Crafted along the scenic California Central Coast by Ascendant Spirits, Breaker Bourbon is an award-winning small-batch bourbon that embodies artisanal craftsmanship and coastal terroir. Aged for a minimum of five years in new American oak barrels, each batch is crafted from just eight carefully selected barrels to achieve exceptional quality and taste. Its rich flavor profile blends notes of vanilla, honey, dark chocolate, and baking spices, with a smooth finish accented by caramel and oak campfire smoke. This bourbon stands out for its bold yet balanced character, making it a perfect choice for whiskey connoisseurs seeking a premium sipping experience.
Process & Profile
Breaker Bourbon is meticulously crafted using traditional methods and innovative techniques. A mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley forms the foundation of this spirit, which is aged for a minimum of five years in new American oak barrels. The unique climate of Santa Rita Hills, with its dramatic temperature shifts and coastal humidity, accelerates the aging process, enhancing the bourbon's interaction with the oak barrels. Each small batch is blended from eight hand-selected barrels to ensure consistency and quality. The result is a 90-proof bourbon (45% ABV) with a rich golden amber hue.
Tasting Notes
Breaker Bourbon's flavor profile is both approachable and satisfying:
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Nose: Notes of vanilla, candy corn, cinnamon, and a delicate touch of smoke greet the senses.
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Palate: A symphony of caramel, honey, graham crackers, and taffy, balanced with hints of charred oak and black tea.
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Finish: Smooth and lingering, with traces of chocolate chip cookies, baking spices, and a touch of pepper.
Each sip offers a balance of sweetness and spice, making Breaker Bourbon a versatile choice for any occasion.
What Makes It Special
Breaker Bourbon stands out for its attention to detail and artisanal roots:
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Small-Batch Production: Only eight barrels are blended per batch, ensuring every bottle is a testament to quality.
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Award-Winning Reputation: Recognized with a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold Medal for Best American Bourbon aged under seven years.
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Innovative Aging: The unique climate of Santa Barbara enhances the aging process, delivering a depth of flavor often found in older bourbons.
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Crafted with Care: Ascendant Spirits employs a custom, American-made 500-gallon copper pot still, overseen by a passionate master distiller with a commitment to excellence.
How to Enjoy
Breaker Bourbon can be enjoyed in many ways:
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Neat: Savor its nuanced layers of flavor and aroma.
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On the Rocks: A splash of water or ice enhances its subtler notes.
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In Cocktails: Its balance of sweetness and spice makes it a perfect base for classic bourbon cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
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With Food: Pair it with barbecue, grilled meats, or dark chocolate desserts for a complementary experience.
Breaker Bourbon is more than just a whiskey—it's a celebration of craftsmanship, flavor, and the California spirit. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon lover or new to the world of whiskey, Breaker is a must-try addition to your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Breaker Bourbon?
Breaker Bourbon is a small-batch bourbon crafted from a blend of aged barrels. It is made with a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, then aged for a minimum of five years in new American oak barrels. The result is a rich, complex bourbon with notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, and dark chocolate, among others.
Where is Breaker Bourbon made?
Breaker Bourbon is produced by Ascendant Spirits, the first legal distillery in Santa Barbara, California since Prohibition. The unique climate of the Santa Rita Hills in California accelerates the aging process, allowing Breaker Bourbon to develop a profile as complex as bourbons aged for much longer elsewhere.
What does Breaker Bourbon taste like?
Breaker Bourbon offers a nose of vanilla, candy corn, and a hint of smoke. The palate includes caramel, taffy, graham crackers, and baking spices, with a smooth finish featuring honey and chocolate chip cookie accents. The Port Barrel Finished edition introduces additional layers like stewed fruit, citrus, and spice, along with a dry finish.
How is Breaker Bourbon made?
Breaker Bourbon is made from a carefully crafted mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. The whiskey is distilled, aged for a minimum of five years in heavily charred new American oak barrels, and blended from eight select barrels per batch for consistency and quality. The California climate significantly impacts the aging process, intensifying the interaction between the bourbon and the barrel.
What makes Breaker Bourbon unique?
Breaker Bourbon stands out for several reasons:
- Small-batch production with only eight barrels blended per batch to maintain quality.
- Use of California's unique climate in the aging process, which accelerates maturation and enhances flavor complexity. This leads to a more robust flavor compared to bourbons aged in cooler climates like Kentucky.
- Award-winning reputation, including a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2014.
How should Breaker Bourbon be enjoyed?
Breaker Bourbon's rich and smooth profile makes it versatile. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the base for classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan. The complex flavors also make it a great sipping bourbon for enthusiasts who prefer it unadulterated.
Is there a special edition of Breaker Bourbon?
Yes, Breaker Bourbon offers a Port Barrel Finished edition. This version starts as the original Breaker Bourbon but is finished in port wine barrels, creating additional flavors of dark fruit, spice, and baked apple, with a slight citrus finish.
How is Breaker Bourbon different from other bourbons?
Breaker Bourbon is distinguished by its location, crafting techniques, and small-batch blending. The Santa Barbara climate accelerates the aging process, while the small batch size ensures precision and consistency. Its flavor profile, with an emphasis on vanilla, molasses, and sweet spice, offers a unique take compared to traditional bourbons.
What awards has Breaker Bourbon won?
Breaker Bourbon has earned significant recognition, including a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold Medal for Best American Bourbon (Aged Under 7 Years) at the World Whiskies Awards in 2014.
What is the alcohol content of Breaker Bourbon?
Breaker Bourbon has an alcohol content of 45% ABV (90 proof), offering a balanced yet robust drinking experience.