Latest news with #BuffaloTraceDistillery
Forbes
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Buffalo Trace Debuts Two New Bourbons In Its William L Weller Range
The new Weller 18 YO from Buffalo Trace Photo, courtesy Buffalo Trace Distillery On the eve of the centenary of William LaRue Weller's birth, Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced two new additions to its Weller lineup: the second edition of Weller Millennium, a blend of vintage wheated bourbons and wheat whiskeys, and Weller 18-Year-Old, now the oldest age-stated expression in the brand's history. Below is a brief background and tasting notes on the two new additions to Buffalo Trace's Weller range. Both bottlings continue the distillery's commitment to wheat-based whiskey. The tradition dates back to 1847 when William Larue Weller chose to use wheat instead of rye in his mash bill. That decision resulted in a smoother, softer whiskey that stood apart from the bolder, spicier styles of the day, heralding the beginning of wheated bourbons. These new expressions build on that legacy, exploring how wheat evolves with extended aging and careful blending. Weller 18-Year-Old marks a milestone as the oldest whiskey to carry the Weller name. Bottled at 90 proof, this ultra-aged wheat whiskey showcases the softer side of extended maturation, highlighting how wheat-based bourbon, when handled carefully, can retain its elegance and sophistication over time. 'This whiskey reflects the patience and precision we apply to every step of the process,' said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. 'Wheat can fade with age, but here it has developed into something remarkably nuanced and expressive.' According to Wheatley, the whisky features 'aged fruit and a hint of tobacco' on the nose. The palate offers 'a mix of baking spice and crisp green pear, with a finish that lingers without overwhelming.' Weller 18 is housed in a 700ml crystal decanter, topped with the same hand-etched stopper used in the Millennium release, though without the accompanying display case. It will first appear in select international airport retail shops, including LAX, JFK, and London Heathrow, starting in July 2025. The suggested retail price is $499 for a 700ml bottle. The Weller Millenium #2 Photo, courtesy Buffalo Trace Distillery Following the debut release in May 2024, the second edition of Weller Millennium features a new blend of straight wheated bourbons and wheat whiskeys distilled in 2001, 2003, and 2006. All were produced at Buffalo Trace and set aside specifically for this limited series. The result is a whiskey with depth, character, and a layered complexity that reflects both time and intention. The mash bill for the Weller Millennium #2 is not disclosed. As it's a blend of wheated bourbon and wheated whiskey, it's unlikely to qualify as a bourbon. 'This second release goes even further than the first,' said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director. 'By working with barrels from the early 2000s, we're not just blending whiskey—we're revisiting a moment in our history.' According to the distillery, Weller Millennium #2 opens with 'notes of dark cherry, butterscotch, and vanilla, with oak taking the lead on a long, warming finish.' The whiskey is bottled at 99 proof (49.5% ABV). It's presented in a custom crystal decanter etched with Weller's original 'W' mark, accompanied by a lit display case that highlights the whiskey's components and their respective distillation years. Only a limited number of bottles will be available starting July 2025 through Sazerac's domestic and international distribution partners, as well as at the distillery and via Legacy de Forge, Sazerac's direct-to-consumer platform powered by Blockbar. The suggested retail price is $7,500, with local taxes varying. For more information on how to obtain these two new bourbons, see the Buffalo Trace website. More From Forbes Forbes America's Top-Rated Wheated Bourbons And Whiskeys: Smooth, Bold And Affordable By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's Best Wheated Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition By Joseph V Micallef Forbes Want Alternatives To Pappy And Weller? 10 Top-Ranked Wheated Bourbons By Joseph V Micallef
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Buffalo Trace Just Dropped A 100-Proof Sazerac Rye—here's What To Know
Sazerac Rye 100 Proof For more than a century, Sazerac Rye has been synonymous with the cocktail that bears its name—a rye-forward classic born in the heart of New Orleans. Now, Buffalo Trace Distillery is giving bartenders a bolder tool for modern mixology with the release of Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof. The new expression ,unveiled at an event Sunday evening in New Orleans at the Tale of the Cocktail conference, dials up Sazerac's ABV while preserving the spicy, smooth character that's made the original a staple behind the bar. It's tailor-made for those building Sazeracs, Manhattans, and other rye-based classics that benefit from a little extra backbone. At 100 proof, this version of the classic New Orleans-born whiskey offers more structure and spice while maintaining the smooth, citrusy warmth that made its 90-proof sibling a staple in classic cocktails like the Sazerac and