Emma Jones
The Old Charter Oak Series
If you’re a whiskey lover, then you’ve probably heard of the Old Charter Oak series from Buffalo Trace Distillery. The series is all about exploring the influence of different oak types on the flavor of whiskey. To create these whiskeys, Buffalo Trace sources barrels made from rare, historic oak trees from around the world. Each release in the series is aged for a minimum of ten years before being bottled.
The Latest Expression: Spanish Oak
The latest release in the Old Charter Oak series is aged in barrels made from Spanish Oak. Spanish Oak, also known as Quercus faginea, is found in the Mediterranean and is known for creating a very different flavor profile than American Oak. The Spanish Oak barrels used in this release were previously used to age Sherry, a Spanish wine. This adds an interesting twist to the whiskey, as it takes on some of the characteristics of the wine that was previously aged in the barrels.
The Tasting Notes
So, what does the Spanish Oak release taste like? According to Buffalo Trace Distillery, the whiskey has notes of “toasted oak, dark chocolate, and coffee beans.” There are also hints of “dark fruit and Sherry” on the nose. The whiskey has a rich, dark color that is almost reddish-brown. It has a smooth, yet complex flavor that is best enjoyed neat.
A Limited Release
As with all releases in the Old Charter Oak series, the Spanish Oak release is a limited edition. There are only a certain number of bottles available, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. If you’re interested in trying this whiskey, it’s best to act fast.
Conclusion
Overall, Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Old Charter Oak series is a fascinating way to explore the impact of oak on whiskey. The Spanish Oak release adds another layer of complexity to an already intriguing series. If you’re a whiskey lover looking for something a little different, be sure to give this one a try.
