The second edition of Buffalo Trace's Prohibition Collection, which honors whiskeys made lawfully at the Buffalo Trace Distillery during the Prohibition era, has been released.
Due to the approval of the 18th Amendment, the United States prohibited the manufacture, distribution, and transportation of alcoholic beverages during Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933 and is probably the most controversial era in the history of alcohol. At this period, only a medical prescription was required to purchase alcohol, and the U.S. government only licensed six distilleries to bottle medicinal whiskey. Among these distilleries was the present-day Buffalo Trace Distillery.
The five whiskeys in this year's Prohibition Collection were all inspired by the original, vibrant packaging for these iconic brands, and documents found in the Distillery's archives tell tales from more than a century ago. These whiskeys are documented in the distillery's records. The collection's initial release in 2023 also honored five iconic companies created at the distillery.
Mirror Brook
In order to update outdated pre-Prohibition labeling, Albert Blanton first mentioned Mirror Brook in a letter he wrote in 1932, directing cases of O.F.C. bottled in 1919 to be rebottled as Mirror Brook. The combination of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys used today is 100 proof, bottled in bond, and has a luscious cherry scent that is followed by a dash of rye spice and a waft of wood. Following waves of chocolate and rye spice are supported by a rich, mellow oak character that is topped with a bright vanilla creaminess.
Very Oldest Procurable
One of the whiskey brands bottled during Prohibition but not owned by the Distillery was Very Oldest Procurable, or V.O.P. According to Buffalo Trace Distillery archives, Blanton formally registered the name V.O.P. for medicinal bottling orders with the government in 1932. Today's V.O.P. is an uncut and unfiltered barrel-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon with rich cherry aromas that emerge mid-tasting, toasted oak, and vanilla that balance the rye spice that builds on the palate. With lingering sweet honey aromas and a persistent oak and rye spice, the finish is warm.
Anderson’s Belle
Not to be confused with the Belle of Anderson brand, Anderson's Belle was a limited edition product created to honor a woman; however, the Distillery's archives have no information about who "Anderson's Belle" was. But the package image, which looks like a Scottish plaid, might be a hint. This replica is a 100-proof, bottled-in-bond wheated bourbon that has packaging that is nearly identical to the original. Rich sweetness with a hint of vanilla and a hint of charred oak is delivered by the nose's inviting aromas of caramel and maple. Its unique sweet and toasty wheat taste is rounded out by a faint undertone of dried fruit and a powerful oak.
Old Fashioned Mountain Corn
According to an actual letter from Blanton, the Distillery owned and produced all of Old Fashioned Mountain Corn during Prohibition. The phrase "Made in the Heart of the Bluegrass," which was used on many Prohibition whiskey labels to allude to a period before industrialized cities were the norm, is featured on the original and replicated packaging. The flavor of sweet maize, mingled with toasted wood and counterbalanced by rich caramel richness, is evident on the palate of this 110-proof Kentucky Straight maize Whiskey. Alongside the sweet maize, the oak flavor lingers in the warm finish.
Silver Wedding Rye Whiskey
Similar to Golden Wedding Rye Whiskey's 50th anniversary celebration, Silver Wedding Rye Whiskey, which was first produced in Midway, KY under Blanton's supervision, alludes to a 25th anniversary. Silver Wedding Gin took its place as a short-lived, limited-edition whiskey, and it was frequently served with Golden Wedding Rye Whiskey at public gatherings. The notes of vanilla and caramel sweetness are blended with toasted oak, a hint of leather earthiness, and a burst of rye spice in today's 125-proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. This whiskey has a lovely aftertaste, with notes of wood and vanilla lingering along with the rye spice.
“As the oldest continuously operating distillery in America, Buffalo Trace Distillery carries a legacy built by pioneers like Albert B. Blanton, who guided it through Prohibition. The Prohibition Collection honors that history while embodying our long-lasting commitment to crafting exceptional whiskey.” ~ Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Master Distiller
"The second edition of the Prohibition Collection invites enthusiasts to explore and discuss the history behind these whiskeys.Faithful updates to significant brands that came to Buffalo Trace to age during Prohibition, these new expressions embody our motto of ‘Honor Tradition, Embrace Change.’ After releasing the first set, we were thrilled to see lots of conversation around these previously-forgotten brands. We look forward to hearing more forgotten stories as these new expressions are released into the world." ~ Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace has collaborated with the Scandinavian Tobacco Group to create a five-cigar set based on the Prohibition Collection in conjunction with the whiskey release.
Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection #2, which comes in a hardwood display box with five 375ml bottles, will be available in limited quantities in the US for US$999.99.
