There are levels to this rare spirits hunting. Many of us can go looking for this or that, but The Last Drop Distillers take it to the next level and now they’re bringing their first American find to market.
The world renowned team of rare spirit hunters is releasing a 1982 Bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery —the company’s 13th release and its very first American Whiskey. With only 44 bottles in existence, 25 of which will make it to the US market. The 1982 Bourbon is an opportunity for those to acquire not only an outstanding and unparalleled aged Bourbon, but also to discover why The Last Drop Distillers travels around the world searching for once-in-a-lifetime spirits.
Distilled four decades ago, this whiskey is the very last drop of this particular Bourbon from the Buffalo Trace Distillery. At its peak, it was removed from its American oak barrels to avoid over-aging and to preserve its beautiful composition that gracefully defies its years. On the nose, a hint of marmalade married with coffee is accentuated by the palate of tropical richness and a finish of vanilla notes and oak.
“We are tremendously excited to present the 1982 Bourbon, our second smallest release to date,” says Rebecca Jago, Joint Managing Director of The Last Drop. “With only 44 bottles worldwide, this is sure to become a collector’s item. The Bourbon is a wonderful spirit: deep and rounded, with delicious notes of dried fruit and honey. We only wish there was more to go around.”
Acquired by Sazerac in 2016, The Last Drop Distillers knew they had a partner on many levels, and this collaboration is one of many to come between the two parties. The fact that it hails from the world-famous Buffalo Trace Distillery is a point of pride for The Last Drop team. The distillery’s reputation for distilling world-class spirits was paramount to The Last Drop putting their seal of approval on this outstanding liquid.
“We have always admired The Last Drop’s dedication to sourcing the world’s rarest spirits and this launch comes as no exception,” says Mark Brown, President and CEO of Sazerac. “This Bourbon, distilled, aged and bottled at our very own Buffalo Trace Distillery, echoes the great relationship between Sazerac and The Last Drop and it is one we are looking forward to growing for many years to come.”
Beyond this 1982 Bourbon release, The Last Drop Distillers and Sazerac are working together to change the future of aged American-crafted whiskies. The Last Drop is bringing controlled, low temperature long-term aging techniques to Kentucky with its just opened, experimental refrigerated Warehouse P at the Buffalo Trace distillery. By keeping their new Warehouse P at a consistent 45 °F year-round to slow the aging process, the Last Drop hopes to create American Bourbons and Ryes older than any on the market, including their 1982 Bourbon, as the perfect addition to their luxury portfolio of aged international spirits.
The founding principle of The Last Drop Distillers is to bring exceptional and unique aged spirits and wines to aficionados and collectors. Founded by Tom Jago and James Espey in 2008, and now led by their talented daughters, Rebecca Jago and Beanie Geraedts-Espey, the Last Drop Distillers continues its quest to uncover and bottle the world’s finest and rarest of spirits. As with all of The Last Drop releases, the 1982 Bourbon comes together with its signature 50ml miniature replica and pocket-sized tasting book with additional pages for personal tasting notes. Retailing for $4,000, The 1982 Bourbon will be available upon request at select retailers nationwide.
