2007 Unnamed Speyside (Macallan) 12 Year Old “Signatory Unchillfiltered Collection” 2nd Fill Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)

As you might have noticed the market for Macallan has gone absolutely bonkers. We can’t get old Macallan on the shelf for under $2000 and young Macallan is completely unavailable. In fact, over the years we’ve only bottled one other young Macallan and it was likewise not named. But this is the first and only sherried Macallan we’ve ever had the honor to put our mark on. I have no clue why the distillery is divesting stocks, especially those aged in ex-sherry (even refill). We hear grumblings that the distillery needs cashflow for the extremely expensive new distillery that they’ve built. Seems unlikely. Perhaps there are cracks in the crown, but there’s no question the worldwide clamoring for the great malts from this Speyside master continues. And of course, the distillery name cannot be used on the labels, but when we saw this beautiful second fill sherry butt in the Signatory warehouse, they didn’t need to say a word. We knew immediately where it came from. Further confirmed after one tiny whiff from the barrel. Now this is a big boy. High proof, powerful malt, that does need some water to coax out of its shell. One of the most astounding and obvious examples of this special distillery’s supremacy. The sherry is there, but the malt stands tall. Unctuous, inviting, complex and unabashed. Truly one of the world’s great spirits, on full display like we’ve never been able to offer before.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 26, 2019

To get an idea of how absolutely unusual it is for us to find a cask of Macallan in sherry to sell as an exclusive: this is literally the first time in a decade of selecting single casks that we’ve ever offered Macallan aged in sherry. Our teaspooned cask of William Hepburn three years ago was of course aged in ex-bourbon hoggies, as were the very expensive and older ones we’ve occasionally acquired as a thank-you from our best suppliers. Usually if it’s available it’s so outrageously priced we can’t even conceive of a world where our customers would consider paying a premium at, or above, the ridiculous premium the distillery already charges. So we were extremely excited to taste this gorgeous butt when our guide brought us into the warehouse. This will most closely resemble the highly sought-after Classic Cut offering that’s now popular in terms of its style, but of course we’ve got an older, single cask, and higher proof. The nose initially is punchy and full of dark malt, fudge, praline, hints of flint, and stone fruit. With air, more of the sherry character comes out, with a little bit of nutty oloroso aromatic framing the bold malt nicely. On the palate, sweet biscuits; very textured and rich, almost chocolatey finish. But this whisky at full strength is simply hidden, packed with quality, but slightly monotone. Now add water, not just a drop, but enough to see a little bit of cloudiness develop as the oils coalesce. Now we’re truly in rarefied air. The nose is now this absolutely pristine expression of exotic fruits: kiwi, passion fruit, jujubes, quince, candied lemon peel, and nougat. On the palate, the dark malt is gone and replaced with candied nuts, creamy custard, hints of lemon oil and anise. It somehow gains weight and texture with water. So if you’re one of those people that refuses to water down your whisky for whatever reason, than you should skip this. If you love to add water and experience a whisky in its many chimeric forms, then you’ll fall in love just like I did.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 24, 2019

One of the many advantages of selecting casks in Scotland instead of from shipped samples is that you sometimes get a behind the scenes peak at things. This unnamed Speyside had the remnants of the distillery’s paperwork left stuck on the side of the cask. The scrap of paper just read “llan.” More than enough supporting evidence for the rich, unctuous nose – especially when paired with classic sherry notes. Big, rich, and oily, this baby truly sings with the addition of a little water. Take it a notch back from the 63.4% cask strength ABV and release gobs of burnt orange peel, candied stone fruit, and the underlying malt base for the drinking experience you always wish you could have with the standard Macallan 12.

Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 12, 2019

If you havent already grabbed a bottle of this, nows the time. Clocking in at over 120 proof, this bad boy packs a big punch, but not in the overly fumy, jet fuel kind of way. It’s big and expressive on the nose, and I was able to pick up warm and inviting notes of dried fig, chocolate chip cookie dough, black plums, sweet tobacco, and the tiniest bit of cherry brine (pickled cherries are awesome). This is the type of Scotch I want to drink sitting next to a fire in a ski chalet after a day of shredding some gnar pow-pow. The palate was hot and silky (prior to adding water) and offered flavors of brandied cherries, toffee, and mild roasted coffee. The addition of water mellows out some of the heat but leaves all the texture and starts to lead more into chocolate and fruit flavors while the finish remains nice and long with oak spice, plum jam, and chocolate covered cherries. Definitely a bottle Ill be picking up for myself and something that would make a great gift with the holidays right around the corner.

Introducing Macallan Rare Cask Batch No.2 (2019)

Don’t miss out, secure your bottle of the fantastic Macallan Rare Cask Batch No.2 (2019) today!

70cl 43% abv

£230.00

Pre-order Now

The Whiskeys from Sazerac Sweep World Whiskey Awards

Marks First Time One Whiskey Producer Wins 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Place

in Esteemed Awards 

LOUISVILLE, Ky (Oct. 17, 2019) In an unprecedented event, three whiskeys from the Sazerac Company take the top awards for the best whiskeys in the world in “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2020,” winning World Whiskey of the Year for its 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, William Larue Weller 125.7 proof second finest whiskey in the world, and Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye 128.8 proof third finest whiskey in the world.

            The 1792 Full Proof scored a remarkable 97.5 out of 100 and its taste is described by Jim Murray as “you can only sit, eyes closed, in awe. This is a delivery of perfection: intense, seemingly no prisoners. Yet, actually, you find it has the grace to allow every character to make a speech of great erudition, ultimately a discourse of how so many facets can be singular yet together make for such glorious integration. …On this evidence Buffalo Trace has a threat to its world supremacy – from a rival distillery…they own! This is a whiskey of stand out, almost stand-alone beauty. Finding fault is not easy with something this intense and magnificently rich.”

            This is the first time the whiskeys from one company have won all three top spots in the 17 years Jim Murray has been giving the awards in his Whiskey Bible.

“Even I was pretty staggered that a single company managed to scoop my awards not just for World Whisky of the Year, but 2^nd and 3^rd best, too. It is unprecedented. Though, of course, the awards encompass two distilleries.

Even so, it was not something I particularly desired as I know there will be eyebrows raised and claims of favouritism, which, of course, is never the case with the Whiskey Bible. I call it exactly as I see it. Even so, for that reason, once I knew the top three (two bourbons and a rye, and all from the same company!), I immediately built in an extra two days to run through my top ten whiskies once more….and the results came out exactly the same! The awards are truly justified.

For the 1792 Full Proof to eclipse last year’s winner, the William Larue Weller bourbon, which this year came second, and third-placed Thomas Handy Rye – both from Buffalo Trace – is nothing short of staggering.

But this is not just a great day for Sazerac, whom I heartily congratulate, but Kentucky whiskey in general,” stated Jim Murray, author, “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible.”

            “To not only be named World Whiskey of the Year, but also to have our whiskeys be named the second and third finest whiskeys in the world is astonishing,” said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Sazerac Company.  “It is truly a testament of the skill and dedication of not only our two Master Distillers, but to all of our team members at Sazerac. We could not be happier and more motivated to continue to strive for perfection in the American whiskeys we make.”

            Other Sazerac whiskeys named award winners in the “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020” include:

• Bourbon of the Year – 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Rye of the Year – Thomas H. Handy Sazerac 128.8 Proof
• Bourbon No Age Statement (Multiple Barrels) – 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Bourbon No Age Statement (Single Barrel) – E. H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel
• Bourbon Age 11-15 Years – Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old
• Bourbon Age 21 Years and Older – Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old
• Rye No Age Statement – Thomas H. Handy Sazerac 128.8 Proof
• Rye Age 11-15 Years – Van Winkle Family Reserve 13 Year Old
• Rye Over 15 Years – Sazerac 18 Year Old

            The 1792 Full Proof joins numerous other whiskeys produced by Sazerac that Jim Murray has also named the World Whiskey of the Year, including E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon in 2017, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac, 128.6 proof in 2013, the Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye Whiskey in 2010, The George T. Stagg Bourbon 129 proof in 2006, and the George T. Stagg Bourbon in both 2005 and 2004. In all, seven whiskeys produced by Buffalo Trace have been named to Jim’s top spot in the past 17 years, an amazing accomplishment.

