/article>
Overview: In an industry known for tradition and heritage, Buffalo Trace Distillery has been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to bourbon production.
The Full Story
Buffalo Trace’s master distiller Harlen Wheatley is a pioneer in the world of whiskey-making. His experiments with entry proof, grain recipes, and aging processes have led to some remarkable breakthroughs.
Wheatley’s fascination with whiskey began long before he joined Buffalo Trace Distillery as its master distiller 32 years ago. A chemical engineer by training, Wheatley was drawn to the art of whiskey-making due to his analytical mind and passion for experimentation.
“We wanted to see what happened when we used different entry proofs,” Wheatley explained in an interview. “We went all the way down to 80 proof… We’ve gone above 125 too.” The results were surprisingly good, with a smoother, more approachable whiskey that still maintained its signature flavor profile.
But it’s not just about experimenting with different entry proofs; Wheatley has also explored various grain recipes and aging processes. His efforts have led to the creation of an experimental collection of whiskeys that are unlike anything else on the market.
Production & Profile
The experimental collection includes a low-entry proof wheated bourbon, available for purchase at $35. The name suggests itself as a discussion point between whiskey enthusiasts and aficionados alike.
This particular batch is made from two different grain recipes: one using the corn-rye recipe of Buffalo Trace’s standard whiskey, and another using the corn-wheat recipe used for W.L. Weller. Wheatley believes that “variety is king” when it comes to creating a smooth, approachable flavor profile.
“If you have a room full of 100 people, 30 will like wheat bourbon,” Wheatley said in an interview with Wine-Searcher. “Thirty will like rye Bourbon, and some will even prefer straight rye whiskey.”
Brand & Industry History
Buffalo Trace Distillery has a rich history that dates back to 1890 when Thomas Jefferson Bulleit founded the distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Over the years, Buffalo Trace has produced some of America’s most iconic whiskeys.
What This Means
The bourbon industry is constantly evolving, and innovations like these are paving the way for a brighter future.
Consumer Takeaway
In today’s whiskey market, consumers are looking for unique experiences that set them apart from others.
“The low-entry proof bourbon is surprisingly smooth,” Wheatley said. “I’m glad we made this experiment because now you can drink a high-proof Bourbon and still enjoy it straight.”
Source: Read the original article
