Milam & Greene Whiskey is gearing up for the release of the Roadrunner Single Barrel Bourbon, the fourth addition to their 2024 Wildlife Collection. This highly anticipated cask-strength whiskey is part of a series that highlights how the unique environmental conditions of the Texas Hill Country shape the flavors of aging bourbon. The 2024 Wildlife Collection focuses on the distinctive birds of Texas, and this release continues that theme with a tribute to the roadrunner. The whiskey will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, exclusively on the Milam & Greene website and at their distillery tasting room.
Heather Greene, CEO of Milam & Greene Whiskey, explained that each single barrel in the Wildlife Collection offers a snapshot of how the intense Texas climate influences the development of the whiskey. “The Milam & Greene rickhouses aren’t temperature controlled, so during the hot months, the whiskey expands into the oak, extracting complex compounds. When it cools down, the whiskey contracts, drawing out deep flavors from the wood,” Greene said. The Roadrunner Single Barrel Bourbon, in particular, endured both scorching summer heat and several cold snaps, resulting in a rich, layered profile that’s unique to this barrel.
The roadrunner, which the whiskey is named after, is a bird native to the arid deserts and scrublands of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Known for its impressive running speed—up to 17 miles per hour—this bird is more at home sprinting across the ground than flying. It also has a distinctive long tail, which helps with balance as it races through its environment. The Milam & Greene distillery, located in Blanco, Texas, often sees roadrunners on its grounds, where they hunt for small prey. The staff has even nicknamed a particularly speedy bird “Meep Meep,” a playful nod to the iconic cartoon character.
Milam & Greene distillery manager, Rikk Munroe, said, “Our ‘Meep Meep’ loves showing off her speed for visitors. Just like her, we expect this whiskey release to disappear fast, so we’re urging fans to be quick on the draw when it becomes available.”
The Roadrunner Single Barrel Bourbon was distilled in Tennessee using a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. It was initially barreled on March 8, 2016, where it aged for over six years before being transported to Texas. Once at the Milam & Greene rickhouse, it spent another year and a half on the south side of Rickhouse 1, fully embracing the extreme weather conditions that Blanco is known for. Bottled on April 26, 2024, the whiskey comes in at a bold 130.1 proof (65.05% ABV) after aging for a total of eight years, one month, and twenty days.
The whiskey’s flavor profile is as intense as its proof. It carries notes of leather, dark fruit, raisin, marshmallow, and almond on the nose. The palate delivers powerful flavors of cherry, vanilla, maple syrup, rye bread, and malted candy, culminating in a long, sweet finish dominated by maple syrup.
With only 143 bottles available from this single cask, the Roadrunner Single Barrel Bourbon is priced at $149.99. Given the limited quantity and the demand for previous Wildlife Collection releases, it’s expected to sell out quickly. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will support the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, aligning with the collection’s focus on celebrating and preserving Texas wildlife. For whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike, this release presents an opportunity to enjoy a unique, handcrafted bourbon while contributing to a good cause.
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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.