Daniel Davis
BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY CONTINUES TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF WHISKEY EXPLORATION
The Old Charter Oak Series
If you’re a whiskey lover, you’ve probably heard of Buffalo Trace Distillery. This Kentucky-based distillery has been producing some of the world’s best bourbon since 1773, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, they’re still exploring new ways to make great whiskey, and their latest expression in the Old Charter Oak Series, Spanish Oak, is a perfect example of this.
What is the Old Charter Oak Series?
The Old Charter Oak Series is a line of bourbons that Buffalo Trace Distillery began releasing in 2018. The idea behind the series is to take inspiration from the history of oak barrels in whiskey-making. Each release in the series features bourbon that has been aged in a barrel made from a different species of oak tree. The first release was aged in Mongolian oak, and subsequent releases have featured barrels made from Canadian oak, French oak, and more.
So what’s the deal with Spanish Oak?
Spanish oak is a popular species of oak tree that has historically been used in the production of sherry. The oak is prized for its tight grain and rich flavors, which are often described as spicy, nutty, and slightly sweet. Buffalo Trace Distillery’s latest release in the Old Charter Oak Series takes advantage of these flavors by aging its bourbon in barrels made from Spanish oak.
What does Spanish Oak bourbon taste like?
The Spanish Oak release in the Old Charter Oak Series is a complex whiskey that is sure to delight fans of bourbon. The nose is full of rich, sweet aromas like vanilla, toffee, and caramel. On the palate, the whiskey is rich and nutty, with notes of almond, hazelnut, and cinnamon. There are also hints of dried fruit and a nice, spicy finish that lingers on the tongue.
How does it compare to other whiskeys in the Old Charter Oak Series?
While each release in the Old Charter Oak Series is unique, there are some similarities between them. All of the releases feature Buffalo Trace Distillery’s signature mash bill, which includes corn, rye, and malted barley. They’re also all bottled at 90 proof. However, each release is aged in a different type of oak barrel, which gives the whiskeys unique flavors and characteristics. The Spanish Oak release is definitely one of the more complex and flavorful releases in the series, and it’s perfect for those who enjoy a rich, spicy whiskey.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Old Charter Oak Series is a great example of whiskey exploration at its finest. By experimenting with different types of oak barrels, the distillery is able to create whiskeys that are truly unique. The Spanish Oak release in the series is a standout, with its rich, nutty flavors and spicy finish. If you’re a whiskey fan, it’s definitely worth trying!