Manhattan. The release answers a growing call from the trade community for higher-proof rye spirits that can stand up to dilution and bold ingredients. ' Made for Mixing (and Sipping) Sazerac Rye While the DNA of Sazerac Rye remains intact—clove, vanilla, and pepper are all present and accounted for; however the 100-proof version adds deeper complexity, with bolder citrus and spice flavors and a soft licorice finish. Think classic Sazerac Rye, but punchier. That extra 10 proof makes a big difference when it comes to cocktail construction, and allows bartenders to preserve the flavor integrity of the whiskey in stirred or shaken drinks without compromising the whiskey's balance. According to the brand, the new expression was crafted specifically to elevate cocktail-making without losing the approachable charm that's long made Sazerac Rye a go-to. From Apothecary to Icon: The History of Sazerac Sazerac Rye takes its name from the legendary Sazerac House, a New Orleans apothecary-turned-salon that helped birth one of America's very first cocktails. In the early 1800s, Antoine Peychaud—an apothecary known for his proprietary bitters—began serving a mix of rye whiskey, bitters, sugar, and absinthe to guests in a cozier, more social setting than a traditional bar. The cocktail would eventually take on the name of the Sazerac House itself, and the rye whiskey at its core became inextricably linked with the city's drinking culture. The Sazerac Company, now one of the largest privately held spirits companies in the world, carries on that legacy, with Sazerac Rye produced today at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. While the majority of Sazerac no longer made in New Orleans, the brand still makes a small amount of Sazerac Rye on-site in New Orleans in a small 500-gallon distillery within Sazerac House. The Sazerac cocktail is also recognized by the Louisiana legislature as the official cocktail of New Orleans. A New Frontier for Barrel Selection In addition to its retail launch, the 100-proof rye will also be offered through the Sazerac Barrel Select (SBS) program, giving bars and restaurants the chance to pick their own single barrel. The first 100 on-premise partners to make a selection will receive a limited-edition commemorative barrelhead—a nod to the whiskey's roots and its future as a fixture in bar programs nationwide. Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof is now hitting shelves now in select markets at a suggested retail price of $29.99 per 1L bottle,.
Rakyat Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- Rakyat Post
History In A Glass: America's Oldest Distilling Traditions Land In Malaysia
Subscribe to our FREE The legendary Sazerac Company, keeper of some of America's most coveted bourbon traditions, is officially rolling out its full portfolio in the Malaysian market. Through local powerhouse The introduction couldn't be more perfectly staged than at W Hotel Kuala Lumpur's Living Room, where industry insiders got their first official taste of what's been making bourbon aficionados weak in the knees for generations. Bottled at 45% ABV, the iconic Sazerac Rye Whiskey leads the charge. It carries the legacy of the famous Sazerac cocktail, which was born in New Orleans. This spicy, complex rye whiskey, with its distinctive candied citrus and vanilla notes, is a testament to America's oldest distilling traditions and remains an essential component in classic cocktails. Kentucky's Bourbon Legacy Following closely is Buffalo Trace Bourbon, produced at America's oldest continuously operating distillery. Bottled at an approachable 40% ABV, this flagship bourbon brings rich waves of vanilla, toffee, and candied fruit, backed by gentle spices. With over 200 years of distilling heritage and countless awards, it represents the cornerstone of the Buffalo Trace Distillery's remarkable portfolio. The 1792 Small Batch Bourbon, named for the year Kentucky joined the United States, offers a more robust experience at 46.85% ABV. Its higher rye content delivers a complex character that bourbon enthusiasts will appreciate. Its distinctive tall-shouldered bottle presents deep notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. This expression perfectly bridges the gap between everyday bourbon and premium sipping whiskey. Mastering American Whiskey Heritage The prestigious Eagle Rare 10 Year Old, bottled at 45% ABV, completes the quartet. This highly sought-after bourbon, aged for a minimum of 10 years, showcases the pinnacle of Buffalo Trace's craftsmanship. Its complex profile of almond, orange peel, honey, and leather notes has earned it numerous accolades, including multiple Double Gold medals at major competitions. The two-hour session was an intimate deep dive into these premium offerings, giving attendees a comprehensive introduction to American whiskey craftsmanship. From the spiciness of rye to the sweetness of bourbon, each expression tells its own story of American distilling heritage. A New Chapter in Malaysian Mixology For trade partners and media representatives lucky enough to secure an invitation, this exclusive first look represents more than just new additions to their portfolio – it's access to some of the most storied brands in the spirits world, each bringing its own legacy to Malaysian