Buffalo Trace makes Single Oak Project permanent

Sazerac's Buffalo Trace Distillery has introduced a new Single Oak Rye Bourbon and a Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon, marking the 28th expression in its Experimental Collection.

The Single Oak Project and Experimental Collection are described as the distillery's two most ambitious and long-running experimental programmes. After more than a decade in development, Buffalo Trace has released two new spring offerings: Single Oak Rye Bourbon and Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey. These expressions are said to reflect the distillery's ongoing commitment to understanding the factors that influence Bourbon's flavour. The Single Oak Project began in 1999 and represents the distillery's most extensive experiment to date. The initiative aims to explore the effects of seven different variables, including mash bill, entry proof, ageing location, and barrel construction. The project involves 192 unique Bourbon barrels, each crafted from specific sections of hand-selected oak trees. These barrels were filled with either a wheat or a rye recipe and subjected to various maturation methods. In 2011, consumers were invited to taste and evaluate the Bourbons, ultimately selecting Barrel #80 as the standout expression. Buffalo Trace Distillery has now introduced Single Oak as a permanent brand in its portfolio. Its inaugural release, Rye Bourbon, replicates the mash bill and barrel-ageing conditions of Barrel #80. The spirit entered the barrel at 62.5% ABV and was aged in oak from the lower half of the tree, with average grain. The staves were seasoned for 12 months and charred to level four. After ageing in a warehouse with a concrete floor for eight years, the Bourbon was bottled at 45% ABV. Rye Bourbon offers aromas of caramel, vanilla, baking spice, toasted oak and subtle hints of orchard fruit. The palate displays layers of toffee, vanilla cream, honeyed sweetness, seasoned oak, and baking spices. Single Oak Rye Bourbon will be available in a limited quantity in 375ml bottles starting in April 2026, with a suggested retail price of US$74.99. It can be purchased through Sazerac's national distributor network and at the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop. 28th expression is the charm The Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection, which launched in 2006, is now introducing its 28th edition: Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey. The new expression examines how a lower barrel entry proof affects wood interaction during extended ageing. The wheated bourbon distillate is placed in the barrel at 52.5% ABV, noticeably lower than the traditional 57% ABV. Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon is inspired by historical records showing that pre-Prohibition barrel entry proofs were often lower than modern standards, and it exemplifies how the distillery honours tradition while embracing new approaches. Bottled at 53.5% ABV, the Bourbon showcases aromas of caramel and warm brown spices, along with subtle hints of leather and tobacco. On the palate, it offers flavours of oak, earth, and dried fig, complemented by leather and sweetness. The new Bourbon will be available in limited quantities through the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop starting in April, with a suggested retail price of US$46.99 for a 375ml bottle. Buffalo Trace Distillery master distiller Harlen Wheatley commented: "Experimentation has always been at the core of what we do at Buffalo Trace Distillery. These releases represent years of patience, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to learning. "From the Single Oak Project, where we studied every detail of oak to better understand maturation, to our exploration of entry proof in the latest Experimental Collection, each experiment helps us further our understanding of how individual variables shape flavour and push the boundaries of what Bourbon can be. "We're excited for fans to experience the results." In other Sazerac news, the company shared details about its Tennessee-based AJ Bond Distillery, which is set to launch its first whiskey this summer.