Milam & Greene Whiskey is excited to introduce the third release in their 2024 Wildlife Collection: Cardinal Single Barrel Bourbon. This limited-edition, cask-strength whiskey not only offers a unique taste but also supports conservation efforts through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.
About the Wildlife Collection
The Milam & Greene Wildlife Collection highlights the impact of the Texas Hill Country environment on bourbon aging, with each release featuring native Texas wildlife. This year's theme is the birds of Texas, and the Cardinal Single Barrel Bourbon was chosen for its rich, red mahogany color, reminiscent of the cardinal bird found in the eastern two-thirds of Texas.
Distillery Manager Rikk Munroe notes, "Cardinals pass through our distillery property in Blanco, Texas at various times throughout the year, adding pops of red to the trees as they hunt for food. This inspired us to name our latest bourbon after this beautiful bird."
The Aging Process
Milam & Greene’s rickhouses are not temperature-controlled, allowing the natural Texas climate to influence the aging process. CEO Heather Greene explains, "The intense heat last summer and extreme cold snaps this winter have significantly impacted our Cardinal whiskey’s aging process and the amount of liquid lost to the angel's share. Each Wildlife Collection release varies in flavor and texture, making them highly sought after."
Cardinal Single Barrel Bourbon was distilled in Tennessee with a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. It was initially aged for six years and seven months in Tennessee before being brought to Texas for an additional year, six months, and twenty days. Bottled on April 26, 2024, this bourbon has aged for a total of eight years, one month, and twenty days.
Tasting Notes
Cardinal Single Barrel Bourbon is a deep mahogany color with enticing aromas of honey, Nila wafers, cherry cordial, and marshmallow fluff. On the palate, it offers a creamy, sweet mouthfeel with notes of pecan sandie cookies, creamed cornbread, and baking spices. The finish is long, with hints of black pepper and eucalyptus.
Availability and Pricing
This exclusive release of only 130 cask-strength bottles (129.8 proof / 64.9% ABV) will be available for $149.99 starting at 3:00 p.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, exclusively on the Milam & Greene website and in the distillery tasting room. Given the limited quantity, these bottles are expected to sell out quickly. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation, supporting conservation efforts across the state.
About Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation
Since 1991, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) has raised over $240 million to conserve Texas' wildlife, habitats, and natural resources. TPWF aims to ensure that all Texans have access to the state's wild places for generations to come. Learn more at tpwf.org.
In summary, Milam & Greene’s Cardinal Single Barrel Bourbon not only offers a distinctive taste experience but also contributes to important conservation efforts, making it a noteworthy addition to any bourbon enthusiast’s collection.
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About Milam & Greene
Milam & Greene is a whiskey brand that was founded in Blanco, Texas, USA. It is known for producing a range of high-quality, handcrafted whiskies. The brand places a strong emphasis on the artistry and craftsmanship of whiskey making, aiming to create unique and flavorful expressions.
Milam & Greene takes its name from the partnership between Marsha Milam, a prominent Texas businesswoman, and master distiller Heather Greene. Heather Greene is well-respected in the whiskey industry for her expertise and passion for the craft. Together, they have sought to create a brand that combines tradition with innovation, drawing on the rich heritage of whiskey production while introducing their own distinct approach.
The company is committed to using high-quality ingredients and employing traditional distillation methods to ensure the creation of premium spirits. Milam & Greene's portfolio typically includes a variety of whiskey expressions, each with its own character and flavor profile. The brand may offer bourbon, rye, or other whiskey styles, often incorporating a blend of aged spirits to achieve a well-balanced and nuanced final product.
In addition to its commitment to producing exceptional whiskey, Milam & Greene is likely to prioritize transparency about its production processes and the sourcing of ingredients. Transparency is increasingly valued in the whiskey industry, and consumers often appreciate knowing the details about the origins and craftsmanship behind the spirits they enjoy.