            “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2020” can be pre-ordered at http://whiskybible.com/

 About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Photo Courtesy of Canadian Whisky News

Alberta Premium Introduces Two Limited Edition Ultra-Premium Marques

Alberta Premium Launches Cask Strength & 20 Years Old Expressions Just In Time for the Holidays

TORONTO – Alberta Premium is pleased to announce the release of its first-ever Cask Strength Rye and 20 Years Old Rye marques. The two new expressions will be available for a limited time, nationwide, and hitting shelves in time for the holiday season.

Boasting 100% Canadian prairie rye mash bills and Rocky Mountain water, Cask Strength and 20 Years Old will be joining Alberta Premium’s award-winning portfolio; the brand’s hero marque, Alberta Premium Rye, was awarded 95.5 points by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2019 for its consistency and high-quality value.

Alberta Premium Cask Strength – Aged in charred oak casks and completely undiluted, Alberta Premium’s craft approach to its Cask Strength expression is highlighted in its exceptionally smooth taste. Uncut and drawn straight from the barrel, Alberta Premium’s first Cask Strength marque features notes of caramel, vanilla and a hint of chocolate, balanced with black current and spice.

Alberta Premium 20 Years Old – Ultra-smooth with a lingering finish, Alberta Premium’s first 20 Years Old is elegance in a bottle. Exuding notes of caramel and toffee, this remarkable rye whisky is blended and aged to perfection.

“Bringing two ultra-premium limited edition expressions to the Alberta Premium portfolio demonstrates the whisky-making skill and depth coming out of Canada. Cask Strength speaks to Alberta Premium’s honed expertise in barrelling, with an industry-leading understanding of how individual barrels can influence a spirit’s profile. Alberta Premium 20 Years Old is a sophisticated whisky, superbly blended and incredibly smooth. We anticipate Alberta Premium fans and whisky aficionados alike will appreciate the quality we are bringing to the shelves this winter at exceptional price points,” said Deepti Gurkar, Senior Brand Manager, Beam Suntory Canada.

Hitting shelves in October, Alberta Premium Cask Strength will be available in 750mL bottles (65.1% abv) at a suggested retail price of $64.95, with Alberta Premium 20 Years Old being available 750mL bottles (42% abv) for a suggested retail price of $89.95. Prices will vary by market.

About Alberta Distillers Ltd. Calgary-based Alberta Distillers Ltd. is one of the few remaining 100 per cent Canadian rye whisky producers in North America. They have produced quality whisky for over 50 years. The Alberta Premium brand has a strong focus on heritage and western rural values, and has won numerous prestigious awards for its excellent quality.

About Beam Suntory Inc.
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin, and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek and Basil Hayden’s bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith and Roku gin, and Midori liqueur.

A Category-Defining Heavily Peated Islay Single Malt
2014 Bunnahabhain Staoisha Heavily Peated 4 Year Old “Signatory Unchillfiltered Collection” Dechar/Rechar Cask Strength Islay Single Malt 
“Only four years old and absolutely cranking! The heavy peated Stoaisha is always good, but here we’re in a different league than the others we’ve sold.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L SoCal Spirits Buyer

Staoisha, the trade name for Bunnahabhain heavily peated bottlings, has developed a significant following over the years. These expressions skillfully combine the delicious malt of Bunnahabhain, the signature saltiness of Islay, and unabashedly bold peaty notes. When we happened upon a 4-year-old version in Signatory’s warehouse, we were more than a little curious how it would show. The answer: brilliantly! Don’t be fooled by its modest age, as this single malt is hugely complex, offering a dazzling array of flavors more commonly found in drams twice its age. Easily among the most compelling Staoishas we’ve tasted, this is a must-have for any fan of heavily peated malts. Employing a dechar and rechar process, by which a barrel is given new life, this single malt serves up tantalizing elements of smoke and wood spice. For all its power, this 4 Year Old is quite elegant and refined, delivering the best of both worlds. If you’ve enjoyed previous Staoisha releases, then you absolutely have to give this stunner a spin.

