Frequently Asked Questions
Crafted in California's Central Coast, Breaker Hand Crafted Bourbon Whiskey embodies the spirit of innovation and tradition. As the first bourbon hand-crafted in Southern California since Prohibition, it is twice distilled in a custom copper still and aged for a minimum of five years in new American oak barrels, lending it a rich complexity. Made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, this ultra-small-batch bourbon is carefully blended using only eight barrels per batch, ensuring unparalleled attention to detail. Breaker delights the senses with a nose of vanilla, candy corn, and cinnamon, leading to a palate of caramel, taffy, and graham crackers, and finishing smoothly with notes of honey and chocolate chip cookies. Celebrated for its quality, Breaker has won accolades like the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, making it an exceptional choice for bourbon enthusiasts.
Process & Profile
Breaker Hand Crafted Bourbon Whiskey is the proud creation of Ascendant Spirits, based in Buellton, California. As the first bourbon produced in Southern California since Prohibition, it stands as a tribute to tradition and innovation. The whiskey is distilled at MGP in Indiana before being aged and bottled in California, where the unique climate of the Santa Ynez Valley accelerates the aging process, enhancing depth and flavor. Each batch is meticulously crafted from eight hand-selected barrels, aged for a minimum of five years in new, deeply charred American oak barrels. With a 45% ABV (90 proof), this small-batch bourbon offers a blend of sophistication and craftsmanship.Tasting Notes
Breaker Bourbon entices from the very first sip. Its flavor profile is both rich and balanced, featuring:- Nose: Aromas of maple, vanilla, coconut, and charred oak smoke.
- Palate: A harmonious blend of caramel, honey, baking spices, dark chocolate, and molasses. Notes of oak and pepper add complexity.
- Finish: Smooth, with lingering smoky and spicy undertones.
What Makes It Special
This bourbon's distinctive character results from several unique factors:- Wheated Mash Bill: By replacing rye with wheat, Breaker achieves a softer, more approachable taste.
- Accelerated Aging: The dramatic temperature swings in California's Santa Rita Hills allow the bourbon to interact more intensely with the oak barrels, amplifying flavor complexity.
- Small-Batch Craftsmanship: Only eight barrels are selected for each batch, ensuring attention to detail and premium quality.
- Local Inspiration: Named after the iconic waves at El Capitan, this bourbon embodies the coastal spirit of perfection and freedom.
How to Enjoy
Breaker Bourbon is as versatile as it is exquisite:- Neat or On the Rocks: Highlight its smooth profile by sipping it neat or with a single ice cube.
- Classic Cocktails: Its rich vanilla and spice notes shine in timeless classics like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
- Paired with Food: Complement the bourbon's smoky and sweet nuances with barbecue, dark chocolate desserts, or aged cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets Breaker Hand Crafted Bourbon Whiskey apart from other bourbons?
Breaker Hand Crafted Bourbon Whiskey is small-batch and meticulously crafted, ensuring a premium taste profile. It's aged in new, charred American oak barrels, with a focus on quality over quantity, allowing for rich caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors in every bottle.
What does "handcrafted" mean for this bourbon?
The term "handcrafted" signifies that Breaker Bourbon involves a significant degree of human oversight and skill in its production. While distillation may use modern equipment, blending and aging require a master distiller's expertise to create a consistent and unique flavor profile.
What ingredients are used in Breaker Bourbon?
Breaker Bourbon uses a mash bill consisting of at least 51% corn, as required for bourbon, complemented by other grains like barley and rye. The exact grain blend is carefully chosen to ensure its signature smooth and complex flavor.
How is Breaker Bourbon aged?
The bourbon is aged in newly charred American oak barrels, which impart caramelized sugars and rich vanilla notes. The aging process allows the spirit to develop its smoothness and character, with the specific aging duration ensuring an optimal balance of flavors.
Is Breaker Bourbon "straight bourbon whiskey"?
Yes, Breaker Bourbon qualifies as "straight bourbon whiskey," meaning it is aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels without any added flavors, colors, or spirits besides water to adjust proof.
Where is Breaker Hand Crafted Bourbon Whiskey made?
Breaker Bourbon is crafted in the United States, taking advantage of the country's bourbon-making heritage and adherence to strict legal standards.
What's the best way to enjoy Breaker Bourbon?
Breaker Bourbon can be enjoyed in various ways: neat, on the rocks, or as the base of cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. It offers a rich flavor that shines through in any form of serving.
What does "small-batch" mean in the context of this bourbon?
Small-batch bourbon refers to whiskey made using a limited number of barrels, carefully blended to achieve a unique and consistent flavor profile. This process allows for greater attention to detail and quality in every batch.
Does Breaker Bourbon contain gluten?
Bourbon is considered gluten-free, as the distillation process removes gluten proteins even if the mash includes grains like wheat or barley.
What proof is Breaker Hand Crafted Bourbon Whiskey?
Breaker Bourbon is typically bottled at a proof of at least 80 (40% alcohol by volume), but the exact proof may vary depending on the batch.
How long is Breaker Bourbon aged?
While Breaker Bourbon must be aged for at least two years to qualify as straight bourbon, it is often aged further to develop its full flavor and complexity. The exact aging duration is determined by the distiller to ensure optimal taste.
Can bourbon only be made in Kentucky?
No, bourbon can be made anywhere in the U.S., but Kentucky is renowned for its bourbon due to its unique climate, limestone-filtered water, and long history of bourbon production. However, Breaker Bourbon is proudly crafted to meet all legal standards of American bourbon, wherever it is made.
What flavors can I expect from Breaker Bourbon?
Breaker Bourbon delivers a harmonious blend of caramel, vanilla, oak, and light spice. These flavors are derived from the high-quality grains used in the mash and the aging process in charred oak barrels.
What does "sour mash" mean, and does Breaker use it?
Sour mash is a technique where leftover mash from a previous distillation is added to the new mash, ensuring consistency and flavor development. It is a common practice in bourbon production, though it depends on the distiller's preference whether Breaker uses this process.
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