$category>Bourbon
Overview: Two highly sought-after whiskeys from the esteemed distillery Buffalo Trace have returned to the market. E.H. Taylor Four Grain and Cured Oak bourbon are now available, but their limited release has sparked excitement among whiskey connoisseurs.
The Full Story
Buffalo Trace is renowned for producing some of the world’s most exceptional whiskeys, including Pappy Van Winkle and the Antique Collection. The distillery’s E.H. Taylor series has gained a reputation for its high-quality bottles, with collectors eager to get their hands on these rare releases.
Four Grain was first introduced in 2017 as a bottled-in-bond bourbon made from a mashbill of four different grains: corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley. The new release is distilled from the same recipe but has been aged for only 10 years compared to past releases.
The official tasting notes reveal that each grain contributes uniquely to the palate:
- Corn delivers foundational sweetness
- Rye adds spice and structure
- Wheat softens the palate with subtle sweetness
- Malted barley contributes depth with a gentle toasted character
In contrast, Cured Oak was originally released in 2015 as a bottled-in-bond bourbon aged for 17 years. The new release has spent 10 years in barrels made from staves that were air dried for an extended period of time.
Master distiller Harlen Wheatley notes that the prolonged curing process enhances the whiskey’s depth and complexity, allowing it to draw richer flavors from the wood.
Production & Profile
The production process for Four Grain involves a blend of grains: corn (about 60%), rye (15-20%), wheat (5-10%), and malted barley. The new release is distilled in the same manner as previous versions but has been aged for only 10 years, which some might argue detracts from its overall character.
On the other hand, Cured Oak showcases an innovative aging process where staves are air dried for a longer period before being used to age the whiskey. This unique approach is said to impart flavors of tobacco and vanilla on the palate.
Brand & Industry History
Buffalo Trace has been producing exceptional whiskeys since 1999, when it was founded by Harlen Wheatley’s family. Over time, they have released a range of high-end bottles under various labels.
The E.H. Taylor series is particularly notable for its commitment to authenticity and tradition in whiskey-making practices. The brand has gained significant attention from collectors due to their limited release strategy and the unique characteristics of each bottle.
What This Means
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