2014 Bunnahabhain Staoisha Heavily Peated 4 Year Old “Signatory Unchillfiltered Collection” Dechar/Rechar Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($69.99)

The Bunnahabhain distillery is located at the far northern edge of the island of Islay and was built in 1881. There it has quietly made a famously non-peated Islay malt capturing many malt lovers’ hearts. The distillery began experimenting with heavily peated malt in the 1990s and has continued to produce limited quantities under various names since then. We’ve fallen absolutely in love with the style and we’re excited to see this special cask in the Signatory warehouse. We typically avoid malt this young, but the Staoisha we got from Milroy in an almost completely inactive refill hoggie was delicious, so we figured we’d have to give this refurbished cask a spin. Thank the lord of the Isles we did. The dechar/rechar process is just as it sounds. The inside of an old barrel is scrapped to reveal a fresh layer of oak, then a fire is ignited to re-carmelize the wood sugars and seal the cask once again. The result is a much more active cask, but without the harsh tannins we usually associate with virgin oak. Astonishing on first nosing. The whisky could easily be 8+ years older. Straight out of the bottle, expect a big bold peaty malt with roasty bbq, dense smoke and a core of dark spicy malt. With water, this precocious youngster displays a finesse and elegance reserved for much older Islays. Classic Bunnah saltiness is there but framed by an impressive array of flavors. Those who pass on account of the age are only punishing themselves with their closed mindedness.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 26, 2019

Only four years old and absolutely cranking! The heavy peated Stoaisha is always good, but here we’re in a different league than the others we’ve sold. The addition of the very active oak turns this from a linear malt with just peat and salt into something much more complex. The nose is bold smoke, but with complex wood smoke, sweet vanilla syrup, tiny whiffs of iodine, orange sherbet melting on a diesel engine. The palate, while I was worried that it would be dominated by oak, is the purest peat smoke, sweet roasted almonds, herbs of all kinds, saffron, salted lemon peel, and a slight lanolin quality. With water it’s a bit more ozone; lemon peel comes forward and tons of herbs. More nuts and vanilla on the palate, but very fresh. It might be “modern,” but it doesn’t seem composed or adulterated like so many young malts from the big boys.

Will Blakely | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 26, 2019

This bottling definitely speaks directly to the die-hard peat fanatics out there. Fans of last year’s John Milroy 3 y.o. Staoisha should be pleased with this successor, because honestly, it is worth the increase in price. The former bottle relied almost exclusively on barbecue smoke and a healthy dose of oak, but ultimately felt understandably underdeveloped. This fills out all the flavor you were missing–salty, mossy and rich with marvelous charred oak and a lick of spice. Tobacco and aromas like a dry-rub for pork keep this feeling fresh and different on every sip. The dark, chocolatey malt makes for a perfect backdrop on which to hang all these intricate, nuanced flavors that work so well with the deeply entrenched smoke. With a bottle like this, the impending shortage of double-digit age-stated single malts does not seem so scary.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 24, 2019

Alright, Staoisha, you got my number. I know it might not be for everyone (just the fact that it’s heavily peated implies as much), but I’m all about this Scotch! Smoldering fire embers, toasted cedar planks, iodine, and a scent of just-overcooked bacon. Then more nuance develops as lighter elements emerge: grilled peaches, buttery kettle corn, and (surprisingly) wild flowers linger on the nose and manage to shine through all that smoke. The palate has a nice balance of smoked sweet and savory elements, including well-toasted baking spices, but even fresh flavors such as Granny Smith apple. This one will wallop you, but you’ll love it for it all the same.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 24, 2019

Oops. I made the mistake of popping this bottle in a communal staff space and it took over the room much to the chagrin of the few peat haters. It’s robustly peaty, loaded with wet earth, cold smoke, iodine, salted caramel, candied cereal, and green apples. It’s a titanic whisky. This will challenge all of your perceptions regarding the importance of age and is not for the faint of heart.

