Buffalo Trace Distillery began experimenting with recipes and barrel treatments more than two decades ago. Currently there are more than 30,000 experimental barrels of whiskey aging in its warehouses. Each of the barrels has unique characteristics and experimental changes in the mash bill, types of wood, barrel toasts and more. Periodically, an experimental whiskey is bottled and sold on a limited basis.

TASTING NOTES
The taste profile for each experiment is uniquely its own depending on the mash bill, wood type, barrel treatment, warehouse environment and age.

Maker Notes

Dr Bill, our Director of Whisky Creation, was born with a taste for adventure. And with this single malt he sought to create a whisky as unpredictable as his travels. The Quinta Ruban 14 Years Old is a whisky journey into the wild – a dark and delectable forest where the wind whistles with gusts of peppermint and dark swirls of chocolate can happen at any moment. In our giraffe-high stills, it begins soft and fruity, then gets darker and deeper as we let it age for 14 years in bourbon casks and port casks from Portugal. The finished whisky is a thicket of voluptuous flavour combinations. Walnut and black pepper. Mandarin orange and melted marshmallow. Dark chocolate bar and peppermint. Like stepping into a chocolate-minty-orange unknown, the journey is as delicious as the destination.

Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Plata is double-distilled for a smooth and brilliant taste and pure profile.

Made from 100% Blue Agave from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, this crystal clear spirit can be described as bright, clean, and herbal aroma with delicate notes of agave. A sip reveals a hint of citrus that evolves into a warming minerality

Presented in a stunning bottle embellished with Swarovski crystals, our offering is designed to both capture the gaze and delight the tastes of the world’s most discerning palates.

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: Clear
AROMA: Bright, clean, and herbal
NOTES: Citrus and minerals

A first-of-its-kind reposado made with Sombra's award-winning Joven mezcal, aged in Bordeaux wine barrels. Sourced from the historic and renowned Château Léoville Poyferré, a second growth wine estate in St Julien, France, the barrels are filled with Sombra's Joven mezcal and aged for up to six-months.

A lush & fruity nose with a hint of smoke, vanilla, orange peel and blackberries. Smooth & warming to the palate, with a long fruit-driven finish.

Espadín Agave

In the mountains near San Juan and San Luis del Rio near Oaxaca, we harvest Espadín agave at elevations up to 8,000 feet. We believe that elevation is key and have found the higher we go in the Sierra, the more elegant the resultant spirit. Sombra owns and operates its own Palenque (distillery), which provides consistent quality and eco-friendly production methods. Each step of production, from fermentation to distillation, has been reimagined to reduce its environmental impact.

Wine Barrel Aged

Barrels sourced from the historic and renowned Château Léoville Poyferré, a second growth wine estate in St Julien, France, are filled with Sombra's award-winning Joven mezcal and aged for up to six-months. The Limousin oak wine barrels soften the mezcal while enhancing its delicate botanical balance, bringing through a light Rosé color.

The Busa Italian Espresso Martini embodies luxury in a glass, meticulously concocted for the ultimate sensory experience. Immerse yourself in the exquisite blend of top-tier vodka, espresso coffee, and a touch of delightful sweetness, culminating in a perfectly balanced and invigorating taste. Each sip exudes an Italian-inspired sophistication, offering a delightful accompaniment for any momentous occasion.

Distilling Wheatley Vodka
Wheatley craft vodka comes from the world’s most award-winning distillery, backed by 200 years of distilling experience. Buffalo Trace Distillery is known for its legendary bourbons like Pappy Van Winkle, Weller, E.H. Taylor, and Blanton’s, but the Distillery has a long history of crafting other spirits, including vodka.

VODKA DISTILLING AT BUFFALO TRACE
Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley has been a driving force behind the Distillery’s quest to create a premium craft vodka. Some years ago, he decided to embark on a project to craft the perfect vodka. Through the commitment and meticulous craftsmanship of a dedicated team, one of the Distillery’s first and finest vodkas, HDW CLIX, came to fruition. CLIX, or 159 in Roman numerals, represents the 159 separate distillations that were required to produce this ultra-fine spirit.

Following CLIX, Harlen set out to create the craft vodka that would bear his name. Made with the same red winter wheat and limestone water that the Distillery uses in its award-winning bourbons, Wheatley Vodka is crafted in small batches and distilled ten times over. The result, according to Harlen Wheatley himself, is “how vodka is supposed to taste.”

