Buffalo Trace Announces Old Charter Oak French Oak

Buffalo Trace has announced the second release in their Old Charter Oak series with the introduction of French Oak. For those not familiar with the Old Charter Oak series, this is Buffalo Trace's attempt to try barrels produced with various types and species of oak, which will bring out unique flavors and taste profiles. Our write up of the first bourbon made with Mongolian Oak can be found here.

For this new release, the barrels were purchased from France in 2007 and filled them with their Mash #1. Kris Comstock, senior marketing director says:

“We’re excited to release our second bourbon in this ground breaking series. As of now, we have bourbon aging for the Old Charter Oak collection scheduled for release now through 2030, but we’ll keep producing more each year for more new whiskeys beyond that,”

This new spirit will be available in late June in select markets. It has been aged 12 years and comes in at a 92 proof (46% alcohol). It will retail for a suggested $69.99. The tasting notes listed are:

Nose: Vanilla with hints of apricot, cherry, and rose petal
Taste: Thick and creamy maple syrup, with the oak flavor coming through.
Finish: Long finish of chocolate and toasted oak

Our Take

This is the second release in the Old Charter series. The first was aged in Mongolian Oak and this one for 12 years in French Oak. This is a really cool idea to try different oaks and see how much influence the barrel truly has on the flavor of the bourbon. As you may know, US law states that for a spirit to be labeled as a bourbon, it has to be aged in a new charred oak container, but it doesn't specify what type of oak can be used. The vast majority tend to be new White Oak. If you ever see these in the wild at the suggested price, I think this is one you should pull the trigger.

As always, if you get a taste or see these out in the wild, drop a comment in the box below.


Source: Buffalo Trace