Today I had the pleasure of attending the Barrel Secrets…Revealed experience at Buzzard’s Roost in Louisville. It was a fantastic opportunity to dive deep into how the barrel, one of the most critical elements in bourbon-making, impacts the flavor of the whiskey. Buzzard’s Roost has always emphasized the importance of barrels, and this experience only heightened my appreciation for their innovative approach to secondary aging. During the course, I had the chance to taste their new wheated bourbon, and after that, I knew I had to take home a bottle of the Founders Wheater Single Barrel. And it had to be my official pour for Day 29!
For those unfamiliar with Buzzard’s Roost, they have quickly become a brand to watch in the bourbon world. Founded by Jason Brauner, they’ve built their reputation by focusing on the flavor that can be drawn out during secondary barrel aging. By using Char #1 barrels with proprietary toast levels, Buzzard’s Roost is able to coax out unique and complex flavors that many distilleries overlook. This combination of tradition and innovation is what makes their approach to whiskey so distinct.
The Founders Wheater Single Barrel is a great example of their barrel innovation. This wheated bourbon, with a mash bill of 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley, benefits from Buzzard’s signature secondary aging process. The result is a bourbon that has a soft, sweet profile, thanks to the wheat, with layers of flavor that have been developed through its time in the carefully toasted barrels.
On the nose, you’ll notice warm caramel, baking spices, and a hint of oak. The palate is silky smooth, with flavors of vanilla, toasted bread, and a touch of honey. The finish lingers pleasantly with a mild spice from the wheat and a deep, oaky warmth. This bottle really showcases Buzzard’s Roost’s ability to transform the traditional wheated bourbon experience into something complex and layered.
Buzzard’s Roost continues to push boundaries with their unique take on bourbon, and this Founders Wheater Single Barrel is a testament to their dedication to craft and flavor. If you’re curious about how much influence the barrel can have on a bourbon, this bottle is an excellent place to start.
Distillery: Buzzard’s Roost
Mash Bill: 51% Corn, 45% Wheat, 4% Malted Barley
Age: No Age Statement
Proof: 109.4 (54.7% ABV)
Barrel: Char #1, proprietary toast levels
Availability: Single barrel only available at the distillery
