News & Current Affairs
Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to push the boundaries of whiskey innovation with the 26th release from its acclaimed Experimental Collection: Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops. Known for its dedication to craftsmanship and creativity, Buffalo Trace’s latest release explores the intersection of whiskey and brewing, offering a unique flavor profile that’s set to intrigue both bourbon aficionados and craft beer enthusiasts.
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Key Takeaways
Buffalo Trace releases its 26th Experimental Collection bottling: Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops.
The release blends classic whiskey grains with hops, offering a unique flavor fusion.
Similar experiments by Dogfish Head, New Holland, and High West reflect a growing trend in the industry.
A Bold Experiment in Flavor Fusion
The Experimental Collection has long been Buffalo Trace’s platform for exploring unconventional ingredients, distillation techniques, and maturation processes. For this release, the distillery incorporated hops—an ingredient traditionally reserved for brewing—into the distillation process alongside classic grains like corn, barley, and rye.
The result is a spirit that merges the earthy, bitter notes of hops with the smooth, caramel richness characteristic of Buffalo Trace’s bourbons. Expect aromas of citrus and pine, followed by flavors of toasted malt, herbal bitterness, and a subtle, lingering sweetness. This innovative fusion reflects the distillery’s commitment to pushing the envelope while maintaining the integrity of its traditional roots.
The Legacy of Buffalo Trace’s Experimental Collection
Buffalo Trace’s Experimental Collection has garnered a reputation for pioneering whiskey concepts. Since its inception, the distillery has experimented with variables ranging from barrel char levels and aging environments to unique grain compositions.
Previous releases from Buffalo Trace’s Experimental Collection have captivated whiskey lovers with their inventive approaches. Here’s a look at some notable releases:
Double Barreled Experimental Bourbon (2015): A unique bourbon aged in two separate barrels to enhance depth and complexity.
French Oak Barrel Experiment (2017): This release explored the impact of aging bourbon in French oak, imparting delicate spice and vanilla notes.
Organic Six Grain Whiskey (2018): Crafted using organic grains, offering a rich, earthy flavor profile.
Baijiu Style Spirit (2020): Inspired by the traditional Chinese spirit, this experiment incorporated unique fermentation techniques.
The Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops is a continuation of this legacy, blending time-honored techniques with modern creativity.
You can download a PDF containing all of Buffalo Trace's Experimental Releases here.
How It Compares: Similar Experimental Releases from Other Brands
Other prominent whiskey brands have also explored merging whiskey with elements from the beer brewing process, creating unique expressions that appeal to both whiskey and craft beer enthusiasts:
Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition (2013): Jameson aged its traditional Irish whiskey in craft IPA-seasoned barrels, infusing the spirit with light citrus and hoppy floral notes, while maintaining the signature smoothness of Jameson.
Glenfiddich IPA Experiment (2016): This release from Glenfiddich, part of their Experimental Series, was aged in casks previously used to ferment craft IPA, imparting zesty, hoppy flavors alongside the distillery’s signature fruitiness.
Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition (2014): Another innovative release from Jameson, this whiskey was finished in stout-seasoned barrels, delivering rich flavors of cocoa, coffee, and butterscotch.
New Holland Brewing’s Beer Barrel Bourbon (2012): This bourbon is aged in barrels previously used for their Dragon’s Milk Stout, imparting rich, malty flavors and subtle hop notes.
These releases highlight a growing trend among established whiskey brands—blurring the lines between brewing and distilling to craft innovative flavor profiles that resonate with a broader audience of spirits lovers.
Availability and Pricing
Buffalo Trace’s Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops will be available in limited quantities at select retailers and the distillery’s gift shop. Given the Experimental Collection’s popularity, bottles are expected to sell quickly. Pricing will reflect the exclusivity and craftsmanship of the release, typically ranging from $40 to $50 per 375ml bottle.
Collectors and enthusiasts eager to explore this unique fusion of grains and hops should act fast, as previous Experimental Collection releases have become coveted items in the whiskey world.
What’s Next for Buffalo Trace?
Buffalo Trace’s commitment to innovation ensures that future releases from the Experimental Collection will continue to challenge the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making. With each new release, the distillery reaffirms its role as a pioneer in the spirits industry, blending creativity with craftsmanship to delight whiskey lovers worldwide.
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