Bourbon

High West BouRye (2014)

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$399.00

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$2,499.00

During Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933 and is arguably the most contentious period in alcohol history, the United States banned the production, sale and transportation of alcohol due to the ratification of the 18th Amendment. During this time, purchasing alcohol was only legal with a medical prescription, and only six distilleries were granted licenses by the U.S. Government to bottle medicinal whiskey. Buffalo Trace Distillery, as it’s known today, was one of these distilleries.

Documents discovered in the Distillery’s archives reveal stories from over a century ago and inspired the five whiskeys crafted in this year’s Prohibition Collection, all of which are inspired by the original, colorful packaging for these historic brands.

Mirror Brook first appeared in a letter written by Albert Blanton in 1932, in which he directed cases of O.F.C. bottled in 1919 to be rebottled as Mirror Brook to update obsolete pre-Prohibition labeling. Today’s iteration is a 100 proof, bottled-in-bond, blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys that bursts with a ripe cherry aroma, followed by a waft of oak and a hint of rye spice. A vibrant vanilla creaminess layered with a deep, mellow oak character provides a solid foundation for waves of chocolate and rye spice that follow.

Very Oldest Procurable, also known as V.O.P., was one of the whiskey brands bottled but not owned by the Distillery during Prohibition. Buffalo Trace Distillery archives found that in 1932, Blanton submitted government paperwork to formally register the name V.O.P. for medicinal bottling orders. Uncut and unfiltered, today’s V.O.P is a barrel-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon boasting a rye spice that intensifies on the palate while balanced by toasted oak, vanilla, and rich cherry notes that develop mid-tasting. The finish is warm, with the oak and rye spice persisting alongside lingering sweet honey notes.

Anderson’s Belle, not to be confused with the Belle of Anderson brand, was a limited release meant to honor a woman – yet there is no record of who “Anderson’s Belle” was in the Distillery’s archives. However, the package art reminiscent of a Scottish tartan could be a clue. Almost identical in packaging to the original, this recreation is a 100-proof, bottled-in-bond wheated bourbon. On the nose, inviting notes of caramel and maple deliver a rich sweetness with hints of vanilla and a touch of charred oak. It features robust oak and subtle dried fruit undertones that round out its distinct sweet and warm wheat character.

Old Fashioned Mountain Corn was fully owned and produced by the Distillery during Prohibition, according to an original letter written by Blanton. Featured on the original and recreated packaging is the claim “Made in the Heart of the Bluegrass,” which appeared on many Prohibition whiskey brands, referencing a time before industrialized cities became the norm. On the palate of this 110-proof Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey, the essence of the sweet corn shines, intertwined with toasted oak and balanced by rich caramel sweetness. The finish is warm, with the oak flavor lingering alongside the sweet corn.

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Silver Wedding Rye Whiskey, originally made in Midway, KY under Blanton’s supervision, references a 25-year anniversary in a similar manner to Golden Wedding Rye Whiskey’s 50-year celebration. A short-lived, limited whiskey release, it was replaced by Silver Wedding Gin and often paired with Golden Wedding Rye Whiskey at public events. Today’s 125-proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey features flavors of vanilla and toffee sweetness intertwined with subtle leather earthiness, toasted oak and a kick of rye spice on the palate. The finish of this whiskey pleasantly lingers, with the rye spice persisting alongside hints of vanilla and oak.

“As the oldest continuously operating distillery in America, Buffalo Trace Distillery carries a legacy built by pioneers like Albert B. Blanton, who guided it through Prohibition,” remarked Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Master Distiller. "The Prohibition Collection honors that history while embodying our long-lasting commitment to crafting exceptional whiskey.”

"The second edition of the Prohibition Collection invites enthusiasts to explore and discuss the history behind these whiskeys," said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. "Faithful updates to significant brands that came to Buffalo Trace to age during Prohibition, these new expressions embody our motto of ‘Honor Tradition, Embrace Change.’ After releasing the first set, we were thrilled to see lots of conversation around these previously-forgotten brands. We look forward to hearing more forgotten stories as these new expressions are released into the world."

