Honoring Tradition and Embracing Change!

Buffalo Trace US’s oldest continuous distillery open its stores to the new flagship store in Covent Garden London.

The inviting retail space is designed with clean lines fresh wooden displays and the earthly tones of orange and green. the core products of Buffalo Trace, Sazerac Rye and Eagle Rare are all on display and display. In the middle of the room was a 1.5 litre Buffalo Trace bottle that a few lucky ones were allowed to sign it will be on exhibit for a short time at Covent Garden before being moved to Buffalo trace distillery in the US.

An opening of a whiskey brand must include an old-fashioned and Buffalo Trace did not disappoint with this, with old fashioned in hand a select few were led into the ‘Taste of Trace’tasting room but this is not where the tasting was going to happen, the official ribbon opening was held here. The ribbon was cut by general manager Kiel, Once the official ribbon was cut we were welcomed into ‘tradition and change’ tasting room. The room was decorated with portraits of past Head Distillers, exclusive and rare bottle that included the Eagle Double Rare were on display. It was bright, clean lines and soft green velvet high backed bar chairs made the space elegant . We took our seats at the bar and which was walled with a mirror and shelves showcasing Buffalo Trace, Sazerac Rye and Eagle Rare. In front of everyone was a little board that was made out of old whiskey barrels this held everything you need for a tasting. Pen for notes, a note card and the important whiskey samples 4 which are always included and then a further 2 of exclusive whiskies.

Kiel and the Global brand manger Andrew were our Tasting leaders for the next 60 minutes.

White Dog Mash #1 is the base product  and at 62.5% it was a firecracker to start with. We roll the glass under our nose to activate it, take a first sip to awaken the taste buds then time for the second sip a little smoother this time. We were then instructed to pour some onto the palms of our hand so we can do the ‘3 Clap’ test. The sensory test is to release the aromas from corn , rye and yeast.

Now that we are familiar with the base product we are introduced to The flagship whiskey, Buffalo Trace. The smooth vanilla and caramel notes were easy drinking and a pleasure to taste. Perfect for cocktails, neat or mixed.

Kiel explained the ‘Angel Share’ and the ‘Devils Cut’. The of evaporation and the process of the whiskey soaking into the oak barrel. It leads into the next whiskey to taste.

The 45% Eagle Rare 10 year old is bold and delicate with notes of caramelized almonds, citrus and oaky aromas.

Colonel E.H Taylor small batch at 50% is a perfect sipping whiskey due to the taste of caramelized corn, butterscotch and licorice with a peppery after taste.

That would be the finale if it was a normal tasting however due to it being a the opening day we were in for a surprise.

47.8% Pappy Van Winkle’s 23 year was the first surprise. A rare whiskey that needs to be enjoyed neat. Aromas of caramel and cream. Sweet tastes of maple and honey with complimentary flavours of spice and oaky finish.

The highlight and last surprise was the 55% Eagle Rare 25 year old. Only 200 bottles were released and we were some of the lucky ones to sample. Herbal and floral, citrus on the nose with spicy nutmeg and cloves after notes. Smooth to drink and an honor to be able to taste this fine example of a truly amazing whiskey.

To close the evening and the tasting Andrew made a toast. ‘ there are tall ships and small ships. There are wooden ships that sink. But the best ships are friendships to these ships we drink.’

The Buffalo Trace tasting experience should be experienced with friends or family.

They are open daily and with two tiers of tastings

Taste of Trace: £19.99 takes you through the core range. An introduction to the brand.

Tradition and Change: £34.99. a more intimate experience for the whiskey enthusiast.

The experience of the night was that enjoyable that 2 days later I went back to try the Taste of Trace.

Both great value for money and overall a tasting experience that needs to be tried.

To book tickets visit: https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/london

Written by Matt Eddy