Buffalo Trace Mash bill #2- High Rye Mash bill
On the upcoming episode 15, which will be released January 16th, Bob and I taste 3 of the 4 Bourbons from Buffalo Trace's High Rye Mash bill. Mash bill number 2.
Rye adds a layer of complexity to any whiskey. Natural notes of baking spice, cinnamon, mint, and a peppery finish are common tasting and nosing notes. Some even get a dill taste and smell. Just a subtle increase of a few percentage points of Rye in a mash make a remarkable change in the taste and finish of a bourbon.
Buffalo Trace Mash bill 2 Bourbons:
- Hancock Reserve
- Elmer T. Lee
- Blanton's
- Rock Hill Farms
On the podcast, we did not have a Hancock's Reserve so we started with the 90 Proof Elmer T. Lee. The spice was upfront and and forward, and continued through the medium finish. Don't get me wrong, Elmer T. Lee is a good bourbon. But the higher Rye's often turn me off. Elmer is very Rye forward, and the spiciness overrides much of the other tasting notes- IMO. Elmer T. Lee is an allocated bourbon and is difficult to find at MSRP here in Ohio, To me, the secondary price is not worth it on this bourbon.
Next, we taste the Blanton's. Mine has been open for a while. I remember when I first opened it, I did so for my Uncle Dan, who is a Blanton's fan. I was not impressed then. Maybe it was the neck pour or the Rye. I will say my palate has changed a lot in the last 5 years. This time, I have to admit, it was a good pour. And, I liked it more than the Elmer T. Lee. The rye was not overpowering, and let some of the sweetness come through. It was very pleasant, and I should have dipped into this bottle more often. Luckily, I have a back up for the Blanton's so we are sure to try it again.
And then we opened Bob's new Christmas present from his Father-In-Law. The Rock Hill Farms. This one is a banger. Sweet, oaky, and a little baking spice. A bit of floral on the nose. A great pour, and I am so glad we tried it.
There you have Buffalo Trace's Mash bill 1 (Ep. 14) and Mash bill 2 (upcoming Ep. 15). We have already tasted many of the bourbons from Mash bill 3 which is the wheated Mash bill. This includes the Weller line-up as well as the Van Winkle line-up (except the 13 year Van Winkle Family Rye- which is the Rye Mash bill 4).
The Rye Mash bill 4 bourbons include the Sazerac line-up and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) offerings of Sazerac and Thomas H. Handy (which we have tasted on the podcast).
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Dan
Pilot / Trumpeter / Contract Negotiator / Martial Artist / Dad
In his 26th year as an airline pilot, Dan resides in Youngstown, Ohio with his high school sweetheart Stephanie. Combined they have 5 kids (teenagers...). They enjoy travel as a family, and as a couple. Dan has had a bourbon affinity since smelling his Grandfather's JW Dant and Grapefruit soda as a kid. Dan started collecting bourbon in 2015. He has been actively involved in Martial Arts since he was a kid and has Black Belts in two different styles. Dan still plays trumpet. Originally he went to college for music at Ohio University, but after his sophomore year decided he would much rather spend 3 hours in an airplane instead of a practice room. He still helps teach high school band camps, and has assisted with 5th and 6th grade Trumpet, Low Brass, and Percussion. Dan has been a Pilot Union Representative, Contract Negotiator, Merger Specialist, and Contract Compliance Administrator for over 20 years. Dan received the President's Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Service Award in 2024.
Buffalo Trace Mashbill No. 3: Here comes the wheat!!!
