Buffalo Trace’s New Experimental Release Is Geared Toward IPA Lovers

Buffalo Trace released an experimental spirit made from grain and hops. (Photo: Buffalo Trace)

Buffalo Trace announced on Wednesday the release of an “experimental spirit” distilled from grain and two varietals of hops. The whiskey brand shared that the spirit was ideated as part of the brand’s Experimental Collection over 10 years ago — presumably when hoppy beers like IPAs were all the rage. The spirit was bottled at 90 proof and hosts a suggested retail price of $46.99 for a 375-milliliter bottle.

“Hoppy beers are a playground for brewers; there are many techniques used to capture different flavors,” Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said in a news release. “It inspired us to play around with this essential beer ingredient as well. 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.”

Buffalo Trace shared its distilling team began playing around with experimental spirits over 20 years ago. This latest release marks the 26th release from the brand’s Experimental Collection. The brand cites a distinctively hoppy aroma, coupled with citrus and herbs and a palate full of citrus, lemon zest and herbs. The whiskey has a clean finish, and Buffalo Trace believes it will appear to beer and whiskey fans alike.

Over 30,000 barrels are aging in the brand’s rickhouses devoted to Buffalo Trace’s experimental line. The brand is testing out distinctive mashbills, finishes and barrel toasts for this collection. But Buffalo Trace doesn’t release just any spirit from this line — the whiskey brand is highly selective about which barrels get released, so this spirit is highly limited.

As for how to enjoy this distinctive dram? Harlen Wheatley shared his thoughts:

“Enjoying spirits distilled from grains and hops is the best way to learn about it,” Wheatley continued. “but I encourage fans to experiment with the spirit at home. A hoppy spirit creates a unique cocktail experience. Test it out as a Manhattan and move from there. Curiosity is key.”

In April, Buffalo Trace released a peated bourbon as part of its Experimental Collection Release.  Just six barrels of this bourbon were produced.

“We were eager to experiment with peat to see how the grain influenced our mashbill from a recipe perspective,” Wheatley said of last year’s offering. “We anticipated it providing the perfect hint of smoke, just enough to compliment the sweet and spicy notes from the rye, and I’m happy to report our hypothesis was correct.”