Buffalo Trace experiments with giant barrels

Buffalo Trace Distilleries has been experimenting with ageing bourbon in giant French oak barrels – 82 gallons larger than usual – and is releasing bottlings as part of its Experimental Collection.

The Giant Barrels are expected to be available in Buffalo Trace’s Experimental Collection in September

Two bourbons, both Buffalo Trace rye bourbon mash #2, have been aged in giant, 135-gallon French oak barrels for 19 and 23 years each, and are due for release in September.

The Buffalo Trace 19 Year Old Giant French Oak Barrel is a 45% abv bourbon with a ‘clean, well-rounded’ taste that is ‘sweeter than expected with caramel and butterscotch notes followed by an oaky finish’.

The Buffalo Trace 23 Year Old Giant French Oak Barrel is also a 45%abv bourbon but with a complex taste with notes of ‘sassafras, caramel, birch and tea berry’.

The distillery, which has produced over 1,500 barrels exclusively for The Experimental Collection, was surprised to find that alcohol evaporation was lower than in smaller, traditional oak barrels that hold 53 gallons.

The 19 Year Old had an evaporation rate of 34.8%, a considerably lower rate than a 53 gallon barrel that would normally see 55-60% in the same time.

Buffalo Trace’s 23 Year Old also wielded a lower evaporation rate at 46.8%, again lower than a smaller barrel aged for the same amount of time.

“ Both of these barrels yielded pleasant tasting whiskeys, and we were surprised about the evaporation rate being so low, said master distiller Harlen Wheatley. “Evidently the large size helped retain more of the whiskey while also imparting a well-rounded and full bodied flavor.”

The two expressions will be packaged in 375ml bottles and carry an RRP of US$46.35.