Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Fourteenth Round of

Single Oak Project Bourbon  

Experiment Focuses on Wood Seasoning and Char Level, with Insights from Industry Expert  

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 5, 2014) – Barrel stave seasoning and barrel char levels are the latest variables Buffalo Trace Distillery attempts to examine with the release of its fourteenth round of the Single Oak Project Bourbon.  This release features bourbons which were all aged in barrels made from the bottom half of the tree, while keeping the other variables such as entry proof (at 125), and warehouse type (all aged in Warehouse K, a wooden floor warehouse) the same.  The remaining variables, recipe (wheat or rye), grain size, barrel stave seasoning, and char level vary. 

To further explore the results of using different char levels and stave seasoning, Buffalo Trace turned to barrel expert Brad Boswell, president of Independent Stave Company, the cooperage Buffalo Trace partnered with on the Single Oak Project.  “Charring the wood breaks it down quickly and certainly changes the flavor, in a more intensive way than just seasoning. Charring provides more of the vanilla and caramel characters coming from the barrel.

A number three char (which is what Buffalo Trace used on some of the barrels in this release) takes approximately 45 seconds while a number four char (the other char level Buffalo Trace used on the barrels in this release) takes approximately 55 seconds.  The lighter char preserves more of the natural oak aroma and flavor (think a little spicy, a little earthy, with a touch of cedar). The heavier char provides more color and caramelization. Tannins will vary between these two types of barrels. The heavier char can also provide for more of a sweet smoke note that is often desired.” said Boswell. 

“Stave seasoning allows the wood to slowly break down (degrade) whereas charring and toasting breaks down the wood much more quickly. When the wood air seasons, the microbial activity breaks the wood down and the rain leaches out some of the tannins. The freezing and thawing breaks down the wood. Even the UV light breaks down the wood to some extent. The flavor of the wood changes as it breaks down.

Barrels with extended air seasoning with charring will provide a slightly different array of flavors as compared to barrels with less air seasoning and then similarly charred. The levels of smokiness, vanillin, caramelization, and tannin will vary between the two types of barrels,” continued Boswell.

If past online votes are any indication, fans prefer a lighter #3 char with a six month barrel stave seasoning, as barrel #82 remains in the lead for the past several months in a row.  Barrel #83 is right behind it though, with a darker, #4, char and also a six month stave seasoning.

            Reviews are still being encouraged, as two more releases will take place before this project ends in the summer of 2015.  More than 4,000 reviews have been given so far on www.singleoakproject.com.             

            The Single Oak Project is part of an intensive research project Buffalo Trace Distillery started conducting in 1999 by hand picking 96 trees with different wood grains and then dividing them into a top and bottom piece, yielding 192 unique sections. From there, staves were created from each section and were air dried for either 6 months or 12 months. After all the staves were air dried, a single barrel was created from each tree section, resulting in 192 total barrels. These barrels were given either a number three or a number four char and then filled with either wheat or rye recipe bourbon.

            To further the variety of experiments, the barrels were filled at two different proofs, 105 and 125 proof.  And if this wasn’t enough, two completely different warehouses were used, one with wooden floors and one with concrete floors.  In total, seven different variables were employed in Buffalo Trace’s ultimate experiment.

            For eight years the Distillery continued with its tracking process, creating intricate databases and coming up with a potential of 1,396 tasting combinations from these 192 barrels!

            The Single Oak Project Bourbon is being released in a series every three months from 2011 through 2015 until all of the 192 barrels have been released. The first release hit select stores in 2011.  This fourteenth release will reach stores towards the end of August. Like all the other releases, the quantities are very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each from a different barrel. The fourteenth release is made up of barrel numbers 2, 12, 34, 44, 66, 76, 98, 108, 130, 140, 162, and 172. All releases will be packaged in a 375ml bottle. Suggested retail pricing per bottle is $46.35.   

            At the conclusion of the Single Oak Project, the Distillery plans to take the top rated Single Oak Project Bourbon and make more just like it, under the Single Oak name.

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 1786 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 seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

GLENDRONACH LAUNCHES 18 YEARS OLD TAWNY PORT FINISH

GOLDEN syrup, red fruit compote and red grapefruit – a mouth-watering description of the new GlenDronach 18 year-old Tawny Port expression launched today (4August 2014).

Bottled at 46% abv, it is the award-winning Aberdeenshire distillery’s latest addition to its wood finishes range and replaces the 15 years old Tawny Port finish expression.

