Proof & Wood Ventures recently unveiled a special release blend of rare whiskeys to its lineup. The Seasons 2021 series reflects a long aged spirit, in this case a Tennessee bourbon from 2003 that’s spent 72 seasons in a barrel.
Proof and Wood’s Founder Dave Schmier explained that spring, summer, fall and winter each generate temperatures that affect how the spirit in a barrel cycles through the wood and how it can change the flavor of the juice.
“These four 18 year-old barrels had amazing savory deep flavors and spicy cinnamon and cigar notes, but were certainly leaning towards the edge of being overly woody,” he said in a prepared statement. “While it was tempting to bottle them as single barrels, ultimately blending these ancient barrels with some younger and sweeter whiskies created a whiskey that is better than the sum of its parts.”
The whiskeys in Seasons 2021 include 2003 Tennessee bourbon, a 2007 American light whiskey distilled in Indiana, a 2015 bourbon (75% corn, 21% Rye, 4% barley) distilled in Indiana and a 2013 99% corn whiskey distilled in Kentucky.
The distiller’s notes show that the corn whiskey and bourbon offer a sweeter counterpoint to the musty notes of the older Tennessee bourbon, allowing the desirable older flavors to be highlighted as well as balancing out some of the harshness of the wood.
And Schmier said that the American light whiskey does a good job of bridging the gap, bringing some more lightness and fruit-like flavor to the blend while still adding some spicy cinnamon and clove-like notes to the finish of the product.
Seasons 2021 was originally to be released in 2021, but the distiller noted that supply chain and production issues delayed the launch until 2022.
Seasons 2021 is a limited edition of approximately a thousand bottles. There will be select national distribution across the US, with a suggested retail price of $200.
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Proof & Wood Ventures invests in and develops spirits brands, and ages their own spirits.
“Our name comes from the two things we control as a blender and finisher of fine spirits, and the two things that are incredibly important to any spirit’s flavor: the proof it’s bottled at, and the wood of the barrel we age it in,” Schmier said. “That is who we are.”
For more information on their spirits or how to get a bottle, check out www.proofandwood.com.
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