In a bold move that’s got whiskey lovers buzzing, Milam & Greene Whiskey has launched “The Answer” Straight Bourbon, a one-of-a-kind release that dives deep into how climate shapes the flavor and strength of bourbon. This isn’t just another bottle hitting the shelves—it’s the result of a five-year experiment that’s the first of its kind in the U.S., comparing how the same bourbon ages in the humid chill of Kentucky versus the scorching heat of Texas. With only 800 cases available starting May 28, 2025, this limited-edition set of two 375ml bottles, packaged in a custom wooden box, is poised to be a must-have for whiskey enthusiasts and curious sippers alike.
A Groundbreaking Experiment in Whiskey Aging
Back in October 2019, the team at Milam & Greene set out to answer a question that’s long intrigued bourbon makers: how much does climate really affect the taste and proof of whiskey? To find out, they distilled a single batch of bourbon at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky using their signature mash bill—70% corn, 8% malted barley, and 22% malted rye—along with their proprietary yeast strain. They split the batch in two: half stayed in Bardstown to age in 53-gallon barrels, while the other half was trucked to their distillery in Blanco, Texas, to mature under dramatically different conditions.
For over five years, these barrels sat in their respective rickhouses, soaking up the unique climates of Kentucky and Texas. The goal was simple but ambitious: isolate the impact of weather on bourbon’s flavor and proof. The result? A fascinating side-by-side comparison that lets drinkers taste the difference for themselves. Each set of “The Answer” includes two 375ml bottles—one from Kentucky, one from Texas—inviting fans to sip, compare, and even blend their own perfect mix.
Kentucky vs. Texas: A Tale of Two Climates
So, what makes Kentucky and Texas so different for aging whiskey? It all comes down to weather. In Bardstown, Kentucky, winters dip to an average of 40°F in January, while summers climb to about 86.5°F in July. The humidity stays high, between 65% and 85%, which slows down evaporation to a modest 2-4% per year. This gentler climate resulted in the Kentucky-aged bourbon clocking in at a proof of 108, with flavors leaning toward fruitier, floral notes.
Meanwhile, Blanco, Texas, is a whole different beast. Winters are milder, averaging 60°F in January, but summers are blistering, hitting 93.7°F in July during the experiment. Humidity is lower, ranging from 50-60%, and the temperature swings are wild—sometimes shifting dramatically within a single month. This intense environment led to a much higher evaporation rate, often exceeding 10% per year, and a punchier proof of 116 for the Texas-aged bourbon. The hotter, drier climate pulled out woodier, oak-heavy flavors, giving the Texas version a bolder, more robust character.
To get a clear picture of these differences, Milam & Greene conducted sensory and chemical analyses over the five years, with a final deep dive at the end. They measured 10 compounds tied to flavor, like acetaldehyde, methanol, propanol, ethyl acetate, butanol, furfural, phenylethyl alcohol, and various methyl butanols and propanols. The results confirmed what they suspected: the Texas bourbon had higher levels of compounds linked to woody, oaky notes, while the Kentucky bourbon leaned into fruitier, “estery” flavors that give it a lighter, more floral profile.
Tasting the Science in a Glass
What makes “The Answer” so special is how it invites drinkers to experience this science firsthand. The Kentucky bourbon offers a smoother, more delicate sip with bright, floral undertones, while the Texas bourbon hits harder with rich, oaky depth. Both are delicious on their own, but the real fun comes when you blend them. By mixing the two in a glass, you can play master blender, tweaking the balance to find your perfect flavor combo. It’s a hands-on way to see—or rather, taste—how climate shapes whiskey.
“This experiment is a big deal for us,” says Heather Greene, Milam & Greene’s CEO and Master Blender. “It’s not just about making great whiskey, though we think these are pretty darn good. It’s about understanding how nature works its magic on bourbon and sharing that with everyone who loves whiskey.” Greene’s team is known for blending casks from different regions to create their award-winning whiskeys, and “The Answer” takes that approach to a new level by letting consumers in on the process.
A Limited Release with Big Hype
With only 800 cases available, “The Answer” is a rare gem. Each set, priced at $149.99, comes with the two 375ml bottles nestled in a custom wooden box, making it as much a collector’s item as a drinking experience. Starting at noon CDT on May 28, 2025, you can snag one on the Milam & Greene website, at their Blanco distillery tasting room, or at select retailers across the U.S. Given the buzz around this release, it’s likely to sell out fast, so whiskey fans will want to act quickly. Signing up for Milam & Greene’s Ampersand (&) Society loyalty program or following their social media on Facebook and Instagram is a smart way to stay in the loop.
To celebrate, Milam & Greene is throwing a big release party at their Blanco distillery on May 31, 2025, from noon to 5:00 PM CDT. Expect Texas Hill Country BBQ from a food truck, a photo booth, a scavenger hunt, and live music from Kayla Jane & Drew Moreland and David Rioux & Friends. It’s a chance to grab a set of “The Answer” while supplies last and soak up the distillery’s laid-back vibe.
What’s Next for Milam & Greene?
This experiment isn’t the end of the road for Milam & Greene’s climate-focused curiosity. Greene and her team are already planning to expand their research, aging barrels in different parts of Texas and even sending their Texas pot-distilled whiskey to Kentucky for a reverse experiment. They hope “The Answer” sparks a bigger conversation in the whiskey world about how environment shapes flavor. “I want this to get people talking,” Greene says. “Nature has a huge role in whiskey, and we’re just starting to unpack it.”
Why “The Answer” Matters
Milam & Greene’s “The Answer” isn’t just a cool experiment—it’s a game-changer for understanding bourbon. By putting Kentucky and Texas head-to-head, they’ve shown how much climate matters, from the proof to the flavor profile. For whiskey fans, it’s a chance to taste the difference and play with blending in a way that’s never been done before. For the industry, it’s a call to dig deeper into how geography and weather shape what’s in the bottle.
Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, Milam & Greene is no stranger to pushing boundaries. Their award-winning bourbons and ryes, available in 19 states and counting, blend old-school craftsmanship with fresh ideas. “The Answer” is proof of that, offering a sip of science, a dash of creativity, and a whole lot of flavor. Whether you’re a bourbon geek or just love a good story in your glass, this release is one to watch.
