BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY

INTRODUCTION

Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of the leading whiskey makers in the United States. Over the years, the brand has continued to push the boundaries of whiskey exploration, and has released several award-winning and highly sought-after expressions. One of the latest expressions in the Old Charter Oak Series is the Spanish Oak, which has created a buzz among whiskey lovers.

THE OLD CHARTER OAK SERIES

The Old Charter Oak Series is a line of bourbons that pays homage to the centuries-old technique of using oak barrels to age whiskey. The series explores the impact of different oak types on the maturation process, and features unique flavor profiles. Each expression in the series is made with the same mash bill and yeast strain, but is aged in different barrels to showcase the effects of different wood types on the final product.

THE SPANISH OAK EXPRESSION

The latest expression in the Old Charter Oak Series is the Spanish Oak. This bourbon was aged for 10 years in barrels made from Quercus pyrenaica, a species of oak native to Spain. The wood was air-dried for almost 3 years before being crafted into barrels, allowing the natural sugars and flavors of the wood to develop.

The Spanish Oak expression is described as having notes of dried fruit, leather, and dark chocolate. The oak imparts a spicy, nutty character to the whiskey, with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. The finish is long and warming, with a touch of smoke and tobacco.

THE IMPACT OF SPANISH OAK

Spanish oak is a rare and prized wood in the whiskey world. It is known for imparting a unique flavor profile to spirits, with its high levels of tannins and astringency. The wood is also more porous than American oak, allowing more of the whiskey to interact with the wood and absorb its flavors and aromas.

Interestingly, Spanish Oak is not a common choice for whiskey barrels. The wood is expensive and difficult to source, and its unique flavor profile can be challenging to work with. However, with the Spanish Oak expression, Buffalo Trace Distillery has demonstrated the potential of this oak type and its impact on whiskey maturation.

CONCLUSION

The Old Charter Oak Series from Buffalo Trace Distillery is a testament to the art and science of whiskey making. With each expression, the brand delves deeper into the nuances of oak barrels and their impact on the final product. The Spanish Oak expression is a shining example of this exploration, showcasing the unique flavors that this rare wood can impart to bourbon. If you’re a whiskey lover looking for something truly special, the Spanish Oak expression should definitely be on your radar.