Milam & Greene Whiskey is gearing up to release their highly anticipated Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon, marking the fifth installment in their exclusive Wildlife Collection for 2024. This cask-strength bourbon, available in just 158 bottles, is set to capture the attention of whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike. Starting at 3:00 p.m. CDT on Thursday, October 17, 2024, fans will be able to purchase the limited-edition bourbon exclusively through the Milam & Greene website or at their distillery's tasting room.
A Tribute to Texas Wildlife
The Wildlife Collection, an annual release from Milam & Greene, celebrates Texas' diverse wildlife, and the 2024 series spotlights wild birds found across the state. This year’s edition, the Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon, honors the elusive and majestic barn owl, a bird known for its silent flight and nocturnal nature. In keeping with the collection’s environmental focus, a portion of the proceeds from each bottle will benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, a fitting nod to the creatures the whiskey celebrates.
The Making of Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon
Milam & Greene’s Wildlife Collection showcases the impact that environmental factors have on the flavor and character of aging bourbon. Each barrel in the series is unique, shaped by the specific conditions under which it matures. The Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon, for example, comes from barrel #508, which was aged in two different climates over its eight-year lifespan.
Originally distilled in Tennessee on March 8, 2016, with a mash bill consisting of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley, the bourbon was aged for over six years in Tennessee before being transported to Milam & Greene’s rickhouse in Blanco, Texas. There, it spent an additional year and eight months aging on the highest row in the non-temperature-controlled Rickhouse 1, where it was subjected to extreme Texas weather, including freezing spells and periods of scorching heat.
According to Heather Greene, CEO of Milam & Greene Whiskey, the decision to age the barrel on the top row of the rickhouse was intentional. Barrels on higher rows are exposed to more heat, which accelerates evaporation. This process, known as the "Angel's Share," causes water to evaporate faster than alcohol, resulting in a higher proof and more concentrated flavors. The Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon was bottled at a powerful 130 proof, or 65% ABV, after spending a total of eight years, four months, and seven days in oak barrels.
Flavor Profile
The Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon boasts a rich, mahogany hue and an equally rich flavor profile. On the nose, it offers an inviting blend of sweet almond, maple syrup, cedar, and barbeque smoke, with undertones of brûléed turbinado sugar and cherry. Upon tasting, a viscous mouthfeel delivers bold flavors of cherry, dates, chocolate toffee bar, and rye toast, making each sip a layered experience. The finish is equally satisfying, with lingering notes of cherry, biscuit, and caramel.
This robust flavor profile makes Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon an ideal choice for seasoned whiskey drinkers looking for a complex and bold bourbon to add to their collection.
Limited Availability and Collectible Appeal
As with previous releases in the Wildlife Collection, the Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon is expected to sell out quickly due to its highly limited availability. With only 158 bottles available, it’s one of the rarest offerings from Milam & Greene to date. Whiskey collectors are advised to act fast, as the exclusivity of the bourbon—coupled with its high proof and unique aging process—makes it a must-have addition to any collection.
"Barn owls are rare and special, much like this bourbon," said Rikk Munroe, Head Whiskey Maker at Milam & Greene. "This release is something unique, just like spotting a barn owl in the wild. With only 158 bottles, collectors will have to be quick if they want to catch this Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon."
The Inspiration Behind the Barn Owl Bourbon
Barn owls, which inspired the name of this release, are a nocturnal species commonly found throughout Texas. Known for their silent flight and preference for nesting in man-made structures such as barns, attics, and even whiskey warehouses, these owls are seldom seen during the day. Their elusive nature and quiet grace make them an apt symbol for this rare and distinctive whiskey.
Milam & Greene encourages whiskey lovers to enjoy their Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon in the same spirit as one would appreciate an evening watching for owls—slowly, in the still of dusk, savoring both the experience and the whiskey.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at $149.99, the Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon will be sold exclusively on the Milam & Greene website and at the distillery's tasting room starting on October 17, 2024. Given the limited number of bottles, collectors and bourbon enthusiasts should be prepared to act quickly to secure one of these prized bottles. The release is expected to sell out rapidly due to its scarcity and the high demand for single-barrel, cask-strength bourbons.
A portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold will go to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation, reinforcing Milam & Greene’s commitment to supporting Texas’ natural heritage and the wildlife that call the state home.
Final Thoughts
Milam & Greene's Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon is a rare gem in the world of whiskey, combining unique aging conditions with a bold, concentrated flavor profile. With only 158 bottles available, it stands as a highly sought-after release in the 2024 Wildlife Collection. Not only does it offer a remarkable drinking experience, but it also supports wildlife conservation in Texas, making it a bottle worth both sipping and saving. Collectors and bourbon lovers alike will want to move quickly to add this one-of-a-kind bourbon to their shelves.
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.
