bourbon review

Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Review – Infrared Light
Photo courtesy of Buffalo Trace

Photo courtesy of Buffalo Trace

In what may be it’s most science fiction-like experiment yet, Buffalo Trace Distillery’s newest addition to their Experiment Collection sees the company using infrared light waves.  Just before the eight barrels used were charred, they were exposed to infrared light.  The press release explains the process:

Working with barrel cooper Independent Stave Company in 2009, eight special barrels were constructed. All eight first underwent the same process as standard Buffalo Trace barrels, staves were open air seasoned for six months before being made into barrels.

Then, the barrels were divided into two groups and subjected to two different levels of infrared light waves.  The first group of four barrels underwent 15 minutes of both short wave and medium wave frequency at 70% power.  The second group of four barrels was subjected to 30 minutes of both short wave and medium wave frequency at 60% power. The barrels were then given a quick #1 (or 15 seconds) char, before finally being filled with Buffalo Trace’s Bourbon Mash #1.

The whiskey matured for six and a half years in those barrels and then were bottled at 90 proof.  Keeping in line with the rest of the Experimental Collection, both the 15 minute and 30 minute are available separately in 375ml bottles for about $46.

15 MINUTE INFRARED LIGHT WAVE BARREL

The nose here carries lots of butterscotch, vanilla and sweet oak.  It’s one of the lighter noses I’ve encountered in a Buffalo Trace bourbon.  After a few moments in the glass, some red fruit aromas develop.  Taste-wise, oak is a tad more prevalent than the nose suggests.  The mouthfeel is on the thin side.  Lots of vanilla and oak spice prevail over the sweet traditional bourbon caramel.  The finish is full of vanilla ice cream and a touch of nutmeg.  Not bad.  Not bad at all.  It’s a young, solid bourbon that has some characteristics of older whiskey.  But, nothing special here.

30 MINUTE INFRARED LIGHT WAVE BARREL

There’s a lot more oak here compared to the 15 minute experiment.  This bed of toasted oak provides a foundation, followed by maraschino cherries, vanilla extract, dark caramel, and light floral notes.  The entry here is an initial hit of cinnamon spice, followed by tons of oak.  It’s mouth drying from the start.  Sweetness is provided by caramel candy and maple syrup.  With so much oak in the nose and palate, it comes as no surprise that the finish is short and dry.  Not a fan of this one.  Where things mostly came together for the 15 minute infrared experiment, this one is an oaky bust.

While I am always thoroughly curious with Buffalo Trace Distillery’s experiments, I don’t always love them.  This is one of those rare times.   These aren’t rot-gut bourbons by any means.  They are just okay, and that in itself is acceptable given the circumstances of experimentation.  Not all experimental whiskies are going to be phenomenal.  It’s just the nature of the game.

(Note:  A review sample was provided by the company behind these whiskies free of charge.  The opinions written are my own.)

Knob Creek 2001 Bourbon Review

Knob Creek 2001

The standard 9-year-old, 100 proof Knob Creek is a solid pour.  Then came its higher proof, single barrel brother.  That expression came in at 120 proof and proved to be much more than just “a little stronger”.  It’s packed with so much flavor.

So, when Jim Beam announced a limited edition, 14-year-old version of Knob Creek I couldn’t contain my excitement.  About 36,000 bottles (roughly 12,000 bottles per batch) of Knob Creek 2001 are being released, which isn’t a lot by any stretch of the imagination.  You’ll find three batches of Knob Creek 2001, each with a slightly different flavor profile.  Batch 1 favors the sweeter caramel and vanilla notes, while Batch 2 leans towards the oakier side of things.  In the middle of the two batches lies Batch 3.

Knob Creek 2001 has no inherent age statement on the label, but it is a 14-year-old bourbon distilled in 2001, hence the name.  Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe said this whiskey is just shy of being 15 years old.  This limited release carries an SRP of $130.

In an attempt to do something a little different, I’ve posted my first impressions of Knob Creek 2001 on Youtube.  You can watch that video below or jump past that for my full tasting notes.

For the most part, my first impressions were echoed in this separate tasting.  The nose has big notes of slightly burnt caramel, concentrated vanilla bean, honey roasted peanuts with hints of old leather jacket.  Old dusty oak is present the entire time but never overpowers.  The entry starts with an initial burst of sweetness provided by the caramel and vanilla combination.  A wave of spicy cinnamon sticks and cloves takes over the mid-palate alongside some Jim Beam nuttiness.  The smallest touch of burnt orange peel pops up afterwards.  That old, tannic oak found in the nose ramps up throughout the entire tasting experience, peaking at the dry finish.

Knob Creek 2001 feels richer and more refined than the standard offering, which seems a tad anemic next to this.  This is Batch 1, which is supposed to be the sweetest of the three batches.  As I said in the video, this batch is about as oak-heavy as I’d want Knob Creek to be.  Any more oak will throw the whiskey out of balance.  If I’m buying, I’d reach for Batch 1.  While not the best value for the price (Knob Creek Single Barrel carries that honor), Knob Creek 2001 is quite an enjoyable bourbon and comes with a recommendation.

8.5/10
(Note: A review sample was provided by the company behind this whisky free of charge.  The opinions written are my own.)

Barrell Bourbon Batch 007 Review

Barrell Bourbon Batch 007

Barrell Bourbon owner Joe Beatrice had a midas touch for choosing barrels for Barrell bourbon batches 005 and 006.  Both came from Tennessee.  Both were aged around eight and a half years.  Both were OUTSTANDING bourbon releases. I brought my bottle of batch 005 to a tasting, and it didn’t last long.  The selfish side of me is tightly holding my bottle of batch 006.

So what does Joe and company have in store for the next batch?  Distilled in Tennessee, batch 007 comes to market at five years old.  As always, Barrell Bourbon is bottled at cask strength.  In this case it’s 122.4 proof.  The mashbill is 70% corn, 25% rye, and 5% malted barley.

The nose here is fantastic.  Buttered corn grits, Red Hots, maple syrup and a slight touch of dill swarm out of the glass.  The entry is sweet and spicy, almost like a spiced syrup.  That high proof shows itself, adding some bite.  From there, a vibrant citrus note gives way to toasted cereal grain, honey and some oak.  As expected, the finish here is long and warm, leaving behind a sweet maple note.

Barrell Bourbon batch 007 is going to be another hit.  At five years of age, this bourbon is more complex than whiskies twice its age.  To my tastes, however, this one is just a notch less “there” than batch 006, which is still my favorite release to date.  However, this bourbon is no slouch.  Pick up a bottle and find out why Barrell Bourbon will soon be a household name.

8/10
(Note: A review sample was provided by Barrell Bourbon.)