The GlenDronach Tawny Port finish is first matured in European oak casks and thereafter finishes its maturation in a small batch of Tawny Port casks. This gives the whisky its own unique flavours and aromas – in particular a distinctive rich red fruit taste.

The tasting notes show the whisky and the two different woods combining brilliantly to produce a phenomenal Highland malt.

Appearance:

Bright amber with a tawny heart.

Nose:

Elegant notes of golden syrup drenched over red fruit compote with a contrasting red grapefruit balance. Touches of cinnamon and nutmeg add to a rounded, warm depth.

Palate:

Vivid, tart cranberries and crisp barley marry harmoniously with stewed plums and roasted apples. Cedar wood and sweet cigar box spices add a delicate warmth and unique complexity to the long warm finish.

Finish:

A beautifully structured balance of contrasting rich fruit characters and intriguing warm oak spices.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We launched our wood finishes range four years ago and the response worldwide has been excellent.

“We’ve carefully selected whisky that has been gently maturing in lighter casks so that aficionados experience the full impact of the Tawny port cask.

“The very pleasing result contributes extra depth and concentrated stewed fruit flavours. It’s another outstanding whisky that we’re delighted to add to our portfolio.”

TOP PICKS!

• Ardbeg Corryvreckan Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Elsewhere $82) ($69.99)
  96 points Whisky Advocate: “Powerful, muscular, well-textured, and invigorating. Even within the realm of Ardbeg, this one stands out. The more aggressive notes of coal tar, damp kiln, anise, and smoked seaweed are supported by an array of fruit (black raspberry, black cherry, plum), dark chocolate, espresso, molasses, bacon fat, kalamata olive, and warming cinnamon on the finish. Quite stunning! (Vol. 18, #3)” K&L Notes: 2009 Scotch Whisky of the Year from the Malt Advocate! Named for Europe’s largest whirlpool, this whisky is now available on a full time basis, having replaced the beloved Beist. Like the whirlpool, Ardbeg Corryvreckan is heady, intense and powerful. Its finish is long and deep, leaving the sipper with a lingering, mysterious and enticing taste. It is without a doubt one of the best Ardbeg’s ever created and lends a bit of richness to balance out the spicy flavors. Lots of peat, lots of power, but always perfectly balanced. A malt to savor.

NEW ARRIVALS

• Kilkerran “Work In Progress” #6 Bourbon Cask Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 9 available ($64.99)

• Kilkerran “Work In Progress” #6 Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 10 available ($64.99)

BACK IN STOCK

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Angel’s Envy 100 Proof Rye Whiskey 750ml (one bottle limit) – 4 available ($67.99)

• Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon 750ml (oversized bottle, ships as 1.5L) – 1 available ($46.99)

• Rock Hill Farms Kentucky Straight Bourbon 750ml (ships as 3L) – 4 available ($44.99)

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

AUGUST OUTTURN: STACKS OF SUMMER FLAVOUR

The 15 casks in this month’s Outturn have lashings of fruity, cakey flavours fit for any occasion. Mouths will water. Tastebuds will tingle. But which of these devourable delicacies will tempt you?

