Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced the release of its latest experimental spirit, combining traditional distilling methods with beer-making ingredients. The new expression, titled Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops,’ is the 26th release in the distillery’s Experimental Collection.
Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley initiated the project over a decade ago, inspired by the rising popularity of bitter, aromatic beers. The spirit features two distinct hop varieties: Saaz noble hops from Czechoslovakia and American Zythos hops, known for their tropical and herbal characteristics. Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops (which is not a whiskey, legally speaking) is the culmination of Wheatley’s fascination with how hops can affect the flavor of a spirit.
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The Hoppy Process
Due to the processes used to craft this new Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection release, the spirit is not legally classed as whiskey.
The production process involved infusing these hops into raw distillate for 30 minutes before redistillation. The spirit then aged in charred white oak casks for eleven years and seven months, demonstrating the distillery’s commitment to long-term experimentation.
“Hoppy beers are a playground for brewers; there are many techniques used to capture different flavors. It inspired us to play around with this essential beer ingredient as well,” says Wheatley. “Thanks to the eleven-plus years of aging, the hop aroma and hop flavors are evident while providing a balanced bitterness that blends well with the spirit’s oaky whiskey character.”
Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops
Bottled at 90 proof, the spirit showcases a hoppy nose with citrus and herbal notes, complemented by vanilla and oak undertones. The palate features vibrant citrus with pronounced lemon and orange zest, alongside fresh herbal flavors and robust oak notes, culminating in a clean and refreshing finish.
Harlen Wheatley encourages Buffalo Trace fans to enjoy this whiskey neat first, saying: “Enjoying Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops neat is the best way to learn about it, but I encourage fans to experiment with the spirit at home. A hopped spirit creates a unique cocktail experience. Test it out as a Manhattan and move from there. Curiosity is key.”
Buffalo Trace Global Director Andrew Duncan emphasizes the significance of this release: “After tasting it with our distillers, we agreed Release #26 embodies our relentless drive for innovation. Merging the worlds of beer and whiskey is especially exciting—we believe beer lovers will appreciate its bold hoppiness while discovering the depth of its whiskey-like qualities.”
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Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection
The release joins over 30,000 experimental barrels currently aging in Buffalo Trace’s warehouses. Each barrel features unique characteristics and experimental changes in mash bill, wood types, and barrel toasts, highlighting the distillery’s commitment to innovation in the spirits industry.
The spirit will be available in limited quantities at the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop starting late January 2025, with a suggested retail price of $46.99 for a 375ml bottle. As with previous Experimental Collection releases, the limited nature of production means each bottle represents a rare opportunity to experience the distillery’s innovative approach to spirits creation.
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