THE ENGLISH WHISKY CHRISTMAS BAUBLE 

The English Whisky Co. proudly presents a Christmas bauble filled with The English Original.  Aged to perfection in specially selected bourbon casks, this unpeated single malt whisky is a great easy-drinking classic single malt, the perfect decoration for the tree and Christmas present.Limited Stocks Available.

£19.99 200ml 43% vol

TASTING NOTES

BUY NOW

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 279: Auchentoshan 19 Year Old 1996 The Maltman

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries an Auchentoshan from The Maltman. He tried this malt years ago for the first time during a whisky dinner in The Hielander, the famous Scottish restaurant in Alkmaar, Holland, with the indomitable Wullie Macmorland behind the stove. He was so enchanted with it that he ran to the shop the very next day to buy a bottle. But as there was only one, it went into the collection and remained unopened. Fast forward to 2019 and his buddy Manny finds another bottle in another shop. Did he want it? Obviously. So now Mark can retry the malt without ‘damaging’ the collection. This Auchentoshan first matured on bourbon casks and was then finished for several months on an Amontillado sherry cask.

https://youtu.be/15Jdd8PflmY

Bimber announces release of Re-charred Oak Casks Batch 001 

Batch 001 of Bimber’s Re-charred Oak Casks will be available for pre-order directly from the distillery from the 23^rd October

The bottling will be issued for general release via online retailers from the 8^th November 2019

The small batch release of 5,000 bottles was full matured in American oak casks hand charred by Bimber’s coopers

London’s Bimber today announced the release of the distillery’s second single malt whisky – Re-charred Oak Casks. The small batch produced expression has been crafted from a vatting of heavily charred American oak casks laid down in 2016 – Bimber’s first year of production.

The initial (001) batch is bottled at 51.9% ABV, limited to 5,000 individually numbered bottles and will be available in selected markets at an RRP of £65.

The expression was crafted to Bimber’s exacting standards. The spirit was produced from the distillery’s single farm barley and malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings before being fermented for seven days in bespoke, on-site constructed American Oak washbacks. Distillation took place in Bimber’s customised stills, which possess an increased copper surface area, resulting in a light and fruity, but layered new make spirit.

The selection of American Oak casks were hand charred by Bimber’s on-site coopers to level #4 char – also known as ‘Alligator char’. The deep charring process caramelised the wood sugars, adds a layer of filtering carbon to the surface of the barrel and influences the whisky by imparting distinctively sweet, rich smooth and fruity flavours into the maturing spirit.

The release of Bimber Re-charred Oak Casks follows the launch of the distillery’s inaugural release ‘The First’ which sold out in less than three hours in September 2019.

Speaking of the release, Founder and Master Distiller Darius Plazewski said: “Over the past few weeks, it has been a great privilege to see people enjoying our inaugural release, and hearing such positive comments about its remarkable early maturity. We’re now excited to unveil our next chapter with the release of our Re-charred Oak Casks expression. With a larger number of bottles available for this batch produced release, I’m excited to be able to share our single malt whisky with a growing number of people as they join us on the continuing journey of Bimber.”

Notes  

Bimber ‘Re-charred oak casks’

A vatting of heavily charred American oak casks.

Nose: Orchard fruits and spit-roasted pineapple chunks are sweetened with honey, nougat and cookie dough. Oak smoke and wood char float across the nose, whilst cinnamon and pepper spicing offers an enlivening intensity.

Taste: Red apples and ripe pears sit alongside banana bread and pineapple juice. Caramel, butterscotch sauce and split vanilla pods combine with layered pepper and ginger spicing and a characterful note of charred oak.

Finish: Enduring wood smoke supports beautifully fading fruits and perfectly balanced oaky dryness.

