Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops, the name of the 26th release from Buffalo Trace Distillery's Experimental Collection, has just now become available. This new addition, which is the Distillery's most recent manifestation of its dedication to "Honor Tradition, Embrace Change," explores the ways in which a common ingredient used in the creation of beer affects the final flavor profile of a spirit.
Image credit: Buffalo Trace
Developed more than a decade ago, Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley wondered how the addition of hops might affect a spirit at a time when floral-scented bitter beers were becoming more and more popular. He therefore infused two different hops—Zythos, an American hop with tropical and delicate herbal flavors, and Saaz noble hops, a Czechoslovakian species frequently seen in Bohemian pilsners—into a raw distillate for half an hour. After being redistilled and matured for eleven years and seven months in charred white oak casks, the fresh make distillate was infused with both American and European hops.
“Hoppy beers are a playground for brewers; there are many techniques used to capture different flavors. It inspired us to play around with this essential beer ingredient as well. Thanks to the eleven-plus years of aging, the hop aroma and hop flavors are evident while providing a balanced bitterness that blends well with the spirit’s oaky whiskey character. Enjoying Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops neat is the best way to learn about it, but I encourage fans to experiment with the spirit at home. A hopped spirit creates a unique cocktail experience. Test it out as a Manhattan and move from there. Curiosity is key.” ~ Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley
Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops, which is 90 proof, has a distinctively hoppy nose that combines citrus and floral notes from beer with undertones of creamy vanilla and seasoned wood. The palate is complemented by fresh herbal flavors, strong oak notes, and vibrant citrus flavors with a noticeable lemon and orange zest. The finish is crisp and invigorating.
“At the core of our Experimental Collection is a passion for pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable drinking experiences for our fans. After tasting it with our distillers, we agreed Release #26 embodies our relentless drive for innovation. Merging the worlds of beer and whiskey is especially exciting—we believe beer lovers will appreciate its bold hoppiness while discovering the depth of its whiskey-like qualities. A spirit like this, crafted at this scale, is truly rare.” ~ Buffalo Trace Distillery Global Director Andrew Duncan
Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops, which is 90 proof, has a distinctively hoppy nose that combines citrus and floral notes from beer with undertones of creamy vanilla and seasoned wood. The palate is complemented by fresh herbal flavors, strong oak notes, and vibrant citrus flavors with a noticeable lemon and orange zest. The finish is crisp and invigorating.
In the warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery, almost 30,000 experimental barrels of whiskey are currently maturing. The mash bill, wood types, barrel toasts, and other experimental adjustments are all different in each barrel. These whiskeys are marketed in limited quantities and are issued on a periodic basis because not all experiments are considered worthy of being bottled.
The Buffalo Trace Distillery gift store will start selling Buffalo Trace Experimental Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops in limited quantities on specific days starting in late January 2025, with a suggested retail price of $46.99. All expressions from the Experimental Collection are available in 375ml bottles because these releases are restricted. More about the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection series can be found here.
