Buffalo Trace Distillery is getting into Asian spirits, but not with Japanese whisky. They’ve recently announced the limited release of a Baijiu style spirit aged in new American oak casks as part of its on-going Experimental Collection.
Baijiu, which is said to be the largest selling spirit in the world, according to the International Wine and Spirits Record. This Experimental Collection Baijiu style spirit, although distilled like a whiskey, is produced using traditional Baijiu ingredients of sorghum and peas. After aging the distillate for 11 years in three separate casks, uncharred, charred and toasted white oak, the spirits were married together and bottled at 90 proof.
This spirit is the 24th experimental release from the Buffalo Trace, having released its first experiment in 2006. The Experimental Collection includes thousands of different recipes and barrel treatments. These experiments examine a variety of unique variables from changes in the mash bill, types of wood, barrel toasts and more.
Baijiu is similar to bourbon in that it is an agricultural product made from fermented grains. The intriguing flavor profile and rise in the spirit’s popularity led to Buffalo Trace’s curiosity in experimenting with distilling baijiu like a bourbon to create a rich and unique spirit.
Each label of The Experimental Collection includes all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. Experimental Collection Baijiu style is available now in limited quantities for $46.99.
