Buffalo Trace Distillery Experimental Collection Straight Bourbon Whiskey made with Peated Malt (375mL)

Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Made with Peated Malt (375mL)

In the world of American whiskey, the Buffalo Trace Distillery is renowned for its steadfast commitment to tradition. Yet, within its hallowed rickhouses lies a program dedicated to pure innovation: the Buffalo Trace Experimental . This series is where the distillery’s master blenders become mad scientists, testing the boundaries of grain, wood, and technique. Among its most fascinating experiments is the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Straight Bourbon Whiskey made with Peated Malt—a bold fusion that marries the sweet, corn-based soul of Kentucky with the smoky, earthy heart of a Scottish Islay whisky.

For the connoisseur who believes they have tasted everything, this expression is a thrilling challenge. It is a conversation piece, a study in contrast, and a testament to the distillery’s relentless curiosity. At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are captivated by spirits that tell a unique story. This guide offers an exhaustive exploration of this experimental bourbon, from its groundbreaking production process and complex tasting profile to its status as a coveted trophy for collectors of rare bourbon.

The Laboratory of Bourbon: Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection

To appreciate this bottle, one must first understand the program that birthed it. The Buffalo Trace Experimental is a limited-run series of whiskeys where the distillery isolates and manipulates a single variable in the production process. The goal is not necessarily to create a new flagship product, but to learn, explore, and expand the very definition of bourbon.

Past experiments have included aging whiskey in barrels made from different types of oak, using alternative grain recipes, and exploring the impact of warehouse location. The Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection is the distillery’s public-facing R&D department, offering a glimpse into the future of American whiskey. This particular expression, part of the Buffalo Trace bourbon experimental experimental collection release, asks a compelling question: “What happens when you introduce the signature ingredient of Scotch whisky into a classic bourbon mash bill?”

The Hallowed Home: Buffalo Trace Distillery

The Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, is more than just a production facility; it is a National Historic Landmark and the beating heart of American whiskey. It is the source of some of the world’s most legendary buffalo trace bourbons, from the eponymous Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey to the allocated holy grails like George T. Stagg and Pappy Van Winkle.

This storied heritage is what makes the Experimental Collection so compelling. The same craftspeople who uphold centuries-old traditions are the ones daring to break them. Their deep understanding of the fundamental rules of straight bourbon whiskey allows them to bend them with purpose and precision. When you taste an experimental bottle, you are tasting the result of a hypothesis tested with the highest level of skill and the finest raw materials.

Bourbon Meets Peat: A Clash of Titans

This experiment revolves around a single, revolutionary ingredient: Peated Malt.

• What is Peated Malt? Peated malt is barley that has been dried over a smoking peat fire. Peat is a dense, carbon-rich fuel composed of ancient, partially decayed vegetation. As the malt dries, it absorbs pungent, smoky phenols from the peat smoke. This is the defining process for most Scotch whiskies from the Isle of Islay, known for their robust, medicinal, and campfire-like aromas.

• The Experimental Mash Bill: For this release, the distillers at Buffalo Trace replaced a portion of the standard corn-based grist with this peated malt. The result is a true straight bourbon that adheres to all legal requirements, but with a flavor profile that is utterly unique within the category of American Kentucky whiskey. It’s a transatlantic flavor journey in a glass.

Tasting Notes: A Sensory Expedition

Tasting this whiskey is an experience defined by duality. It is a constant, fascinating tug-of-war between two iconic flavor worlds.

Nose

The initial aroma is a startling and intriguing paradox. The familiar, sweet notes of a classic Buffalo Trace Whiskey are present—vanilla, caramel, and a touch of honey. But weaving through this sweetness is an unmistakable, earthy smoke. It’s not the aggressive, iodine-heavy smoke of some Islay Scotches, but rather a softer, campfire-like scent, reminiscent of smoldering embers, damp earth, and a subtle, savory character. The two elements coexist without one overpowering the other, creating a complex and inviting bouquet.

Palate

The first sip is where the experiment truly comes to life. The texture is medium-bodied. The palate is greeted by the sweet, corn-forward foundation you’d expect from a straight bourbon whiskey. Notes of brown sugar and baked apple emerge, but they are quickly followed by a wave of smoky, peaty flavor. This is not a mere hint; it’s a core component. The smoke manifests as charred wood, leather, and a mild, peppery spice. The classic bourbon vanilla and oak try to balance the smokiness, resulting in a unique profile of smoked caramel and a hint of dark chocolate. It is a challenging, thought-provoking, and deeply complex sip.