shores. As Malaysia's craft cocktail scene evolves, Sazerac's arrival couldn't be better timed. From high-end bars to premium retailers, these spirits promise to bring a touch of New Orleans magic to Malaysia's drinking culture. While the W Hotel launch may be exclusive, the real celebration will be knowing that these legendary bottles will soon be available at Malaysia's finest establishments. The spirits are coming – and they're bringing two centuries of American heritage with them. Essential Bitters: The Soul of Classic Cocktails The Sazerac portfolio's Malaysian debut wouldn't be complete without introducing two essential cocktail components. In the bustling French Quarter of 1832 New Orleans, Antoine Amédée Peychaud, a recent arrival from San Domingo (now Haiti), began crafting what would become one of cocktail history's most influential creations in his humble apothecary. His special blend of botanicals, now known worldwide as Peychaud's Bitters, started as a zesty addition to his pharmacy's elixirs but grew to become an essential ingredient in the legendary Sazerac cocktail. Decades later, across the cocktail landscape, Gary Regan would develop his legacy with Regans' Orange Bitters, creating a precise balance of citrus peel and herbal notes that would become a cornerstone of classic and modern mixology. Today, these two distinctive bitters—each with its own character—Peychaud's with its liquorice and saffron notes and Regans' with its citrus-forward profile and ginger-like finish continue to be indispensable tools in crafting sophisticated cocktails worldwide. Where Tequila Meets Bourbon Meanwhile, deep in the heart of Mexico, Corazón Tequila tells a fascinating story of two worlds coming together. It begins with their Blanco – pure and honest, like capturing sunshine in a bottle. Here, the blue agave speaks for itself, untouched and unaltered, sharing its natural sweetness and character just as nature intended. But the story gets even more interesting. Imagine taking this pristine tequila and letting it rest in barrels that once cradled some of Kentucky's finest bourbon. That's precisely what happens with Corazón's Reposado and Añejo expressions: these special barrels, fresh from Buffalo Trace Distillery, add their own whispers of American oak and bourbon heritage to Mexico's beloved spirit. Completing this Mexican journey is Los Vecinos del Campo mezcal, crafted from carefully selected wild and cultivated agave varieties, offering a traditional taste of Oaxaca's rich mezcal heritage. Think of it as a limited-edition masterpiece where Mexico's finest tequila and Mezcal meets America's most treasured whiskey barrels. Each bottle tells a unique tale, having rested in barrels that once held Buffalo Trace's most prestigious whiskeys. Crafting Caribbean's Finest: From Myers's to Jung & Wulff Following the distinguished spirits mentioned earlier, the historic Myers's Original Dark Rum from Jamaica, crafted since 1879 using pure Jamaican sugarcane juice, brings over 140 years of heritage to the portfolio. Take a sip, and you'll discover why this rum has stood the test of time- it's like biting into a chocolate-covered caramel, with tobacco hints reminding you of an old wooden cigar box. Hidden beneath these bold flavours are subtle whispers of sweet raisins and fresh figs – all coming together in perfect harmony thanks to patient ageing in white oak barrels. But the Caribbean's rum story doesn't end there. Jung & Wulff have crafted three distinct chapters from three different islands. Trinidad's smooth and sophisticated character, Guyana's mysterious and complex personality, and Barbados's rich, full-bodied charm. Each is carefully crafted at 43% ABV, striking the perfect balance between strength and flavour. From Myers's time-honoured Jamaican traditions to Jung & Wulff's modern approach, these rums complete the picture of Caribbean craftsmanship. READ MORE : Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Forbes
04-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Buffalo Trace Adds E.H. Taylor To Its Coveted Antique Collection
E.H. Taylor Bottled-and-Bond This fall, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) is getting its first new addition in nearly two decades—and it's a big one. Buffalo Trace Distillery has officially confirmed that E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon will be joining its prestigious annual lineup, making its debut as part of the 2025 BTAC Collection. The move marks the first addition to BTAC since Thomas H. Handy was introduced back in 2006. And for longtime fans of Buffalo Trace's heritage-rich portfolio, this update feels more like destiny than surprise. The Bottled-in-Bond expression pays tribute to Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., widely considered the 'Father of Modern Bourbon,' and the driving force behind one of the most significant milestones in whiskey history: the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. 'As a founding figure who helped define bourbon quality — not just for Buffalo Trace, but for the entire industry — it's only fitting that Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr.'s namesake brand takes its place among the collection,' Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery said in an emailed statement. 