Buffalo Trace's Rye Bourbon mash bill has a standard barrel entry proof of 125. This experiment sought to explore how different barrel entry proofs could affect bourbon's resulting flavor profile. Using the standard Buffalo Trace Rye Bourbon Mash Bill #1, barrels were filled on the same day, but with four different entry proofs. All barrels were aged side by side in Warehouse K for the same amount of time, 11 years and nine months, and bottled at 90 proof.
Bourbon expresses a light fruity flavor followed by some hints of dried nuts and spice, with a drier finish.
The 105 entry proof produced a bourbon with a good overall flavor containing some earthy tones, followed by a buttery, light finish.
The 125 entry resulted in a well-balanced bourbon, spicy cloves mingle with sweet vanilla, caramel and toffee to create a well-rounded and complex flavor.
It has long been accepted that barrels aging in different warehouse locations experience their own unique micro-environment. This experiment took a closer look at how warehouse location influences the flavor profile of the Buffalo Trace Rye Bourbon Mash Bill # 1. Barrels were constructed in the exact same way, filled on the same day with the same recipe, and then aged in Warehouse K on three different floors. After 12 years, the results were tasted.
Bourbon aged on Floor 1 has a delicate flavor that us subtly sweet with very mild oak taste.
Bourbon aged on the 5th floor tastes of sweet vanilla and a light caramel coupled with light wood flavors.
Barrels aged on the ninth floor produced bourbon with a deep aroma, and a flavor of roasted nut sweetness paired with green pears and figs.
It has long been accepted that barrels aging in different warehouse locations experience their own unique micro-environment. This experiment examined how that environment affects bourbon flavor profile of the Buffalo Trace Wheat Bourbon Mash Bill. Barrels were constructed in the exact same way, filled on the same day with the same recipe, and then aged in Warehouse K on three different floors. After 12 years, the results were tasted.
Bourbon from Floor 1 has a mild nose with a hint of vanilla. The flavor is sweet with slight caramel and butterscotch notes along with bright berry fruit flavors and hints of clover. The body is mild with an easy and approachable palate.
Bourbon from Floor 5 has an aroma full of herbal notes. The mouth has savory flavors of cooked cinnamon and clove that are balanced with a presence of caramel and butterscotch. The finish is quite and smooth and balanced.
Barrels aged on Floor 9 have a rich and delightful aroma of charred oak. The initial flavor fills the mouth with toasted almonds and walnuts that is complimented by chicory and blackberry. The mouth feel is medium bodied with a dry finish.