Young & spritely

13.46 Something sweet for a beekeeper
BUY£55.70

26.103 Fresh and lively
BUY£48.40

Sweet, fruity & mellow

121.73 A layered sponge fruit cake
BUY £48.10

Spicy & sweet

35.122 Perfumed lady at a garden fete
BUY £43.80

39.101 Sophisticated adult sweetness
BUY£84.60

9.89 Balanced and harmonious
BUY £98.00

Deep, rich & dried fruits

50.55 High class luxury
CLOSED DISTILLERY!
Available exclusively as part of the August case offer
MORE

Old & dignified

1.184 Few and far between
BUY£92.40

59.49 Celebration in a glass
BUY £137.60

Lightly peated

3.223 Sweet, floral perfumed smoke
BUY £101.60

29.157 Heidi’s Holiday to Islay
BUY £62.40

Peated

53.210 Fantastic stuff
BUY£97.60

Browse Full August Outturn

Browse all bottlings

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• 1997 Bunnahabhain Heavily Peated 16 Year Old K&L Exclusive Chieftain’s Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($129.99)
  When you hear about whisky “shortages,” we’re not necessarily referring to the idea that there’s less actual whisky in the world, just less of it available for purchase. When fear and anxiety about future stocks take hold, companies will begin holding back inventory, dreading the idea of a whisky-less future should their available casks be gobbled up too quickly. This was our experience in 2013 while travelling through Scotland. In 2014, however, some of our partners began throwing us a few bones to test the waters; one of these bottlers was Chieftain’s. After a fruitless crop in ’13, we managed to secure one whole barrel the following year and was it ever a winner. This 1997 Bunnahabhain was part of a heavily peated run by the Islay distillery, resulting in one phenolic blast of a whisky. The sweet-fruited spirit of Bunnahabhain is the first thing you taste when the whisky hits your lips, but then it is utterly obliterated by motor oil, smoke, scorched earth, and more massive smoke. It’s like getting punched in the mouth with a burning chunk of peat moss while trying to savor a piece of hard candy. At 56.1%, the heat of the alcohol only adds to this intensity. The finish lightens the load just a big, as the machinery slows down and mutates into a lovely Ardbeg-like brightness. We only got one single cask of whisky from Chieftain’s this year, but we got the absolute best one they had. It’s not for the weak-hearted, however.

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Cedar Ridge 5 Year Old Reserve Bourbon 375ml – 3 available ($39.99)

• Four Roses K&L Exclusive OBSF (10 Years Old, 9 Months) Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon 750ml ($59.99)
  It’s no secret that we love Four Roses distillery and it’s also not a secret that our K&L Exclusive casks from the Bourbon maker are some of the best whiskies we get each year. However, drinking great Kentucky Bourbon isn’t always enough these days as consumers are always looking for something more to sink their teeth into. That’s why we decided on a little theme for our most recent batch of Four Roses selections. The distillery makes two different mashbills: “E” which uses 75% corn, 20% rye and “B” which uses 60% corn and 35% rye. They also use five different types of yeast, creating the permutation potential for ten different recipes. We decided to pick two yeast strains and see how they interacted with the two different mashbills, side-by-side. In the OBSF cask, the higher percentage of rye comes through on the finish, as the peppery notes and minty flavors from the grain dominate the backend. The nose is all fruit, however, and a bit of water helps to tame that 59% cask strength proof. It’s a different animal than the OESF, which we also brought in this time around as a comparison. The extra boost of rye really gives it that in-your-face spice that many Bourbon fans truly enjoy. It’s a great whiskey for rocks sipping or even a bold Manhattan. (David Driscoll, Spirits Buyer)

• Four Roses K&L Exclusive OBSQ (10 Years Old, 5 Months) Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon 750ml ($59.99)

• Four Roses K&L Exclusive OESF (10 Years Old, 2 Months) Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon 750ml ($59.99)

• Four Roses K&L Exclusive OESQ (9 Years Old, 5 Months) Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon 750ml ($59.99)

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com/
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

• Macallan 30 Year Old Single Malt 750ml – 6 available ($1,899.99)
  The mighty 30 year is never available long.

• 1997 Bunnahabhain Heavily Peated 16 Year Old K&L Exclusive Chieftain’s Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($129.99)
  When you hear about whisky “shortages,” we’re not necessarily referring to the idea that there’s less actual whisky in the world, just less of it available for purchase. When fear and anxiety about future stocks take hold, companies will begin holding back inventory, dreading the idea of a whisky-less future should their available casks be gobbled up too quickly. This was our experience in 2013 while travelling through Scotland. In 2014, however, some of our partners began throwing us a few bones to test the waters; one of these bottlers was Chieftain’s. After a fruitless crop in ’13, we managed to secure one whole barrel the following year and was it ever a winner. This 1997 Bunnahabhain was part of a heavily peated run by the Islay distillery, resulting in one phenolic blast of a whisky. The sweet-fruited spirit of Bunnahabhain is the first thing you taste when the whisky hits your lips, but then it is utterly obliterated by motor oil, smoke, scorched earth, and more massive smoke. It’s like getting punched in the mouth with a burning chunk of peat moss while trying to savor a piece of hard candy. At 56.1%, the heat of the alcohol only adds to this intensity. The finish lightens the load just a big, as the machinery slows down and mutates into a lovely Ardbeg-like brightness. We only got one single cask of whisky from Chieftain’s this year, but we got the absolute best one they had. It’s not for the weak-hearted, however.

