The nose is very rich with sweet, creamy oak, with a touch of toastiness to it. There are touches of brown sugar, smoke, marshmallow and overall some boldness that can't quite be nailed down. It comes off as very oaky, but there are some unique nuances along with it. The palate is full, chewy, slightly dry and with a fruity oakiness. It is wildly smooth and not overpowering considering its age. There is almost like vintage funk, or even reminds you of Chinkapin Oak. It feels like drinking a dessert wine that is oak dominant, along with that kick of creamy toastiness. It was quite unique for a bourbon, exceptionally delicious. The finish is long, a bit spicy and with a heaping of marshmallowy oak lingering in the mouth. It is big and took the point, and perfectly made.
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection 23 Year Giant French Oak Barrel
About this bottle
Released in 2012, this one of two bottles from the 11th batch of Experimental Collection whiskeys from Buffalo Trace. This batch focuses on giant French oak barrels. This whiskey was distilled in May 1989 from BT Rye Mash #2 (which is a bourbon mash bill) and aged in a used French oak barrel. At 135 gallons, the barrel was a "giant" by American standards (typically we use 53-gallon barrel), and it had previously held an unknown wine. The barrel was brought to a #3 char. After twenty-three years and one month (and 46.8% evaporation), the barrel was emptied and bottled in June 2012 at 45% ABV.
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