While perusing my local liquor store I noticed a bottle of Buffalo Trace Kosher Rye Recipe, and while I have had Buffalo Trace before I had never had the Kosher Rye Recipe before and my curiosity was piqued. Here are my thoughts.
About:
Buffalo Trace's Kosher Rye Recipe Bourbon stands as a testament to innovation and tradition within the world of whiskey. As part of Buffalo Trace's pioneering venture into kosher-certified spirits, this bourbon represents a blend of craftsmanship and cultural significance. Distilled with care and attention to detail, it offers a unique tasting experience that showcases the rich heritage of American whiskey-making.
Image credit: Buffalo Trace
In partnership with the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc), Buffalo Trace Distillery has crafted a Kosher Rye Recipe Bourbon Whiskey. Using the same high-quality grains as their standard bourbon, this spirit was aged in specially designated Kosher barrels. Although not kosher for Passover, to avoid ownership issues during the holiday, these barrels were sold to a non-Jewish executive in a ceremony witnessed by a cRc representative. Aged for seven years and bottled at 94 proof, this Rye Recipe Bourbon is released annually after Passover, with strict measures ensuring the bottling lines are cleaned and free from non-Kosher spirits. Celebrating its heritage, this bold and independent bourbon comes from America's oldest continually-operating distillery.
History:
Buffalo Trace is renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, and the Kosher Rye Recipe Bourbon is no exception. As the first major distillery to produce kosher-certified whiskey in the United States, Buffalo Trace has broken new ground in the industry. The kosher certification process involves strict adherence to dietary laws, ensuring that every aspect of production meets the highest standards of purity. From the selection of grains to the aging process, each step is meticulously overseen to maintain the integrity of the final product. This annual release, introduced after Passover each year, has become a sought-after treasure for whiskey enthusiasts around the world, despite its limited availability.
Tasting Notes:
Image credit: WhiskeyPulse
Nose:
Candied cherries on the nose, accompanied by a hint of vanilla.
Palate:
Despite its higher rye content, this bourbon is actually pretty mellow. It has a sweetness from that cherry note again and a bit of lemonyness. There is also one slight medicinal note that shows up. It really takes some time sitting with it to get the spiciness of the high rye content.
Finish:
I get more of the rye spices on the finish with a bit of oakiness and leather.
In conclusion, Buffalo Trace's Kosher Rye Recipe Bourbon is a perfect bottle for those who want something a bit different from the standard Buffalo Trace and this bottle is definitely more affordable and finable then some of Buffalo Trace's other offerings.
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About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, is one of the most historic and acclaimed distilleries in the United States. Its roots trace back to 1775 when the site was first established as a working distillery. The distillery's current name, Buffalo Trace, was adopted in 1999, paying homage to the ancient buffalo crossing on the banks of the Kentucky River nearby.
Buffalo Trace is renowned for producing a diverse range of whiskies, including bourbon and rye, under various labels. The distillery's flagship bourbon is Buffalo Trace Bourbon, a widely recognized and award-winning expression that reflects the classic characteristics of Kentucky straight bourbon. Buffalo Trace Distillery also produces other well-known brands such as Eagle Rare, Blanton's, and the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve.
The distillery is notable for its commitment to preserving traditional whiskey-making methods. Buffalo Trace is known for its use of high-quality grains, time-tested fermentation processes, and copper pot stills. Additionally, the aging warehouses on the site, some dating back to the 1800s, contribute to the unique flavor profiles of Buffalo Trace whiskies. The distillery boasts a vast array of aging barrels, including those positioned in various locations within the warehouses, each imparting distinct characteristics to the maturing spirits.