Packing: 50 ml x 10

This award winning "acholado" style Peruvian Pisco, formerly known as Pisco Portón, is sustainably harvested and hand-crafted at the oldest distillery in the Americas, Destilería La Caravedo, Est. 1684.

Method of Production: Single-distilled to 40% ABV (80 proof) requiring approximately 3 kilos (7 lbs.) of a blend of quebranta and torontel grapes to produce one 750ml bottle. Distilled from 100% fully fermented grape juice (pure wine--no pomace) and rested a minimum of nine months--four months for each varietal and another five months after assemblage--with no additives of any kind: no color, no water, no sugar, no wood flavoring. Distilled through alambique copper pot stills and traditional falca stills.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE

CONDITION: clean

INTENSITY: medium

AROMA CHARACTERISTICS: pronounced apple, lemon grass, golden raisins and white pepper aromatics.

MATURITY: un-aged and rested in stainless steel.

PALATE

ALCOHOL: warming

BODY: medium high viscosity

FLAVOR INTENSITY: pronounced

FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS: super dry, medium bodied, very structured with characteristics of citrus and spice with impressions of bananas.

FINISH: lingering finish that is citrusy, peppery and floral.

For 18 months our Anejo ages, giving this expression an even richer color, aroma, and flavor, amplifying the present qualities of our reposado. A well rounded, multi-layered palate of sweet oak, butterscotch, finishing with ultra-smooth vanilla highlights. 40% ABV.

East Imperial

A world-class collection of New Zealand made tonic waters and mixers. All-natural, low sugar, and inspired by a 1903 recipe. The spirit of exploration lies at the heart of East Imperial. We set out to be true to the quinine water found in the tumblers of the early pioneers and settlers in East Africa and East Asia at the turn of the last century. We began with a genuine family history, and worked with the best global distillers and bartenders to create a collection based on tradition with an obsession for exceptional drinking experiences.

Grapefruit Tonic

To create our Grapefruit Tonic we’ve taken the South East Asian Pomelo, which delivers a deep rich orange note, and carefully blended this with Ruby Red Grapefruit, resulting in a tonic that delivers the ultimate citrus balance.

Harry Craddock, who was known in the 1930s for his fantastic cocktails at iconic London destinations, The Savoy and The Dorchester Hotel. In his journals and recipes, he often spoke of using the ‘forbidden fruit’ and his secrets remained somewhat shrouded in mystery until recent years. Harry Craddock was the inspiration for our Grapefruit Tonic and makes a stunning Gin and Tonic, as well as many other delicious cocktails.

Tasting Notes:

Round and lavish, packed with pomelo oil, finishing with a generous hit of Ruby Red grapefruit zest.

Each year, we set aside the best barrels of our Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley to produce Special Selection. Distinguished by extremely fine, velvety tannins and enjoyable upon release or with aging. A wine of structure with intense concentration of supple flavors and dark fruits. Special Selection is the only wine in the world honored twice as Wine Spectator magazine’s “Wine of the Year.”

Caymus has a signature style that is dark in color, with rich fruit and ripe tannins, as approachable in youth as in maturity. Since its founding in 1972, Caymus has become renowned as a consistent leader in the production of Napa Valley Cabernet. Grapes for this wine are farmed in a range of Napa’s sub-appellations – from Coombsville to Calistoga – with fruit from the valley floor creating lushness and the hillsides providing backbone. Diversification enables us to make the best possible wine in a given year, featuring layered, lush aromas and flavors, including cocoa, cassis and ripe berries.

East Imperial

A world-class collection of New Zealand made tonic waters and mixers. All-natural, low sugar, and inspired by a 1903 recipe. The spirit of exploration lies at the heart of East Imperial. We set out to be true to the quinine water found in the tumblers of the early pioneers and settlers in East Africa and East Asia at the turn of the last century. We began with a genuine family history, and worked with the best global distillers and bartenders to create a collection based on tradition with an obsession for exceptional drinking experiences.

Grapefruit Soda

We’ve created a dry pink Grapefruit Soda like no other, packed with zesty ruby red grapefruit. It’s the perfect complement to your favorite premium tequila, mezcal, rum or exceptional just on its own. We think it’s the best Grapefruit Soda for a Paloma.