• Four Roses K&L Exclusive OBSF (10 Years Old, 9 Months) Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon 750ml ($59.99)
  It’s no secret that we love Four Roses distillery and it’s also not a secret that our K&L Exclusive casks from the Bourbon maker are some of the best whiskies we get each year. However, drinking great Kentucky Bourbon isn’t always enough these days as consumers are always looking for something more to sink their teeth into. That’s why we decided on a little theme for our most recent batch of Four Roses selections. The distillery makes two different mashbills: “E” which uses 75% corn, 20% rye and “B” which uses 60% corn and 35% rye. They also use five different types of yeast, creating the permutation potential for ten different recipes. We decided to pick two yeast strains and see how they interacted with the two different mashbills, side-by-side. In the OBSF cask, the higher percentage of rye comes through on the finish, as the peppery notes and minty flavors from the grain dominate the backend. The nose is all fruit, however, and a bit of water helps to tame that 59% cask strength proof. It’s a different animal than the OESF, which we also brought in this time around as a comparison. The extra boost of rye really gives it that in-your-face spice that many Bourbon fans truly enjoy. It’s a great whiskey for rocks sipping or even a bold Manhattan. (David Driscoll, Spirits Buyer)

• Willett Distillery 2 Year Old Rye Whiskey 750ml ($43.99)
  It’s been a long time in the making, but the first batch of 100% Willett-distilled rye is finally here and it’s glorious. For years, Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, run by the Kulsveen family, has been bottling fantastic whiskey under their numerous labels; Willett being just one of the expressions (along with Noah’s Mill, Rowan’s Creek, Johnny Drum, etc.). Willett Distillery was actually founded in the 1930s by former Bernheim superintendent Thompson Willett, but subsequent generations of the family would become disinterested in Bourbon until the distillery finally closed. Evan Kulsveen, who married Willett’s daughter, purchased the abandoned site in 1984 with plans to reopen his father-in-law’s once-great operation. Almost thirty years later, his son Drew and son-in-law Hunter have the site refurbished and back on track. This batch of two year old rye marks the first time the whiskey in a Willett rye bottle has been the product of the W illett distillery and not a purchased barrel from LDI distillery in Indiana. It’s shockingly good considering the young age. Imagine the pure rye flavors of Anchor’s Old Potrero with the cinnamon and baking spices of the Templeton. Bottled at 54.7% ABV, the power and intensity of the whiskey is also on display, but it’s balanced beautifully by the richness. It’s a giant leap forward for the Willett distillery and it’s an exciting day for those of us who have been waiting for this moment for some time.

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com/
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

“For Chapter III of the Devil’s Punch Bowl I have chosen a brooding selection of Arran’s finest aged Oloroso Sherry Butts which set the scene for the final performance. Notes of distinctive dark chocolate and dried fruits give satisfying depth and provide the ideal foundation for this last dram with the Devil. The inclusion of French Oak Barriques adds a rich layer of spice and toasted oak to proceedings while the Bourbon Barrels bring the sweetness of honey and vanilla. This final flourish of the Punch Bowl brings the curtain down in dramatic style”. James MacTaggart, Master Distiller

TASTING NOTES

Nose – Aromatic and floral, a delicate perfume of white peaches with a background of white chocolate

Palate – The influence of the barriques are evident almost immediately, the delicate floral notes give way to a rich and warming touch of spice which amplifies beautifully on your tongue. Chocolate raisin and cinnamon in the tail give this a creamy mouthfeel. The fresh character of Arran prevails, the typical citrus notes always in the background, complimented with the light vanilla from the Bourbon Barrels which add a layer of sweetness.

Finish – Long, lingering and luxurious. The final curtain falls with long lasting notes of sweet spice and mandarin.

A memorable performance, there’s no going back once you’ve been tempted by the Devil!

ONLY 840 BOTTLES FOR THE UK

Pre-order yours now from Drambusters!

We only have very limited stocks, so please be quick.

£77

T.B.Watson Ltd.

Littlemill 21 Year Old #2 Release

Official proprietary bottling of the lost Lowland Scotch distillery, which closed in 1994 and now demolished.

4,600 numbered bottles…

Littlemill 21 Year Old $242.92

AUGUST PREVIEWS: HEIDI’S HOLIDAY TO ISLAY

Isn’t she a lucky lady? In this beautiful weather, a fresh, floral Alpine breeze blowing over a peat-infused Islay barbecue sounds like a pretty good stab at the perfect evening…

Lightly peated

29.157 Heidi’s Holiday to Islay

This invigorating dram was fresh faced and light of heel. In Heidi’s basket was Black Forest ham, sea salt and balsamic crisps and red liquorice. As she skipped along the shore of seashells, aromas of Pears soap and alpine flowers emerged…

17yo; Refill ex-sherry butt

BUY £62.40

Browse July Outturn

Browse all bottlings

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video