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Savoring the Distinct Flavors of Wilderness Trail Bourbon and Rye

Savoring the Distinct Flavors of Wilderness Trail Bourbon and Rye

Savoring the Distinct Flavors of Wilderness Trail Bourbon and Rye

Wilderness Trail Distillery, located in Danville, Kentucky, has become a notable player in the whiskey scene. Founded in 2012 by Shane Baker and Dr. Pat Heist, the distillery is where science meets tradition. Taking a well-renowned approach to production, their methodology has been tried and tested over many years with three core expressions: Wilderness Trail Straight Bourbon, Small Batch Bourbon, and Single Barrel Rye. Each has its taste profile.

The Founders' Journey
Both Baker and Heist's stories come from backgrounds that may surprise you. Baker, an engineer, brings a unique perspective to the distilling process, while Heist's background in microbiology allows them to focus on yeast strains for distilling and brewing. It all started with a love of whiskey, and together, they forged Wilderness Trail. They kicked off as fermentation consultants (FermSolutions). Their unique blend of science and tradition is what drives their distilling.

The pair had one goal: establish a new whiskey tradition of quality and craft. Use the sweet mash method. Such a process differs from the sour mash technique, which is more widely employed in most distilleries. Fresh milk/grain sweet mashing to maintain the original purity of fragrance and flavor using fresh yeast. This original model differentiates Wilderness Trail.


1. Wilderness Trail Straight Bourbon 
This Kentucky straight bourbon weighs in at a hefty 98 proof and doesn't shy away from classic flavors of toffee caramel, brown butter, salted peanuts, and American oak vanilla that finishes on notes accented with chocolate raisin truffle.

At Wilderness Trail, the flagship Straight Bourbon is a testament to their unique production choices. Bottled in bond, this bourbon follows strict production rules, setting it apart from other brands. With a mash bill of 64% corn, 24% wheat, and 12 % malted barley, and aged at least four years at 110 proof, this bourbon is a true standout.

It looks a deep amber color, which makes me think that at least some of its age. 

Nose: Butterscotch, Ripe Peach Candied red apple, and brown sugar hints. That oaky feel also adds to the experience.

The flavor profile of Wilderness Trail Straight Bourbon is assertive on the palate. The finish is buttery and full, with flavors of caramel corn, vanilla custard, and a hint of smoke. Those flavors of baking spices and warm oak create an almost cozy way to sip this one. The finish is pleasantly warm and medium in length, and it just makes me want to go back for more.

This is a great bourbon to drink neat or on the rocks. The sweetness, matched with a kick of spice inside, makes this whiskey tasty to both new and experienced drinkers. Wilderness Trail Straight Bourbon has made a splash, catching the eyes of critics and writers since its launch.


2. Wilderness Trail Small Batch Bourbon
Wilderness Trail Small Batch Bourbon: This expression is made by hand from a fraction of those few barrels, often just twelve. The mash bill is 64% corn, 24% rye, and 12 malted barleys. It, too, is aged and proofed with the same attention to detail as their straight bourbon.

It looks equally appealing, glowing in a pleasing amber. The nose is savory, with cracked black pepper and sweet mesquite smoke, which provides an interesting counterpoint to the sweeter aromas.

Small Batch Bourbon is somewhat sweet on the palate. Its flavors mingle with orange, cherry, and peach, creating a complex and nuanced taste. A wonderful layer of baking spices adds to the depth and nuances of this wine. A background of pipe tobacco notes adds depth and makes it an interesting sip.

The finish is long and deeply satisfying, with butterscotch evaporating into dried orchard fruits. This bourbon is versatile. It's great for cocktails but also excellent sipped by itself. The balanced flavors are great for parties as well, offering a range of enjoyable drinking experiences.

3. Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Rye
The trilogy finishes with Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Rye: This is another proof of a different grain bill: 56% rye, 33% corn, and 11% malted barley. As with its siblings, this rye whiskey is bottled in bond.

Color-wise, we have a fairly vibrant, bright amber. The nose is zesty with sharp edges of lemon peel and baking spice. You also get a hint of new leather, adding depth to the smell.


The palate of the Single Barrel Rye starts with a bright note of orange citrus. An energetic spiciness of clove and chili pepper follows. A hint of barrel char in the mid-palate rounds out the palate and adds to its overall mouthfeel. A lingering, light, and creamy finish of charred orange peel follows.

An easy-drinking rye whiskey—one of the best Rye Whiskeys! It plays somewhere between the old-fashioned rye and bargain basement bourbon crowds. The low entry proof also gives it a gentle smoothness in neat servings or mixed drinks.

Wilderness Trail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is Now Available at Royal Batch!
Royal Batch offers only the best drinks. The store also stocks a selection of high-end liquors, such as craft gins and select whiskeys, along with its very artisanal cocktails. The easy-to-navigate site makes it fun for customers to track down their preferred spirits.

Royal Batch also brings in several other top-shelf drinks in addition to Wilderness Trail. You'll get everything from award-winning brands to completely under-the-radar offerings, so your tastebuds win! A well-trained staff is always at hand to help you choose the best drink for any occasion.
Not only is shopping with Royal Batch convenient, but it's also safe. The store's main focus is customer satisfaction and a seamless shopping experience. The selection of spirits is vast, and you can enjoy placing orders from the comfort of your home.

Experience the crisp yet complex taste of different liquors at competitive. Swing by Royal Batch today and browse their awesome collection of top-shelf spirits! Royal Batch has a beverage for any celebration or relaxation with your feet up.

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