'With this release, we proudly pay tribute to Colonel Taylor's enduring legacy of innovation and craftsmanship.' Buffalo Trace Antique Collection The Antique Collection is known for its limited annual releases that highlight long-aged, high-proof, and meticulously selected barrels from Buffalo Trace's extensive warehouses. It typically includes five expressions: These whiskeys are lauded not only for their complexity and rarity, but also for representing the pinnacle of Buffalo Trace's aging and blending programs. The inclusion of E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond—a 100-proof, single-season, federally bonded bourbon—signals a new chapter. While the standard Bottled-in-Bond expression remains a consumer favorite in the $40–60 range, this BTAC release is expected to reflect extended aging, increased rarity, and deeper barrel selection—placing it in direct conversation with the likes of Stagg and Weller in terms of prestige. E.H. Taylor Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. purchased the O.F.C. Distillery (now Buffalo Trace) in 1869, and his impact on American whiskey cannot be overstated. He was a relentless innovator, responsible for modernizing the distillery with copper fermentation tanks, grain handling systems, and steam-heated warehouses—some of which are still in use today. More importantly, Taylor was a key figure behind the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, the first piece of federal legislation to establish standards for whiskey production and labeling. It defined what constituted a 'straight' whiskey, mandated a minimum of four years of aging, and required the spirit to be the product of one distillation season, one distiller, and one distillery—all bottled at 100 proof under federal supervision. This act essentially introduced the idea of government-regulated whiskey purity—a vital protection for consumers during an era rife with counterfeit and adulterated spirits. In homage to that legacy, the new BTAC release will bear Taylor's signature, just as his original bottles once did. E.H. Taylor Bottled-and-Bond label For collectors, the introduction of a new BTAC label is a rare event—only the second in over 20 years. With existing BTAC expressions already fetching high secondary market prices and being the subject of annual lotteries, this addition will only increase demand. The move also strengthens the long-term positioning of the E.H. Taylor brand as a cornerstone of Buffalo Trace's prestige portfolio. While Buffalo Trace has yet to release details on age statement, mashbill, or barrel selection, expectations are high. The standard Bottled-in-Bond release already draws from Mashbill #1 (a low-rye bourbon mash), and if this BTAC edition follows suit—with additional aging and BTAC-level curation—it could become one of the more balanced and historically resonant entries in the collection. Look for the 2025 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection—including the debut of E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond BTAC Edition—to begin arriving in extremely limited allocations this fall.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
America's oldest-running distillery reopens after historic floods
Frankfort, Kentucky — For more than two centuries, the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfurt, Kentucky, has bottled up scores of spirits on its 400-acre campus. But America's oldest-running distillery ground to a halt last month amid historic and deadly flooding, when Buffalo Trace master distiller Harlen Wheatley says the nearby Kentucky River rose to over 48 feet. "Every building that you see had four or five feet of water in it, all over…the site," Wheatley told CBS News. Tyler Adams, the distillery's general manager, says Buffalo Trace has weathered storms before, including a campus-wide flood in 1978 and tornado speed winds damaging multiple buildings in 2006. "We've been through prohibition, other floods, tornadoes that took off part of a warehouse," Adams said. The bourbon crafters said there are no plans to move to higher ground. "We have no plans of slowing down," Wheatley said. "…That water's just a speed bump." Crews hurried to restore tanks ahead of the distillery's busiest days, dubbed "Derby Week" by locals ahead of Saturday's Kentucky Derby. "You need bourbon, you need mint juleps, and you need horses," local Colleen Calvy said. "Otherwise, it's not derby." And visitors flocking to the Run for the Roses also raced to Buffalo Trace's gift shop this week, as the distillery reopened for limited tours and tastings. Layne Wilkerson, Frankfort's mayor, says the soft reopening marks a step in the right direction for a community still reeling from disaster. "It's an iconic part of our identity here in Frankfort," Wilkerson said. "Bourbon, of course, is one of our major industries." Wheatley says seeing the distillery back up and running "means something to us too." "We have 770 employees," Wheatley said. "We have a lot of families that depend on the we want to be up and running." Daughter reflects on iconic photo that shows reunion with her father, a Vietnam prisoner of war Kentucky distillery defies historic flooding and reopens for "Derby Week" Trump's AI photo of him as pope sparks worldwide outrage
