Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Review Buffalo Trace is one of the most popular bourbon brands in the U.S. In addition to its flagship bourbon, the brand is responsible for beloved expressions such as E.H. Taylor, Jr. and Blanton's. And, let's not forget, the distillery also makes the ever-elusive Pappy Van Winkle.
So, when Buffalo Trace announces a new whiskey, fans understandably take notice—especially when it's a particularly special release. Enter Buffalo Trace Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops, the latest bottle in its Experimental Collection.
A decade ago, Buffalo Trace master distiller Harlen Wheatley wanted to find out how hops, which give beer its distinct flavor, would taste in whiskey. So he infused Saaz noble hops, a Czechoslovakian variety, and Zyths, a tropical and herby American variety, into raw distillate—nicknamed white dog due to its clear appearance—for 30 minutes. It aged for 11 years and seven months before the distillers bottled it at 90 proof.
I received a bottle last week and poured a neat Glencairn full. And it was…weird.
I’m a beer fan and a whiskey fan. Their respective flavor profiles live in separate hemispheres of my mind. By smashing IPA and bourbon together, Buffalo Trace short-circuited my brain. The aroma was incredibly hoppy, but the first sip was filled with oaky vanilla notes, which melted into the tropical fruits you’d taste in an IPA. The finish left a vegetal taste on my tongue. In the end, I couldn’t decide if I wanted another sip, because I found myself craving both flavor profiles, separately.
I respect Buffalo Trace’s willingness to experiment. But, to me, this one failed. You should try for yourself to find out if you agree.
–Chris Hatler, Senior Editor
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