In the rugged embrace of Texas Hill Country, where the sun beats down like an old friend's firm handshake, Milam & Greene Whiskey has uncorked a bottle that captures the wild soul of the Lone Star State. It's called Guadalupe Bass Straight Bourbon, a limited-edition pour that's not just whiskey—it's a story bottled up, aged under skies that swing from scorching days to crisp nights. For guys who appreciate a good yarn told over a slow sip, this release hits like a well-timed cast into a sun-dappled river, pulling in flavors shaped by the land itself.
This isn't some mass-produced spirit rushed to shelves. No, Guadalupe Bass comes from three carefully selected seven-year-old casks, each one barrel-strength and bursting with the kind of depth that rewards patience. It's the latest chapter in the distillery's Wildlife Collection, a series that dives headfirst into how the world's changing weather etches its mark on every barrel. Think of it as whiskey with a sense of place, where the climate isn't just background noise—it's the lead character, turning oak and grain into something alive and unpredictable. Past drops in this line? They've vanished faster than a bass striking a lure, snapped up by collectors who know a gem when they taste one.
Kicking off as the second Wildlife release for 2025, Guadalupe Bass pays homage to Texas's state fish, that feisty little fighter known for darting through clear waters and putting up a hell of a scrap. It's a nod to the outdoorsmen who rise before dawn, rod in hand, chasing that quiet thrill on a lazy stream. But more than symbolism, it underscores Milam & Greene's double-barreled mission: pushing the boundaries of what bourbon can be while giving back to the wild spaces that make Texas feel endless. In a world that's always rushing forward, this whiskey pauses to honor the rivers, hills, and critters that ground us.
At the heart of it all is Heather Greene, the master blender and CEO whose steady hand guides this operation like a seasoned captain navigating choppy waters. "Whiskey is a living spirit, evolving over time in barrels, and climate plays a powerful role in shaping its flavor," she shared in a recent statement. "Each release in our Wildlife Collection begins aging out of state before finishing in Texas, where the intense heat and swings in temperature create bolder, spicier, and sweeter profiles with more vanilla and higher proof. For Guadalupe Bass Straight Bourbon, we pushed the envelope by blending three barrels from the same lot, one of which spent less time aging in Texas. The result is a more layered and nuanced whiskey with added richness and complexity."
Greene's words aren't just talk—they're the blueprint for what lands in your glass. These barrels start their journey in Kentucky, distilled from a mash bill that's a balanced trio: 60% corn for that smooth backbone, 36% rye to kick in the spice like a dash of black pepper on a morning steak, and 4% malted barley to round it out with a subtle malt whisper. From there, they mature in the Bluegrass State's milder climes, soaking up those classic notes of caramel and oak that bourbon lovers chase like an old habit. But the real magic? A finish in Blanco, Texas, where the heat cranks up the dial. Picture barrels baking under that relentless sun, temperatures yo-yoing wildly, coaxing out bolder edges—think cinnamon fire, deeper vanilla cream, and a proof that packs a punch without overwhelming the senses.
The endgame is bottled at 125.1 proof, or 62.55% ABV, delivering a high-octane ride that's all about harmony. It's got that rye-driven zing, sure, but tempered by the corn's sweetness and the barley's gentle touch. Rikk Munroe, the distillery's operations director, nails it when he says, "With its high rye content, this bourbon offers both spice and balance, thanks to the interplay of barrels aged under Texas’ intense heat and those with a more classic Kentucky profile." Pour a dram neat by the fire pit after a long day on the trail, and you'll taste the tug-of-war: the Kentucky calm holding steady against Texas's bold swagger. Add a splash of water if you're easing into it, or chase it with a cigar's earthy smoke—either way, it unfolds like a conversation with an old buddy who's seen some miles.
What sets this apart in a sea of straight bourbons? The blending wizardry. Those three casks aren't random picks; they're from the same lot, siblings in spirit, but one got a shorter Texas stint. That tweak adds layers—hints of tropical fruit peeking through the spice, a caramel depth that lingers like the afterglow of a sunset over the hills. It's nuanced enough for the guy who's sampled his share of shelves but bold enough to stand toe-to-toe with the heavy hitters. And at just 454 bottles total, it's the kind of scarcity that turns a purchase into a trophy, a story to share at the next gathering of like-minded souls swapping tales around a grill.
Snagging one won't be a casual errand. This collector's gem is available only through the Milam & Greene website or direct pickup at the distillery, clocking in at $149.99 a bottle. It's priced like the investment it is—not for everyday quaffing, but for those evenings when you want to raise a glass to something bigger than yourself. And here's the kicker: every bottle sold chips in for the greater good. A slice of the proceeds flows straight to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation, the outfit that's been fighting the good fight since 1991. They've pulled in over $240 million to safeguard everything from bass-filled streams to wide-open prairies, keeping those outdoor traditions alive for another generation. It's whiskey with a conscience, the kind that tastes even better knowing it's backing the land that inspired it.
Milam & Greene isn't some fly-by-night outfit; they're rooted deep in Texas Hill Country, that stretch of scrub and stone where the air smells like mesquite and possibility. Founded on a mix of old-school distilling grit and fresh ideas, they've built a lineup of award-winning bourbons and ryes that show up in 19 states, earning nods from folks who don't hand out praise lightly. Their approach? Source the best, age it right, and let the barrel do the talking. No shortcuts, no hype—just honest craft that echoes the hardworking ethos of the men who built this country, one barrel at a time.
For anyone who's ever stood knee-deep in a Texas river, feeling the current pull at your legs, or watched deer ghost through the cedars at dusk, Guadalupe Bass Straight Bourbon is more than a pour. It's a bridge between the wild and the refined, a reminder that the best things in life—be it a flawless cast or a flawless sip—come from respecting the rhythm of the place. Head to milamandgreenewhiskey.com to claim yours before they're gone, or swing by tpwf.org to see how your dollar stretches further for the outdoors. In a bottle this small, the stories it holds are vast as the horizon. Pull up a chair, crack it open, and let the heat of Texas warm your glass.
