For day ten of the 30 Days of Bourbon, I’m focusing on Buzzard’s Roost, a brand doing groundbreaking things with barrels. While they’re a non-distilling producer, don’t let that fool you—what they lack in distillation, they more than make up for in creativity in barrel finishing. I’ve been a big fan of what Jason Brauner and his team have been doing, and today I’m diving into their Founder’s Select Barrel.
Buzzard’s Roost has puts a spotlight on the barrel, and for good reason. It’s often said that 100% of a bourbon’s color and around 80% of its flavor comes from the barrel—something we’ve touched on before with other pours. To push the boundaries of barrel influence, they partnered with Independent Stave Company to create proprietary barrels specifically for secondary maturation. They used Char #1 on all their barrels, which lets the whiskey interact with the oak more directly, pulling out rich flavors more easily. They’ve created a series of unique profiles to enhance the oak’s characteristics in Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey.
The Founder’s Select Barrel #22-88459 is a prime example of their barrel innovation at work. This 7-year-old bourbon, with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, undergoes secondary maturation in their proprietary Char #1 barrels. The additional time in these lightly charred barrels brings out rich, layered flavors that highlight Buzzard’s Roost’s craftsmanship. This release was part of their 5th-anniversary celebration, making it even more special.
On the nose, you get warm, sweet notes of caramel and vanilla, with a hint of baking spices. The palate opens up with rich oak, toasted marshmallow, and a slight nuttiness that balances out the sweetness. There’s a deep, satisfying finish with lingering notes of spice and a touch of smoke from the oak, making each sip a journey in itself.
Buzzard’s Roost might be easier to find than some other bourbons I’ve talked about this month—especially their standard Char #1 Bourbon — but if you get the chance to try one of their single barrels like the Founder’s Select, I highly recommend seeking it out. Or better yet, visit their location on Whiskey Row in Louisville, where you will find specialty bottles or attend a tasting that explores the full impact of the barrel on whiskey. It’s one of my favorite stops on the Bourbon Trail, and definitely worth a visit.
Producer: Buzzard’s Roost (Non-Distilling Producer)
Mash Bill: 75% Corn | 21% Rye | 4% Malted Barley
Age: 7 years
Barrel Finish: Secondary maturation in Char #1 barrels
Barrel Number: 22-88459
Proof: 105 (52.5% ABV)
Availability: Limited release, available at Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row location in Louisville, KY