The entire collection is housed in a custom wooden display case featuring historical images of the distillery, with each of the five 375ml bottles heavily inspired by their Prohibition Era packaging and original bottle size: even the back cartons feature the cut-out for doctors to apply the prescription for medicinal whiskey, without which one could not legally purchase alcohol.

Elmer T. Lee Commemorative Bourbon ("Death Bottle")

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$1,499.00

Booker’s 2021-04 'Noe Strangers Batch' Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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$299.00

Booker's 2021-02 'Tagalong Batch' Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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$259.00

The Last Drop Release #37 Buffalo Trace 27 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon 700ml

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$14,999.00

Vintage Bourbon 17 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey

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$2,799.00

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project - Barrel #80

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$699.00

From Buffalo Trace:

For Immediate Release

Buffalo Trace Distillery Announces the Winning
Single Oak Project Bourbon
The Holy Grail Project yields invaluable research results

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (June 18, 2015) – The public has
spoken and Single Oak Project Barrel #80 has been chosen as their favorite bourbon,
while Buffalo Trace Distillery has gained a wealth of information through this research,
such as how entry proof, wood grain, and even the cut of the tree can affect the taste of
bourbon.
Over the past four years, Buffalo Trace Distillery has been incrementally
releasing 192 different bottlings of the Single Oak Project Bourbon and asking whiskey
enthusiasts to vote on their favorite at www.singleoakproject.com. The ambitious goal of
this research was to create the perfect bourbon, based on feedback from bourbon
drinkers. In total, 5,645 people participated in the Single Oak Project which collected
5,086 unique whiskey reviews. On average, each of the 192 whiskies was evaluated 26.2
times.
The Single Oak Project is part of an intensive research project Buffalo Trace
Distillery started back in 1999 by hand-picking and harvesting 96 individual oak trees
with varying wood grains. Each tree would yield two barrels, one from the top half of the
tree and one from the bottom, 192 unique barrels in total.

Seven different variables were studied over the course of the project: recipe
(wheat or rye); entry proof (105 proof or 125 proof); stave seasoning (six months or 12
months); grain size (tight, average, or coarse grains); warehouse (concrete floor or
wooden rick floor); char level (number three or number four char); and tree cut (top or
bottom half of the tree).
The winning bourbon from Barrel #80 was a rye recipe bourbon, entered into a
barrel made from oak harvested from the bottom half of the tree with staves seasoned for
12 months. The grain size of the wood was considered average and the barrel received a
number four char inside. The whiskey entered the barrel at 125 proof and was aged in a
concrete floor warehouse. All of the Single Oak Project bourbons were aged for eight
years.
Along with helping to select the perfect bourbon, the online reviews provided
invaluable whiskey research. For example, bourbons that produced the best aroma were
made with a wheat recipe, entered at 105 proof, and aged in barrels whose staves
seasoned for six months, in wood made from the bottom half of the tree. If flavor is your
most important factor when picking a bourbon, then the research shows barrels made
from the bottom half of the tree were a safer bet. And for those looking for the smoothest
finish, a bourbon aged in barrels from (again!) the bottom half of the tree, but with a
number three char and 9 tree growth rings per inch scored the highest. It is important to
note these results are not intended to speak for the industry and only pertain to Buffalo
Trace Distillery’s whiskeys.
“The knowledge gained from conducting this research experiment is priceless,”
stated Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer of Buffalo Trace Distillery.
“We can now compare and confirm how each of these variables in the bourbon making
process affects the finished product, which will only refine our experimental program and
help us create even better whiskeys in the future.”
Buffalo Trace Distillery is now making plans to start producing the winning
formula from Barrel #80, for future batches of Single Oak Bourbon. Only one frustration
remains, this can’t happen overnight. The oak must be harvested, staves dried for 12
months, and then the bourbon must be aged for eight years. Mark your calendars for the
year 2025!
“We are flattered and thankful that so many whiskey connoisseurs took the time
to participate in this experiment,” said Bourbon Marketing Director Kris Comstock.
“Although we’re not quite sure how the tree loggers plan to harvest wood solely from the
bottom half of the trees, we’re eager to get more barrels and start producing more of the
winning Single Oak Project bourbon!”