Tasting Notes:

Full and fresh with a floral hint, rolling into a tight dryness and fizz. Tropical and zesty finish.

Freixenet’s most popular cava, Cordon Negro Brut is often referred to as the “Black Bottle Bubbly.” As the #1 imported sparkling wine in the world, crisp and creamy Cordon Negro Brut’s delicate bubbles make this the ideal wine for any occasion. Get ready to sparkle!

Vinification
Harvested by hand, the selection of ripening grapes in Freixenet's vineyards reaches across the span of several months. From the end of August for the harvest of the warm weather Macabeu grapes, through the beginning of October for the higher elevation Parellada variety, our winemaker awaits the perfect time to gather each bunch, letting the vines tell him when they are ready. The first fermentation is nurtured in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures between 57°- 60°F. Exclusively initiated from our own Freixenet cultures, the first fermentation is introduced into the tanks. After 10 to 12 days, the wine is racked and clarified as the blend is readied for bottling. The secondary fermentation finds the bottles of Cordon Negro cradled in the perfectly chilled caves for up to 18 months.

Palate
Cordon Negro Brut is a crisp, clean and well-balanced 'cava' sparkling wine. The fresh palate of apple, ripe pear and bright citrus flavors combine with a long finish and an exciting touch of ginger.

Serving suggestions
Pair Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut with anything from Eggs Benedict to seafood, such as lobster or bluefin tuna. It is also the perfect pre-prime rib cava selection for oyster, caviar, or sushi appetizers.

Aging: Aged 12-18 months

Region: Catalunya, Spain

Grape: A blend of Macabeo, Xarel.lo and Parellada

Size: 187 ml

Freixenet’s most popular cava, Cordon Negro Brut is often referred to as the “Black Bottle Bubbly.” As the #1 imported sparkling wine in the world, crisp and creamy Cordon Negro Brut’s delicate bubbles make this the ideal wine for any occasion. Get ready to sparkle!

Vinification
Harvested by hand, the selection of ripening grapes in Freixenet's vineyards reaches across the span of several months. From the end of August for the harvest of the warm weather Macabeu grapes, through the beginning of October for the higher elevation Parellada variety, our winemaker awaits the perfect time to gather each bunch, letting the vines tell him when they are ready. The first fermentation is nurtured in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures between 57°- 60°F. Exclusively initiated from our own Freixenet cultures, the first fermentation is introduced into the tanks. After 10 to 12 days, the wine is racked and clarified as the blend is readied for bottling. The secondary fermentation finds the bottles of Cordon Negro cradled in the perfectly chilled caves for up to 18 months.

Palate
Cordon Negro Brut is a crisp, clean and well-balanced 'cava' sparkling wine. The fresh palate of apple, ripe pear and bright citrus flavors combine with a long finish and an exciting touch of ginger.

Serving suggestions
Pair Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut with anything from Eggs Benedict to seafood, such as lobster or bluefin tuna. It is also the perfect pre-prime rib cava selection for oyster, caviar, or sushi appetizers.

Aging: Aged 12-18 months

Region: Catalunya, Spain

Grape: A blend of Macabeo, Xarel.lo and Parellada

East Imperial

A world-class collection of New Zealand made tonic waters and mixers. All-natural, low sugar, and inspired by a 1903 recipe. The spirit of exploration lies at the heart of East Imperial. We set out to be true to the quinine water found in the tumblers of the early pioneers and settlers in East Africa and East Asia at the turn of the last century. We began with a genuine family history, and worked with the best global distillers and bartenders to create a collection based on tradition with an obsession for exceptional drinking experiences.

Mombasa Ginger Beer

This is our expression of naturally brewed Ginger Beer. It has a brewing process that takes three days using the finest Ginger from East Africa and East Asia. We believe it captures the naturalness and freshness of the best Ginger Beer homebrews found along the coast of East Africa and the Caribbean. It has less sugar compared to other Ginger Beers and has an incredibly long-lasting ginger spice that makes it the perfect complement to spirits, especially Dark Rum. It is ideal for a Moscow Mule, Dark ‘n’ Stormy, or on its own

Tasting Notes:

A long palate, starting with lavish sweetness followed by a lingering chili-like spice. The finish is spicy, warming and lasting.

