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Buffalo Trace experiments with hops
By Miona MadsenSazerac-owned Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled the 26th edition of its Experimental Series, called Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops.

The release is described as the latest example of the distillery’s commitment to ‘honour tradition, embrace change’.
Created by master distiller Harlen Wheatley, Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops examines how an ingredient commonly used in beer production can impact a spirit’s final flavour profile.
Inspired by bitter beers with floral aromas, Wheatley infused two distinct hops – Saaz noble hops, a Czechoslovakian variety commonly found in Bohemian pilsners, and Zythos, an American hop with tropical and subtle herbal notes – into a raw distillate for 30 minutes.
The new-make distillate, infused with the hops, was redistilled and aged in charred white oak casks for 11 years and seven months.
Wheatley commented: “Hoppy beers are a playground for brewers; there are many techniques used to capture different flavours. It inspired us to play around with this essential beer ingredient as well. Thanks to the more than 11 years of ageing, the hop aroma and hop flavours are evident while providing a balanced bitterness that blends well with the spirit’s oaky whiskey character.”
Bottled at 45% ABV, the 26th edition of the Experimental Collection displays hoppy aromas of citrus and herbal notes found in beer, creamy vanilla and seasoned oak undertones. On the palate, the expression offers ‘vibrant’ citrus with lemon and orange zest, fresh herbal flavours and oak notes.
Wheatley continued: “Enjoying Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops neat is the best way to learn about it, but I encourage fans to experiment with the spirit at home. A hopped spirit creates a unique cocktail experience. Test it out as a Manhattan and move from there. Curiosity is key.”
Buffalo Trace Experimental Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops will be available in limited quantities on select dates at the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop from late January 2025.
The release has a suggested retail price of US$46.99 for a 375ml bottle.
Experimental project
Buffalo Trace reportedly began experimenting with various recipes and barrel treatments more than two decades ago, and the distillery houses more than 30,000 experimental barrels of whiskey.
Each barrel is said to have unique characteristics and experimental changes, including in the mash bill, types of wood, and barrel toasts. Not every experiment is deemed worthy of bottling, resulting in whiskeys being released periodically and sold on a limited basis.
Some of the previous releases have included a baijiu-style spirit in 2021 and a peated Bourbon in 2023.
Andrew Duncan, global director of Buffalo Trace Distillery, said: “At the core of our Experimental Collection is a passion for pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable drinking experiences for our fans.
“After tasting it with our distillers, we agreed that release number 26 embodies our relentless drive for innovation. Merging the worlds of beer and whiskey is especially exciting – we believe beer lovers will appreciate its bold hoppiness while discovering the depth of its whiskey-like qualities. A spirit like this, crafted at this scale, is truly rare.”
Earlier this month, Buffalo Trace Distillery released its second Prohibition Collection, which includes five whiskeys inspired by previously forgotten brands.
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