trace’s annual limited-edition tribute to American whiskey history!
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During Prohibition, Buffalo Trace, known then as George T. Stagg Distillery, was one of the few licensed distilleries allowed to produce “medicinal whiskey.” Now, they’re sharing these exclusive whiskeys with the world.
The limited-edition collection includes Old Stagg, Golden Wedding, Three Feathers, Walnut Hill, and George T. Stagg Spiritus Frumenti. These bottles are a must-have for bourbon enthusiasts and collectors alike, but you will have to shell out a hefty sum to get your hands on this limited edition bourbon release.
Table of Contents
Prohibition Collection: 5-Bottle Pack
Buffalo Trace Distillery has released The Prohibition Collection, a limited-edition set of five whiskeys that pay tribute to the distillery’s history during the Prohibition era. These long-lost brands, which have never been available in modern times, come in 375 ml containers and are presented in book-shaped cases displayed in a wooden case.
This collection is a must-have for avid Buffalo Trace enthusiasts and is carries that price that makes Pappy Van Winkle or even 2023 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection‘s suggested retail price pale in comparison. Nonetheless, this is your chance to taste whiskies from the Prohibition era. However, we’re betting most of these won’t be cracked open anytime soon, even if you do get your hands on the bundle. Let’s dive deeper into each specific whiskey.
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Old Stagg – Whiskey
Introducing Old Stagg: The Flagship Whiskey of George T. Stagg Distillery, replacing O.F.C. bourbon during Prohibition. This brand was created to pay tribute to the late George T. Stagg, founder of the distillery. Old Stagg was featured in various advertisements and sales materials in the post-Prohibition years. Today, it lives on as Stagg and George T. Stagg, both barrel proof whiskeys that trace their origins back to this iconic brand from the Prohibition era. We’re betting this one might be “prescribed” for a sore throat. Regardless of your ailments, we all know that whiskey helps!
As for tasting, you can expect the enticing scent of oak and vanilla. Indulge in a delightful, smooth flavor with hints of rich leather and dark cherries, culminating in a luscious vanilla finish.
Overview:
- Proof: 132.4 Proof
- ABV: 66.2%
- Age Statement: N/A
Color:
Bright bronze hue
Aroma:
An oaky, vanilla aroma on the nose.
Taste:
Has a sweet and mellow taste with notes of leather and dark cherries.
Finish:
Smooth vanilla finish.
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Golden Wedding – Rye Whiskey
Golden Wedding has been a trademark since 1869. During Prohibition, Schenley Distilling Corporation bought the Joseph S. Finch Distillery and acquired the Golden Wedding brand. The bottling of the brand was divided between Schenley’s Pennsylvania distillery and the George T. Stagg Distillery. In the late 1940s, the brand was moved to Schenley’s distillery in Canada and transformed into a Canadian whiskey. However, it eventually disappeared in the late 20th century.
What can you expect in the 375ml bottle ofGolden Wedding? A scent of rich aroma of heavy rye, followed by a grainy, herbal flavor with hints of dill pickle and rye on your palate. The finish is delightfully spicy and smokey, with a subtle hint of banana.
Overview:
- Proof: 107 Proof
- ABV: 53.5%
- Age Statement: N/A
Color:
Bright bronze hue
Aroma:
Heavy rye on the nose.
Taste:
A grainy, herbal taste with notes of dill pickle and rye on the pallet.
Finish:
The finish is spicy and smokey with a hint of banana.
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Three Feathers – Blended Whiskey
Introducing Three Feathers, a rich and flavorful whiskey with a history dating back to 1812. Originally known for its luxurious rye flavor, this whiskey has evolved into a bonded and blended masterpiece. The iconic logo of three ostrich feathers symbolizes the three individuals responsible for the exquisite Three Feathers blend.
