Hidden Barn Bourbon is set to release its first organic wheated bourbon, a major milestone for the brand and a personal accomplishment for its master blender, Jackie Zykan. Known for her previous role as master taster at Old Forester, Zykan has been working on this project for several years. The bourbon, bottled at 106.2 proof, is a six-year-old wheated variety, meaning it is made primarily from wheat in addition to the usual corn and barley mix. This specific bourbon will be released on September 14, 2024, during Bourbon Heritage Month, and will retail for $79.99.
What sets this bourbon apart is its organic certification. Both the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture have certified the grains used in its production as organic. Distilled in Michigan at Journeyman Distillery, this release represents a culmination of Zykan's passion for quality, sustainability, and innovation within the bourbon industry. After the distillation in Michigan, the bourbon was aged and bottled at Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta, Kentucky, which has also recently earned its organic certification. This ensures that Hidden Barn can continue producing organic bourbon in the future.
Zykan’s interest in creating an organic bourbon goes back to her time consulting for Journeyman Distillery in Michigan. There, she developed a strong relationship with the distillery’s founders, Bill and Johanna Welter, and admired their commitment to experimentation and quality. This led her to identify and set aside nine barrels from Journeyman’s inventory, which would eventually form the foundation of this unique release. According to Zykan, the bourbon was blended from these nine barrels with careful attention to balance and harmony, aiming to highlight each barrel’s individuality while creating a well-rounded final product.
The bourbon’s mashbill is made up of 70% corn, 25% wheat, and 5% rye, which contributes to its distinct flavor profile. According to early tasters, the bourbon offers flavors of cherry, dark chocolate, sweet grain, vanilla, and maple. It also has a rich finish with oaky and leathery notes, making it a strong sipper with layers of complexity. The brand also describes additional tasting notes, such as buttery caramel, tart green apple, and sweet citrus on the nose, while the finish features lingering notes of white pepper and tobacco.
The release of Hidden Barn’s Organic Wheated Bourbon is not just a one-time event. Neeley Family Distillery, which acquired Hidden Barn in June 2024, is now distilling organic bourbon in Kentucky to ensure that this line of products will continue for years to come. Royce Neeley, the distillery’s co-founder, has given Zykan free rein to explore their large inventory of barrels, offering her thousands of barrels to select from for future blends. This collaboration between Zykan and Neeley allows Hidden Barn to push the boundaries of what bourbon can be, especially in terms of sustainability and organic production.
Zykan has made it clear that the decision to use organic grains was not necessarily about altering the flavor of the bourbon but rather about promoting sustainable agricultural practices within the bourbon industry. As someone who supports organic farming, Zykan sees this release as a step toward modernizing the industry while staying true to its roots. “Brands have the power to choose and make shifts for the modernization of this industry, and to do it in ways which also pay tribute to its roots,” Zykan explained in a recent interview. She believes that normalizing organic standards in bourbon production can have a positive impact on the industry as a whole.
This new bourbon will be available for purchase starting September 14, 2024, at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Kentucky, where bourbon enthusiasts will have the opportunity to taste it firsthand. Afterward, it will be sold at the Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta, Kentucky, as well as online and at select retailers across several states, including Kentucky, Indiana, New York, California, Georgia, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Hidden Barn has quickly made a name for itself as a brand that is not afraid to experiment. Earlier this year, the brand also released a seven-year-old batch of bourbon, which was its oldest expression to date. This latest release continues that trend, offering a product that appeals not only to bourbon aficionados but also to those who value sustainable and organic products.
The price point of $79.99 positions the Hidden Barn Organic Wheated Bourbon in the premium category, but given the organic certification, unique blend, and limited availability, it is likely to be well-received by both collectors and everyday bourbon fans. As the bourbon world continues to grow and evolve, Hidden Barn, under the leadership of Zykan and Neeley, seems poised to be at the forefront of this next wave of innovation in the industry.
In conclusion, Hidden Barn’s Organic Wheated Bourbon is more than just another bourbon release—it represents a shift in how the bourbon industry approaches sustainability and quality. For Zykan, this project has been years in the making, and the end result is a bourbon that not only tastes great but also aligns with her values of collaboration, sustainability, and quality. As the bourbon hits shelves in September, it will be exciting to see how it is received by the ever-growing community of bourbon lovers.
About Hidden Barn
Hidden Barn is a craft whiskey brand that has quickly gained attention for its innovative approach to bourbon making, focusing on small-batch, handcrafted production. Founded in 2022, Hidden Barn is the result of a collaboration between some key figures in the bourbon world, including Jackie Zykan, who is widely known for her previous role as Master Taster at Old Forester. Zykan teamed up with a group of like-minded whiskey enthusiasts to create a brand that celebrates the artistry of traditional bourbon-making while pushing the boundaries of what bourbon can be.
The name “Hidden Barn” refers to the historic practice of moonshiners using secluded barns to produce whiskey in secret. This concept ties into the brand’s focus on craftsmanship, authenticity, and the idea of returning to the roots of bourbon production. Hidden Barn takes pride in producing bourbon on a small scale, allowing for greater control over the distillation, aging, and blending processes, resulting in unique and flavorful batches.
Hidden Barn Bourbon is known for its bold and unfiltered character. The distillery releases single-barrel, small-batch bourbons that are bottled at cask strength, meaning they are not diluted with water before bottling. This results in a more concentrated and intense flavor profile. The bourbons are aged in American oak barrels, and while they don’t carry an age statement, the focus is on releasing the whiskey when it reaches optimal maturity, rather than adhering to a specific timeline.
The flavor profiles of Hidden Barn bourbons are rich and complex, often featuring layers of caramel, vanilla, oak, spice, and dark fruits, with a smooth yet robust finish. Each batch can vary in flavor due to the small-batch production process, adding to the appeal for bourbon enthusiasts who seek unique and distinct expressions.
Hidden Barn has garnered praise for its authenticity, transparency, and attention to detail in crafting high-quality bourbon. Despite being a newcomer, it has quickly attracted a following among whiskey connoisseurs who appreciate its artisanal approach and the expertise of its founders.
In summary, Hidden Barn is a young and innovative bourbon brand that blends traditional bourbon-making techniques with modern artistry. Its focus on small-batch, cask-strength releases and the craftsmanship of its founders has made it a rising star in the craft whiskey scene. Hidden Barn’s commitment to producing authentic, bold, and flavorful bourbon is what sets it apart in a highly competitive market.