5,000 bottles

70cl

51.9% ABV

RRP £65

Release date: 23^rd October pre-order at www.bimberdistillery.co.uk with general release via leading retailers from the 8^th November

About Bimber

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage, with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

The seeds of Bimber were sown three generations ago in communist-era Poland, where our founder and master distiller’s grandfather, distilled his own spirits, known as moonshine. This craft was carefully perfected and passed through the generations to Darius who learnt the art of distillation from a very young age.

This rich distilling heritage has shaped and influenced our approach to spirit making. We are proud of our past and pay tribute to it with our name Bimber, which means moonshine in Polish. ​

The founders of Bimber, Darius and Ewelina, emigrated from Poland to London in 2003 and created a successful business in West London. However, Darius’s passion for whisky and distilling were always at the forefront of his mind, and when the opportunity arose to establish a whisky distillery in 2015, he knew he had to go for it. Our first casks were laid on the 26th May 2016, and we have been patiently waiting until now to release them.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES NEXT INSTALLMENT IN OLD CHARTER OAK SERIES, CANADIAN OAK 

New Addition will Continue the Exploration of the Role Oak Plays

in Making Great Whiskey

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct 17, 2019) – Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its exploration into oak tree varietals with the release of its Old Charter Oak Canadian Oak.  In late 2018, Buffalo Trace announced its Old Charter Oak series, a collection exploring the different taste profiles of barrels obtained from trees grown in different countries, climates and soil.  The Old Charter Oak collection is designed to explore, honor, and celebrate the role of oak in making great whiskey. The oak trees used for this brand vary by country of origin, or species, or U.S. state. Some barrels are even made from century oaks, 100, 200, or 300 year old oak trees.

For the newest release, Buffalo Trace obtained a small number of barrels from Canada and filled them with its Mash #1, the same mashbill used to make Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and several other award-winning bourbons at the Distillery.  Canadian oak trees differ from American oak trees in that they are harder and have a tighter grain structure, which affects the bourbon as it ages.  Harlen Wheatley, master distiller, explains the difference further by stating, “The tighter grain allows the whiskey to penetrate more layers in the wood, but it does take it longer to do it.  So the longer the bourbon ages, the more flavor can be extracted.”

The Old Charter Oak Canadian Oak was aged for 10 years and will be available at retail in late October.

Tasting notes for the Canadian Oak describe it as having a nose of caramel and berries. The palate has hints of vanilla and maple syrup.  A long finish of oak, chocolate and pepper round it out.

This is the third release in the Old Charter Oak Collection. The first two releases were  Mongolian Oak and French Oak. All the Old Charter Oak Bourbon series will be released over time, with a fourth release scheduled for early 2020.  Subsequent releases are planned a few times each year, indefinitely.  “We’re excited to release this third bourbon in this exploratory series.  We have bourbon aging for the Old Charter Oak collection scheduled for release now through 2030, but we’ll keep producing more each year for more new whiskeys beyond that,” said Kris Comstock, senior marketing director.

By federal standards, bourbon is required to be aged in a new, charred oak container. However, there is no specification it must be American white oak, it’s just that nearly all bourbons made today are aged in white oak.

The Old Charter brand dates back to 1874, with its creation by Adam and Ben Chapeze, naming it in honor of the Charter Oak tree, a famous symbol of American independence and free spirit, which grew in Connecticut in the 12^th or 13^th century until it fell in a storm in 1856.

The Old Charter brand changed owners a few times, until it was purchased by Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1999.  The existing Old Charter Bourbon is still produced by parent company Sazerac and there are no plans to discontinue it. The Old Charter Oak series is an upscale brand extension, much like Buffalo Trace has done with its E. H. Taylor, Jr, line.

The suggested retail pricing for the Canadian Oak is $69.99, but the different oak varieties released over the years will have different price points, all in a similar range.  Like the first two releases in this series, supplies will be limited. Packaging for the Canadian Oak will remain consistent with the other two releases, with an upscale look consisting of a glass bottle with a cork finish. Each bottle will have an oak medallion on the front depicting the Charter Oak tree.

The Old Charter Oak Canadian Oak is 92 proof.  More information can be found about the Old Charter Oak series www.oldcharteroak.com

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com