Emma Jones
About Buffalo Trace’s New Offering, An age-old Twist
Buffalo Trace, a renowned name in the world of whiskey, has taken their innovation to an all-new level. In its great tradition of pushing boundaries, they have unveiled a new bourbon made from ancient Egyptian grain. Unusual, yes? Fascinating, even more so! Let’s dive deep into the story of this intriguing experiment that combines yeast, grain, and bourbon-making excellence tracing back to the times of the Pharaohs.
Origins And Inspiration
The idea of utilizing ancient Egyptian grain didn’t just pop out of thin air. It was fueled by curiosity, passion, and the unwavering commitment that Buffalo Trace has for crafting fine bourbons. The inspiration for this exceptional bourbon came from the time-tested tradition of brewing beer in ancient Egypt.
For millennia, the ancient Egyptians brewed beer using a variety of grains such as barley, emmer wheat, and even millet. This grain-based beer brewing practice caught the imagination of the Buffalo Trace team as barley is one of the grains commonly used in the distillation process of whiskey. They pondered, experimented, and voila! The idea of a bourbon made from ancient Egyptian grain was born.
The Journey of the Grain
From ancient Egypt to modern America
Bringing the idea to life wasn’t as easy as it sounds. The ancient species of barley had to be sourced and then cultivated in the U.S. The team started to look for places where they could find the right type of grain. Eventually, they found a source in Egypt, which had the ancient barley gene bank. The samples were brought to the distillery and sowed on the farm, initiating the process of bourbon crafting.
Harvesting and Preparation
The cultivation process wasn’t something that happened overnight. After careful and meticulous planning, the barley was planted and grew to fruition. Once harvesting was complete, the process of drying, milling, and malting began. It marked the start of the distilling process, where the grain underwent transformation into the rich, robust bourbon we now know.
The Distilling Process
Once the preparation of the grain was deemed perfect, the distilling process began. This involved fermenting the milled grain to create a sour mash, that was then distilled to form liquor. The liquor then underwent a time-consuming aging process in white oak barrels, where it matured into the beautifully golden bourbon.
Each step was meticulously monitored to ensure that the bourbon retains the unique flavors and qualities born from the extraordinary grain.
Aging and Maturation
Surely, one can’t rush perfection: The length of maturation varied for each barrel, depending on the taste and the rich color acquired. The bourbon aged in Buffalo Trace’s top-tier warehouses, where it was granted the time needed to develop a unique, satisfying flavor profile.
Tasting Notes & Final Thoughts
So, what does the bourbon made from ancient Egyptian grain taste like? With the first sip, it offers a smooth, but bold mouthfeel, that carries a lingering complexity with hints of corn, caramel, and oak. A touch of spice dances throughout, making the experience savoring this golden bourbon something you’d want to linger over. Each sip offers a journey back to the time of the ancients, all while staying grounded in the world-class bourbon tradition that Buffalo Trace is known for.
This innovative project by Buffalo Trace is more than just the creation of a new decadent bourbon. It’s an exploration of history, an experiment that tests the versatility of grains, and above all, a testament to the distillery’s unwavering passion for crafting high-quality, unique bourbons.