Finish

The finish is long, warm, and dry. The smoky phenols linger on the palate the longest, leaving a lasting impression of a distant bonfire on a cool night. The sweet bourbon notes fade, allowing the earthy, peaty character to have the final word, with a slight ashy quality and a touch of oak tannin.

Context and Comparison: Where It Fits In

This is not a whiskey for everyone, and it is certainly not an everyday pour. Its value lies in its uniqueness.

• Within the experimental collection spirits distilled: It stands as one of the most radical and polarizing releases. Compared to experiments with different oak types or aging techniques, the use of peated malt fundamentally alters the whiskey’s DNA at the grain level.

• Versus Other Smoky American Whiskies: While some American distilleries produce smoked whiskeys (often using cherrywood or applewood), the use of peated malt is rare. This bottle offers a distinctly “Scotch-like” smoke profile that is unique in the world of bourbon whiskey.

• For the Adventurous Drinker: This is a bottle for the enthusiast who appreciates heavily peated Single Malt Scotch and is curious to see how those flavors interact with the sweet, oaky profile of a classic bourbon. It is an academic exercise and a sensory adventure.

The Hunt: Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Price and Availability

The Buffalo Trace Experimental is, by its nature, extremely limited. Each release is produced in small quantities, making any bottle from this series a rare bourbon by default.

• Pricing and Format: These experiments are typically released in 375ml bottles. The Buffalo Trace Experimental for sale price can vary significantly based on the specific experiment, but it generally commands a premium due to its limited nature and innovative character, often several times the price of a standard 750ml of Buffalo Trace.

• Acquisition: You will not find this bottle by searching “buffalo trace bourbon near me.” It is a highly allocated product. Finding Buffalo Trace Experimental for sale requires a connection to a specialist retailer like Rare Finds Liquor Store or success in a lottery system at premium liquor stores.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this technically a bourbon?
A: Yes, absolutely. It meets all the legal criteria to be labeled a Straight Bourbon Whiskey: it’s made in the USA from a mash bill of at least 51% corn, aged in new, charred oak barrels, and distilled to no more than 160 proof. The use of peated malt does not violate any of these rules; it simply makes for a very unconventional grain bill.

Q2: If I don’t like smoky Scotch, will I like this?
A: It is very unlikely. The smoky, peaty character is a dominant feature of this whiskey, not a subtle background note. While it is balanced by bourbon sweetness, the peat is integral to the experience. This is a bottle specifically for those who enjoy, or are at least very curious about, peated spirits.

Q3: How should I drink this experimental bourbon?
A: To properly evaluate the experiment, it should be enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water. Adding water can help tame the alcohol and sometimes release more of the underlying bourbon sweetness. It is not a whiskey intended for cocktails, as its subtle complexities would be lost.

Q4: What is the age statement on this bottle?
A: The age can vary by release, but Experimental Collection bottles are typically aged for a significant period, often 8-12 years, to ensure the experiment has fully matured. The specific age should be noted on the bottle’s label.

Q5: Is the Buffalo Trace Experimental a good investment?
A: As limited-run releases from a world-famous distillery, bottles from the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection have a strong track record of appreciating in value. Their unique nature and small bottling numbers make them highly desirable to collectors. A peated bourbon is particularly unusual, which could make it even more sought-after in the future.

Conclusion: A Bold Experiment Worth Experiencing

The Buffalo Trace Experimental Straight Bourbon Whiskey made with Peated Malt is not just a drink; it is a thesis. It is a bold, uncompromising, and intellectually stimulating spirit that challenges preconceived notions of what bourbon can be. It may divide opinion, but it will undoubtedly spark conversation.

For the collector, it is a crown jewel that showcases a deep and diverse portfolio. For the adventurous sipper, it is a memorable journey to the outer limits of flavor. It stands as a powerful reminder that the Buffalo Trace Distillery‘s greatness lies not only in its mastery of tradition but also in its courage to explore the unknown.

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we pride ourselves on offering spirits that tell a story and push boundaries. This experimental bourbon is the epitome of that philosophy—a true rare find for the discerning and curious palate.

Explore the frontiers of flavor at Rare Finds Liquor Store. From the coveted Buffalo Trace Experimental to other legendary American whiskeys, we are your premier online destination to buy bourbon online.