Milam & Greene Whiskey is set to release its final offering of the 2024 Wildlife Collection, the Cooper’s Hawk Single Barrel Bourbon. This highly anticipated cask-strength bourbon will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Whiskey enthusiasts can secure this exclusive bottle through the Milam & Greene Whiskey website or by visiting the distillery’s tasting room in Blanco, Texas.
A Tribute to Nature and Whiskey Craftsmanship
The Cooper’s Hawk Single Barrel Bourbon is the sixth release in Milam & Greene’s 2024 Wildlife Collection, a series dedicated to showcasing the influence of Texas’ climate on bourbon aging while celebrating the state’s native bird species. Each release supports the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, reflecting the company’s commitment to conservation.
Heather Greene, CEO and master blender at Milam & Greene, explained the inspiration behind the Cooper’s Hawk bourbon. “We meticulously track how Texas’ extreme weather enhances flavor development in our whiskey,” Greene said. Unlike controlled environments, Milam & Greene’s rickhouses embrace natural airflow and temperature fluctuations. These conditions, paired with strategic barrel placement, create a rich and unique flavor profile.
For the Cooper’s Hawk Single Barrel Bourbon, the chosen barrel was aged on a lower rack, where cooler temperatures prevail. This placement reflects the hunting style of the bird it honors, the Cooper’s hawk, which flies low and fast when pursuing prey.
The Whiskey Details
Cooper’s Hawk Single Barrel Bourbon began its journey in Tennessee, where it was distilled with a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. It was barreled on March 8, 2016, and aged for six years and eight months before being transported to Texas. Once at the Milam & Greene rickhouse, the barrel rested on a low rack in Rickhouse 1’s south side for an additional year and eight months. Bottled on July 15, 2024, this bourbon has aged a total of eight years, four months, and nine days.
With a proof of 128.1 (64.05% ABV), this limited-edition whiskey delivers a bold yet refined drinking experience. Only 149 bottles were produced from barrel #505, ensuring this release is as rare as it is exceptional.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Flavors
The Cooper’s Hawk Single Barrel Bourbon features a mahogany hue reminiscent of the bird’s distinct chestnut-colored plumage. On the nose, it offers a rich bouquet of caramel, vanilla wafer, dark cherry, toasted oak, and almond. The first sip reveals layers of decadent bread pudding and glazed donuts, balanced by ripe apricots and subtle hints of aged cigar box.
The finish is long and peppery, leaving a memorable impression with flavors of malted milk balls, cola, and freshly baked yeast rolls. This complex profile showcases the interplay of Tennessee and Texas aging, resulting in a deeply satisfying bourbon that captures the spirit of the Wildlife Collection.
Exclusive Availability and Pricing
Milam & Greene Cooper’s Hawk Single Barrel Bourbon is priced at $149.99. Its exclusivity is underscored by the limited number of bottles available, making it a must-have for collectors and bourbon connoisseurs alike.
Fans of Milam & Greene can stay updated on future releases by subscribing to the brand’s newsletter, checking the countdown clock on its website, or following its social media channels.
A Commitment to Conservation
Proceeds from the Wildlife Collection, including the Cooper’s Hawk Single Barrel Bourbon, benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF). Since 1991, TPWF has raised over $240 million to support Texas wildlife, natural resources, and outdoor traditions. Their work ensures that future generations can enjoy the state’s wild places and biodiversity.
About Milam & Greene Whiskey
Milam & Greene Whiskey, founded by Texas entrepreneur Marsha Milam and helmed by Heather Greene, is a leader in the craft whiskey industry. The team includes 30-year whiskey veteran and master distiller Marlene Holmes, who was named the 2024 Master Distiller of the Year.
The distillery produces award-winning whiskeys using a mix of traditional and innovative techniques. With rickhouses in four states, Milam & Greene embraces diverse climates to create a range of unique flavor profiles. The distillery’s dedication to excellence has earned it numerous accolades, including the title of “2023 Rising Star Spirits Company of the Year” at The Ascot Awards.
Final Thoughts
The Cooper’s Hawk Single Barrel Bourbon encapsulates the artistry of whiskey-making and the beauty of Texas wildlife. From its complex flavor profile to its connection to conservation, this limited-edition release stands as a testament to Milam & Greene’s expertise and passion.
Whiskey lovers looking to own a piece of this legacy should act quickly, as the bottle is expected to sell out as fast as the hawk that inspired it.