Today, you can experience the notes of this 100-proof, bottled-in-bond whiskey crafted by Buffalo Trace Master Blender Drew Mayville. Delight in the alluring aroma of vanilla and charred oak, followed by a satisfying taste of stone and light tropical fruit. The whiskey journey concludes with a smoky, caramel, and hint of cocoa finish.
Overview:
- Proof: 100 Proof
- ABV: 50%
- Age Statement: N/A
Color:
Bright bronze hue
Aroma:
Presents a vanilla and charred oak aroma.
Taste:
Stone and light tropical fruit taste with a smokey.
Finish:
Caramel and a slight cocoa finish.
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Walnut Hill – Whiskey
The legacy of Walnut Hill started as a 90-proof high-rye bourbon that was once bottled by the renowned George T. Stagg Distillery during the Prohibition era. With President Albert Blanton personally overseeing its production, this historic spirit captures the essence of a bygone era. Yes, that Blanton.
With this prohibition whiskey, you can indulge in the alluring aroma of slightly citrus notes, complemented by hints of corn and oak. Let the sweet flavors of molasses, stone fruit, and vanilla dance on your palate, culminating in a satisfyingly smoky and woodsy finish.
Take a step back in time and savor the extraordinary taste of Walnut Hill bourbon, crafted with expertise and passion for connoisseurs who appreciate the allure of prohibition-era spirits.
Overview:
- Proof: 90 Proof
- ABV: 45%
- Age Statement: N/A
Color:
Bright bronze hue
Aroma:
A slightly citrus aroma with light corn and oak notes.
Taste:
Sweet molasses, stone fruit and vanilla taste.
Finish:
A smokey, woodsy finish.
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George T. Stagg Spiritus Frumenti
So what’s the story behindGeorge T. Stagg Spiritus Frumenti? “Spiritus Frumenti” was the Latin term used by American apothecaries in the 1800s to record their whiskey sales. This latin term translates to “Spirit of the Grain.” Eventually, it would be used as a generic name for medicinal whiskey during Prohibition and became synonymous with the category. This medicinal whiskey became a staple during Prohibition and was produced by the renowned George T. Stagg Distillery and other distilleries in the 1920s.
For this prohibition-era whiskey, expect an enticing aroma of caramelized brown sugar and savor the fruity yet floral taste, highlighted by cherry and oak notes. The finish is smooth, with hints of vanilla, wheat, and citrus.
Overview:
- Proof: 110 Proof
- ABV: 55%
- Age Statement: N/A
Color:
Bright bronze hue
Aroma:
An aroma of caramelized brown sugar.
Taste:
Fruity yet floral taste with notes of cherry and oak.
Finish:
The finish is vanilla with notes of wheat and citrus.
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Release Date & Availability
This highly sought-after Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection is being released in limited quantities through distributor network. From there, it will make its way to select retailers, bars, and restaurants across the United States starting in October 2023. Please note, this collection of premium whiskies will only be available as a 5-pack, consisting of 375ml bottles.
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Proof & ABV
The Prohibition Collection ranges from 90 proof all of the way up to a 132.4 barrel proof whiskey. This cask strength bourbon will cling to the walls of your whiskey barrel tumbler, due to the heavy alcohol content, and droplets will move slowly down your drinking vessel.
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Mash Bill
The mash bill of each individual whiskey within the BT Prohibition Collection have not been released, so stay tuned for more mashbill updates.
MSRP & Secondary Price
The cost to transport yourself to the unique days of Prohibition with The Prohibition Collection from Buffalo Trace Distillery? You can buy this five-bottle set for $1,000 MSRP. However, if you think that’s expensive, then just wait to see what it’s going to cost on the secondary market, because prices are bound to soar even higher.
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“We stand behind our motto, ‘Honor Tradition, Embrace Change’,” says Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Master Distiller. “Each of these brands disappeared slowly in the years after Prohibition, but they were integral to our survival. Without them, today there would be no Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare or Weller bourbons. The Prohibition Collection is a tribute to these great whiskeys from our past.”
– Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Master Distiller
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