East Imperial

A world-class collection of New Zealand made tonic waters and mixers. All-natural, low sugar, and inspired by a 1903 recipe. The spirit of exploration lies at the heart of East Imperial. We set out to be true to the quinine water found in the tumblers of the early pioneers and settlers in East Africa and East Asia at the turn of the last century. We began with a genuine family history, and worked with the best global distillers and bartenders to create a collection based on tradition with an obsession for exceptional drinking experiences.

Soda Water

To keep with the spirit of discovery that is at the heart of East Imperial, we travelled the world to find the purest, unfiltered spring water to create our Soda Water (aka Seltzer Water or Club Soda). Our water is sustainably sourced from a mineral spring located on the North Island of New Zealand. This high-quality water gives East Imperial the authentic taste of original tonic waters which were also made from the purest springs in East Africa and East Asia at the turn of the last century.

Tasting Notes:
Light, refreshing and effervescent throughout, balanced with an ever so slight salinity to finish.

East Imperial

A world-class collection of New Zealand made tonic waters and mixers. All-natural, low sugar, and inspired by a 1903 recipe. The spirit of exploration lies at the heart of East Imperial. We set out to be true to the quinine water found in the tumblers of the early pioneers and settlers in East Africa and East Asia at the turn of the last century. We began with a genuine family history, and worked with the best global distillers and bartenders to create a collection based on tradition with an obsession for exceptional drinking experiences.

Yuzu Tonic

Our Yuzu Tonic is made for a robust yuzu citrus-flavored Gin and Tonic, or to bring a bright citrus note to your favorite cocktail. Yuzu is found during the cooler months in Northern Asia, particularly Japan, is an aromatic sweet citrus fruit with a distinct zesty flavor, often described as a hybrid between a mandarin and a Meyer lemon.

Introduced to South East Asia at the turn of the last century, it brought a unique and exceptional citrus brightness and was soon embraced by the more discerning cocktail drinker.

Tasting Notes:

Robust yuzu zest bomb alongside the bitterness of quinine. Sherbet finish with a sweet floral note.

We partnered with small and large producers across the country to select whiskeys that express the full diversity of American terroir and style. The resulting blend is remarkable, and we are proud to be the first to showcase the growing category of American single malt in this way. 

We chose the name “American Vatted Malt” as an homage to the old Scottish category of vatted malt, which was once the preferred nomenclature to describe a blended whisky made entirely from single malts. Today, the Scots refer to that style as blended malt, but affection for the term “vatted” lives on.

As a new category, American single malt producers are notoriously creative, looking to their local environment and regional traditions to create distinctive whiskeys. That meant the blend was a challenging one technically, as it asked us to bring together a plethora of unique components. Never before have we strived to balance the distinctive tang of Southwestern mesquite smoke with the sweet and creamy maltiness of malted barley, or contrast briny coastal peat with the warm vanilla character of toasted oak. The resulting blend is complex and multi-faceted, rewarding the drinker with unfolding layers of flavor. 

This first release of American Vatted Malt was years in the making, as many of the components in the blend come from emerging distilleries that have never traded or sold bulk whiskey before. The physical and logistical work of sourcing and blending with a group of small, independent producers is neither easy nor short, but we believe it lays the groundwork for a new, exciting, and collaborative future. Some of our collaborators have asked to remain anonymous, but the core group of participants includes:

•    Balcones Distillery, Waco, Texas

•    Hamilton Distillers Del Bac, Tucson, Arizona

•    MGP, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

•    Harvest Distillery, Valatie, New York

•    Santa Fe Distillery, Santa Fe, New Mexico

•    Kings County Distillery, Brooklyn, New York

We look forward to continuing to work with this group of innovative whiskey producers while searching out new partners for future releases of Barrell Craft Spirits Vatted Malt. In addition to expanding our ever-growing portfolio of spirits, this new project is an important step in advancing our vision of the next chapter of whiskey in America. 

AWARDS​

Whisky Advocate rating of 88

Our Dark Rum is a masterful blend of 8-year old Barbados and Dominican column still rums, combined with high ester Jamaican pot still rum, and Trinidadian rum. Aged in American white oak ex-bourbon casks.

Tasting Notes

This expression features notes of baking spice, banana peel, yellow apple, tobacco, cedar, nut loaf, and leather. It can be enjoyed on its own or truly uplevel any cocktail experience.

100% rum with no added sugar, coloring, or flavoring.

"97 Point Double Gold Proof Awards 2020"