Frequently Asked Questions
Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Bourbon is a premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon crafted for true whiskey aficionados. Distilled using a high-rye mash bill (64% corn, 24% rye, 12% malted barley) and the innovative sweet mash process, this exceptional bourbon is aged for over four years in #4 char barrels, ensuring a robust and refined flavor profile. At cask strength, offering a bold proof of up to 111.5, it boasts rich notes of caramel, honey, toasted oak, vanilla, and baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, complemented by hints of ripe fruit and licorice. This handcrafted single-barrel expression delivers a full-bodied experience with a long, warming finish, making it a perfect choice for enjoying neat or in elevated cocktails. Indulge in the artistry and innovation of Wilderness Trail with every sip.
Process & Profile
Crafted in the heart of Kentucky at the Wilderness Trail Distillery, this Single Barrel Bourbon is a testament to innovative techniques and rich traditions. Using a unique *Sweet Mash* process, Wilderness Trail preserves the grain's natural flavors, creating a softer, more refined bourbon. The mash bill consists of 64% corn, 24% rye, and 12% malted barley, offering a high-rye profile that balances sweetness with spice. Aged over 4 years in #4 char barrels, this bourbon delivers a robust character enhanced by its barrel strength of approximately 56.5% ABV.Tasting Notes
- Nose: Expect a complex bouquet of toasted coconut, caramel, oak char, and hints of apple and cinnamon. Notes of vanilla buttercream and licorice round out the aromatic experience.
- Palate: A bold yet harmonious flavor profile emerges with caramel, honey, vanilla, and a medley of ripe fruits like peach and apple. The high rye content contributes spice, including cinnamon and nutmeg, complemented by subtle hints of chocolate and toasted oak.
- Finish: The finish is long and warm, with lingering notes of pepper, oak, and savory maple syrup, leaving a satisfying impression of mature complexity.
What Makes It Special
Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Bourbon stands out for its dedication to quality and science-driven innovation. Key features include:- Sweet Mash Technique: This method avoids the use of sour mash, resulting in cleaner fermentation and a more vibrant flavor.
- Single Barrel Selection: Each bottle reflects the unique characteristics of its barrel, ensuring no two experiences are exactly alike.
- High Rye Content: The 24% rye mash bill adds a spicy and herbal kick, distinguishing it from other bourbon offerings.
- Kentucky Heritage: Produced in Danville, this distillery is a Heritage Member of the Kentucky Distillers Association, boasting a rich legacy in bourbon-making.
How to Enjoy
- Neat: Enjoy it straight to appreciate its full-bodied complexity, rich sweetness, and spicy undertones.
- With Water: Adding a few drops of water softens the alcohol heat while enhancing the sweeter notes of caramel and vanilla.
- In Cocktails: This bourbon shines in classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Gold Rush, imparting depth and warmth to your drink.
- Seasonal Pairing: Perfect for sipping by the fire, its cozy flavors of toasted oak, caramel, and spice make it an excellent companion for fall and winter evenings.
Conclusion
Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Bourbon encapsulates the artistry and passion of Kentucky distilling. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail, this bourbon promises a premium drinking experience that showcases bold flavors and meticulous craftsmanship.Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Bourbon unique?
Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Bourbon stands out due to its use of the sweet mash fermentation process, a method where fresh ingredients are used for each batch instead of relying on backset from previous batches. This approach results in a softer, cleaner, and more grain-forward whiskey compared to the more commonly used sour mash technique.
What is the mash bill of Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Bourbon?
The mash bill consists of 64% corn, 24% rye, and 12% malted barley. This high-rye recipe provides a balance of sweetness, spice, and complexity.
How is the bourbon aged?
Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Bourbon is aged in new, charred American oak barrels for over four years. The specific barrel char (typically #4 char) and aging process contribute to its rich flavor profile, including notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
What is the alcohol content of Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Bourbon?
The bourbon is typically bottled at cask strength, with alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from approximately 55% to 56.5%, depending on the specific barrel. This high proof intensifies the aroma and flavor.
What flavors can I expect from this bourbon?
Expect an array of flavors, including caramel, vanilla buttercream, cinnamon, and nutmeg, along with undertones of fruitiness such as peach and apple. The high rye content adds herbal and spicy elements like licorice and black pepper. The finish often includes toasted oak and butterscotch notes.
What does “bottled-in-bond” mean for Wilderness Trail Bourbon?
Wilderness Trail adheres to the Bottled-in-Bond Act, meaning the bourbon is distilled in a single season, aged for a minimum of four years in bonded warehouses, and bottled at precisely 100 proof (50% ABV). This designation guarantees quality and consistency.
How does single barrel bourbon differ from other types?
Single barrel bourbon is drawn from one individual cask, meaning no two bottles are exactly alike. Each barrel imparts its unique characteristics, making every release a distinctive experience.
What is the sweet mash technique, and why is it significant?
The sweet mash process uses fresh ingredients for every batch without incorporating acidic mash from prior distillations. This method results in a cleaner fermentation and a bourbon with softer, grain-driven flavors. It also sets Wilderness Trail apart as one of the few Kentucky distilleries exclusively using this technique.
What is the inspiration behind Wilderness Trail's name?
The distillery is named after the historic Wilderness Road, a key route used by early pioneers to settle in Kentucky. The name reflects the brand's connection to Kentucky's heritage and its trailblazing spirit in whiskey production.
Can I visit the Wilderness Trail distillery?
Yes, the Wilderness Trail distillery offers tours and tastings. Select customers can even participate in the Family Reserve Private Barrel Program, which allows them to sample and choose whiskey straight from the barrel.
What cocktails pair well with Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Bourbon?
Given its bold and complex flavor, this bourbon works beautifully in classic bourbon cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Gold Rush. It also shines when enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to open up its flavors.
Where can I purchase Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Bourbon?
Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Bourbon is available at select retailers, online stores, and the Wilderness Trail distillery itself. Due to its small-batch production, availability may vary depending on your location.
Unfortunately, we're unable to ship to PO Boxes and APO addresses.
Adult signature (21+) required upon delivery.
You may also like
Recently viewed
