Hidden Barn, a bourbon brand established in 2022, is set to release a new seven-year-old bourbon finished in French oak on July 7th. This highly anticipated release marks a significant milestone for the brand, as it transitions from a non-distiller producer to having a physical home at the Neeley Family Distillery.
Image credit: Hidden Barn
The Hidden Barn 7-Year-Old Bourbon is a unique blend of five barrels distilled at the Neeley Family Distillery. The mash bill consists of 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malted barley. The bourbon undergoes a meticulous double pot distillation process after fermenting with wild-crafted Appalachian yeast, a traditional method upheld by the Neeley family for generations. The distillation process also includes the use of sweet mash and open cypress fermentation tanks, contributing to the bourbon's distinctive depth and complexity.
Initially, the spirit is aged for five years in 24-month open-air seasoned barrels. Following this, it spends an additional two years maturing in new charred French oak barrels, enhancing its flavor profile. The result is a bourbon that boasts a cask strength of 109.4 proof (54.7% ABV) and is bottled without chill filtration, preserving its rich character and texture.
The sensory experience of the Hidden Barn 7-Year-Old Bourbon is described as having a "gorgeous bouquet of overripe blackberry and red currant, coupled with crème brulee and a hint of spearmint" on the nose. The palate offers a "rich and full-bodied" taste with a "semi-dry rounded finish," featuring notes of "toasted allspice, banana bread, and black pepper."
Jackie Zykan, the Master Blender, played a crucial role in creating this blend. Utilizing just five barrels, she aimed to craft a harmonious and balanced bourbon. “People think starting with a smaller base is easier, since there are less flavor components in play, but it’s actually harder,” Zykan explained. “With big batches, it’s easier to achieve consistency and camouflage outlying components. But with a smaller batch, such as this with only five barrels, everything has to be intentionally incorporated because any disconnect will show up immediately.”
The release of this bourbon is particularly exciting for Royce Neeley, the owner and Master Distiller at Neeley Family Distillery, who has given Zykan complete access to his inventory for her blending projects. “Basically, I’ve given her the keys to the warehouse, and we can expect to see more one-of-a-kind releases in the future now that she’s got thousands of barrels to play with,” Neeley remarked.
The Hidden Barn 7-Year-Old Bourbon has already garnered acclaim, winning a gold medal with a score of 91 at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This recognition underscores the quality and craftsmanship behind the bourbon.
With a suggested retail price of $79.99, the Hidden Barn 7-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will be available starting July 7th at the Neeley Family Distillery. It will also be accessible online and at retail locations in California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, New Mexico, and New York.
For bourbon enthusiasts and collectors, this release represents an opportunity to experience a finely crafted spirit that combines traditional techniques with innovative finishing processes. The Hidden Barn 7-Year-Old Bourbon is poised to become a standout addition to any whiskey collection.
About Hidden Barn Distillery
Hidden Barn Distillery is a relatively new yet noteworthy name in the world of craft distilleries, dedicated to producing high-quality, artisanal spirits. Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, the distillery embraces the rich heritage of bourbon-making while infusing its unique character into every bottle. The name "Hidden Barn" is a nod to the clandestine, often rustic origins of American distilling, echoing a time when small-scale, hidden operations crafted spirits with a personal touch and attention to detail.
The distillery was founded by a group of passionate individuals with deep roots in the bourbon industry. Their collective experience and shared vision focus on creating authentic, small-batch bourbons that stand out for their quality and distinctiveness. Hidden Barn Distillery takes pride in its hands-on approach to production, from selecting the finest local grains to meticulously overseeing each step of the distillation and aging processes. This dedication ensures that every batch of bourbon reflects the team's commitment to excellence and craftsmanship.
One of the defining characteristics of Hidden Barn's spirits is their rich, robust flavor profiles. The distillery employs traditional methods, such as open fermentation and pot still distillation, which contribute to the depth and complexity of its bourbons. The aging process takes place in carefully chosen barrels, allowing the whiskey to develop its signature notes over time. Each release is thoughtfully crafted, often featuring unique expressions that highlight different aspects of the distillery's artisanal approach.
Despite its relatively recent entry into the market, Hidden Barn Distillery has quickly garnered attention and acclaim from both industry experts and bourbon enthusiasts. Its commitment to quality, heritage, and innovation resonates with those who appreciate finely crafted spirits. As it continues to grow and evolve, Hidden Barn Distillery remains dedicated to honoring the traditions of bourbon-making while pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in a bottle.