Innovation in Spirits
Innovation thrives in the world of spirits, and Buffalo Trace’s Experimental Collection truly exemplifies this spirit of creativity.
Their latest release, Experiment #26, is a fascinating concoction described as “Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops.” This marks an exciting new chapter as the distillery continues to explore unconventional ingredients, having previously experimented with sorghum and pea-based Kentucky-style Baijiu.
The Unique Identity of Experiment #26
While the presence of hops might lead some to question whether this offering can be classified as whiskey, Buffalo Trace has ingeniously chosen to carve out a unique identity for it.
They refer to this creation as a “blended rye bourbon” with a hint of hoppy character, an intriguing twist on traditional whiskey-making.
The inspiration behind this experiment comes from Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, whose fascination with the flavor potential of hops has been brewing for over ten years.
At a time when the popularity of floral and bitter beers was surging, Wheatley’s curiosity drove him to investigate how hops could elevate a distilled spirit.
He sourced two distinct hop varieties for this endeavor: Saaz hops, renowned in Czech pilsners, and Zythos hops, an American breed known for its tropical and herbal notes.
For half an hour, these hops mingled with the distillate before it underwent an impressive eleven years and seven months of aging in charred white oak barrels.
Tasting Experience
Wheatley emphasized how the vibrant world of hoppy beers inspired him, noting the diverse techniques brewers employ to bring unique flavors to life.
With a nearly twelve-year aging process, the hops had ample time to infuse their essence into the spirit, merging aromatic hops and flavor while balancing bitterness with the rich oak character of the whiskey.
In contrast to beers that prominently feature hops, this spirit offers a more nuanced profile.
Its long aging imparts a captivating deep char, enveloping the drinker in notes of toasted grains and creosote, intertwined with a gentle sourness reminiscent of lactic flavors often found in beer distillates.
Bright hints of bitter citrus peel and a touch of cinnamon enrich the aromatic experience.
On tasting, the hops reveal themselves, harmonizing beautifully with a backdrop of red fruit that evokes a subtle oxidation akin to fine wine.
Layers of menthol and baking spices unfold, ultimately giving way to a complex tobacco essence with an almost ashy finish.
The hops’ signature bitterness emerges, transforming the initial fruity impressions into a more straightforward, purer flavor.
Robust oak tannins enhance the experience, leaving one to ponder how this spirit would have fared had it been bottled sooner—a tantalizing question for enthusiasts of aged hopped whiskeys.
The finish delivers a delightful herbal surprise, showcasing vibrant green pepper notes.
As the intensity of the pyrazine flavors fades, a refreshing hint of lemon peel brightens the palate, providing a charming conclusion.
Though not every Buffalo Trace experiment wins over the masses, each one serves to challenge expectations and provoke new ways of thinking about whiskey and related spirits.
In this quest, Experiment #26 undeniably shines.
With a strength of 90 proof, this spirited creation retails for $47 (375 ml) and can be found on buffalotrace.com.
Rating: 8.0/10
Source: Drinkhacker