Buffalo Trace Announces New Prohibition Collection #2
Buffalo Trace, one of the most coveted whiskey brands in the world, made waves with their first Prohibition Collection featuring whiskies produced during the time of the 18th Amendment, also known as the prohibition period. The famed company announced on Wednesday (Jan. 15) a new Prohibition Collection and partnered with the Scandinavian Tobacco Group for accompanying cigars for the drop.
Buffalo Trace owns the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States, with roots dating back to the 1700s. Today, the award-winning distillery produces what the whiskey industry refers to as “unicorns,” essentially hard-to-obtain bottles that typically fetch several times more than their suggested retail price. The brand is responsible for whiskies such as its flagship bourbon of the same distillery name, Eagle Rare, E.H. Taylor, and more.
The concept of the Prohibition Collection is a novel one as it invites imbibers to experience the rich history of the bourbon maker via a grouping of bottles that were created during the prohibition period. When the 18th Amendment was active, it was illegal to produce, sell, or transport alcoholic beverages, giving way to the rise of speakeasy bars where folks would gather and drink in secret.
Thankfully, prohibition was ended with the introduction of the 21st Amendment in 1933 and it’s been smooth sailing ever since. Today, the bourbon industry is still enjoying a high swing and much of that is due to the legendary Kentucky distillery.
We’ll share below the five whiskies that make up the Prohibition Collection #2 lineup as shared by the company:
Mirror Brook first appeared in a letter written by Albert Blanton in 1932, in which he directed cases of O.F.C. bottled in 1919 to be rebottled as Mirror Brook to update obsolete pre-Prohibition labeling. Today’s iteration is a 100 proof, bottled-in-bond, blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys that bursts with a ripe cherry aroma, followed by a waft of oak and a hint of rye spice. A vibrant vanilla creaminess layered with a deep, mellow oak character provides a solid foundation for waves of chocolate and rye spice that follow.
Very Oldest Procurable, also known as V.O.P., was one of the whiskey brands bottled but not owned by the Distillery during Prohibition. Buffalo Trace Distillery archives found that in 1932, Blanton submitted government paperwork to formally register the name V.O.P. for medicinal bottling orders. Uncut and unfiltered, today’s V.O.P is a barrel-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon boasting a rye spice that intensifies on the palate while balanced by toasted oak, vanilla, and rich cherry notes that develop mid-tasting. The finish is warm, with the oak and rye spice persisting alongside lingering sweet honey notes.
Anderson’s Belle, not to be confused with the Belle of Anderson brand, was a limited release meant to honor a woman – yet there is no record of who “Anderson’s Belle” was in the Distillery’s archives. However, the package art reminiscent of a Scottish tartan could be a clue. Almost identical in packaging to the original, this recreation is a 100-proof, bottled-in-bond wheated bourbon. On the nose, inviting notes of caramel and maple deliver a rich sweetness with hints of vanilla and a touch of charred oak. It features robust oak and subtle dried fruit undertones that round out its distinct sweet and warm wheat character.
Old Fashioned Mountain Corn was fully owned and produced by the Distillery during Prohibition, according to an original letter written by Blanton. Featured on the original and recreated packaging is the claim “Made in the Heart of the Bluegrass,” which appeared on many Prohibition whiskey brands, referencing a time before industrialized cities became the norm. On the palate of this 110-proof Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey, the essence of the sweet corn shines, intertwined with toasted oak and balanced by rich caramel sweetness. The finish is warm, with the oak flavor lingering alongside the sweet corn.
Silver Wedding Rye Whiskey, originally made in Midway, KY under Blanton’s supervision, references a 25-year anniversary in a similar manner to Golden Wedding Rye Whiskey’s 50-year celebration. A short-lived, limited whiskey release, it was replaced by Silver Wedding Gin and often paired with Golden Wedding Rye Whiskey at public events. Today’s 125-proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey features flavors of vanilla and toffee sweetness intertwined with subtle leather earthiness, toasted oak and a kick of rye spice on the palate. The finish of this whiskey pleasantly lingers, with the rye spice persisting alongside hints of vanilla and oak.
“As the oldest continuously operating distillery in America, Buffalo Trace Distillery carries a legacy built by pioneers like Albert B. Blanton, who guided it through Prohibition,” remarked Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Master Distiller. “The Prohibition Collection honors that history while embodying our long-lasting commitment to crafting exceptional whiskey.”
“The second edition of the Prohibition Collection invites enthusiasts to explore and discuss the history behind these whiskeys,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Faithful updates to significant brands that came to Buffalo Trace to age during Prohibition, these new expressions embody our motto of ‘Honor Tradition, Embrace Change.’ After releasing the first set, we were thrilled to see lots of conversation around these previously-forgotten brands. We look forward to hearing more forgotten stories as these new expressions are released into the world.”
The bottles come in their original size of 375ml and are housed in a handsome wooden display case emblazoned with images from the distillery along with other flourishes that will make this a must-have collector’s item.
As expected, this collection won’t come cheap with a suggested retail price of $999.99. The collection will be released to select retailers, bars, and restaurants throughout January.
Learn more about the collection here.
Learn more about the Scandinavian Tobacco Group cigars here.
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Photo: Buffalo Trace Distillery