New Experimental whiskey release coming to Buffalo Trace Distillery this week
Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing the 26th bottle in its ongoing Experimental Collection. And this one has a flavor unlike any of its bourbons.
The Experimental Collection: Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops” has a unique hoppiness that fans of whiskey and beer might enjoy, according to the announcement.
Master distiller Harlen Wheatley made the spirit by infusing raw distillate for 30 minutes with two different hops — Saaz noble hops, a Czechoslovakian variety commonly found in bohemian pilsners, and Zythos, an American hop with tropical and subtle herbal notes, according to the news release.
“Hoppy beers are a playground for brewers; there are many techniques used to capture different flavors. It inspired us to play around with this essential beer ingredient as well,” Wheatley said. “Thanks to the eleven-plus years of aging, the hop aroma and hop flavors are evident while providing a balanced bitterness that blends well with the spirit’s oaky whiskey character.”
What does this Experimental release taste like?
The release is 90-proof, with a suggested retail price of $46.99. It’s available in limited quantities on select days at the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop beginning in late January.
According to the tasting notes, the spirit has citrus and herbal notes reminiscent of beer, with creamy vanilla and seasoned oak undertones on the nose. On the palate, it’s citrus with pronounced lemon and orange zest, fresh herbal and robust oak, with a clean, refreshing finish.
“Enjoying Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops neat is the best way to learn about it, but I encourage fans to experiment with the spirit at home,” Wheatley said. “A hopped spirit creates a unique cocktail experience. Test it out as a Manhattan and move from there. Curiosity is key.”
Buffalo Trace began the Experimental Collection more than 20 years ago. The distillery has more than 30,000 barrels of experimental whiskeys aging in its warehouses, each with unique characteristics and changes to the mash bill, type of wood, barrel toast and more. Not every one makes it to the bottling stage and new additions are released periodically and on a limited basis.
