A number of months in the past, Buffalo Hint dropped considered one of its most bold (and costly) whiskey collections: the primary installment of the yearly launched Prohibition Assortment, a five-(half) bottle assortment “honoring the whiskeys that had been legally produced and offered on the distillery throughout arguably probably the most contentious time interval in alcohol historical past.”
From 1920 to 1933, the manufacturing, sale and transportation of alcohol was banned in the USA as a result of ratification of the 18th modification to the USA Structure, an period often known as Prohibition. Buying alcohol was solely authorized with a medical prescription. On the time, many docs believed spirits to be a remedy for all kinds of illnesses. As such, the U.S. Authorities granted licenses to 6 distilleries to bottle medicinal whiskey: a type of distilleries was the George T. Stagg Distillery in Frankfort, KY. Identified right this moment as Buffalo Hint Distillery, it’s the longest continually-operating distillery in America.
Now, no, these are usually not dusties they unearthed in Kentucky that they’re now bottling. These are replicas, recreations, honoraria of types — however bearing vintage labels and old-timey names… and loads of lore to again them up.
We in the end acquired (tiny) samples of all 5, and are blissful to place them to the Drinkhacker take a look at. Observe that they aren’t formally accessible on their very own, so pricing is offered just for the set.
Outdated Stagg Whiskey – A barrel-proof (132.4 proof), uncut, and unfiltered whiskey (presumably a bourbon or near it) that was the precursor to the Stagg and George T. Stagg manufacturers. Racy and filled with oak on the nostril, with parts of anise, clove, and pepper — it definitely looks like Stagg. Surprisingly, there’s loads of darkish and purple berry fruit on the palate to mood the savory, peppery assault, with ample vanilla and hints of menthol on the end. The entire expertise finally ends up changing into slightly dessert-like — and by no means wants even a splash of water. 132.4 proof. A
Golden Wedding ceremony Rye – From a model relationship again to 1869 which finally moved to Canada. Traditional, pungent rye spice on the nostril — intensely grassy and natural. The palate feels barely skinny however expressive with notes of butterscotch and barrel char in an odd swirl, a honey syrup character constructing on the end. Toasty with loads of char within the combine, nearly a burnt toast high quality late within the recreation. 107 proof. B+
Three Feathers Blended Whiskey – A bonded whiskey relationship again to not less than 1812, it began as a rye earlier than evolving into a mix. This simulacrum is sort of smooth and candy, with a marshmallow nostril, crushed graham crackers, and tons of vanilla. The palate matches intently, the end fairly sunny and refreshing, more and more fruity over time, although total it’s slightly one-note. 100 proof. A-
Walnut Hill Whiskey – A high-rye bourbon with manufacturing overseen by one Albert Blanton. Light and approachable due to its low abv, a real sippin’ whiskey of its day, I’m certain. Notes of peanut and walnut (maybe telegraphed) meld with honey and spices, lingering on a end that sees only a contact of grassiness. Brief however nice on the fade-out, there’s nothing to not like right here, although it comes off as fairly youthful (and never all that heavy with rye). 90 proof. B+
George T. Stagg Distillery Spiritus Frumenti -“Spiritus Frumenti,” which interprets as “Spirit of the Grain” in Latin, was a generic title for medicinal whiskey throughout Prohibition. This Stagg distillate is technically a wheated bourbon and stands because the raciest, most biting of the gathering. Recent grains and toasted nuts, barrel char, and ample cloves comprise the nostril. Pushier spice on the palate, then butterscotch, cinnamon, some flambeed banana, and a pinch of purple pepper. The hearth continues to the end. 110 proof. A-
$1000 for a set of 5 375ml bottles / buffalotracedistillery.com
Outdated Stagg Whiskey
$200
