Editor’s Note: We received a review sample of this whiskey from the brand. However, in accordance with our editorial policies, this has not influenced the outcome of our review in any way.
Buzzard’s Roost, established in 2019, is a Kentucky-based American whiskey blender and bottler that’s seen some good traction with its releases. One thing seemingly helping them stand out is the development of a unique second barrel maturation process for the whiskeys they source, in which barrels developed for them by Independent Stave Company are (1) made from oak that’s been seasoned at least 18 months and (2) that’s fired at Char #1 “over very specific toast levels to coax complex flavors from each barrel, leading to rye whiskeys and bourbons with flavors unlike any other.”
Having already produced a host of bourbon and ryes, Buzzard’s Roost more recently turned to the “American whiskey” category in debuting its Buzzard’s Roost American Whiskey. They see it “as a versatile, approachable whiskey crafted for cocktails as well as sipping.”
“We had great fun creating our first American Whiskey,” said Buzzard’s Roost Master Blender Jason Brauner at the time of this whiskey’s release. “We had our pick of our own whiskey-soaked barrels and the flavor profiles that each was designed for. We think we’ve come up with something that’s delicious as a sipper and will elevate any whiskey cocktail.”
What’s in the bottle
Buzzard’s Roost American Whiskey is a three-year-old sourced whiskey that underwent the brand’s secondary barrel aging process to finish the expression. It was initially distilled from a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. After getting a hold of it, finishing went on at Bardstown Bourbon Company before being later bottled at 105 proof and priced at $39.99.