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Buzzard’s Roost acquired a quiet begin in 2020, and now the Louisville-based model is on a tear, with not less than eight expressions of bourbon and rye now obtainable. In late 2021, bottling, ageing, and ending operations moved to Bardstown Bourbon Firm; all spirits nonetheless are nonetheless sourced from MGP in Indiana.
We lately acquired a small armada of Buzzardly bottles for overview, to which we’ll get tasting presently.
Buzzard’s Roost Straight Bourbon Toasted French Oak – 5 years outdated, completed in uncharred toasted French oak. 74% corn, 21% rye, 5% malted barley. I used to be undoubtedly anticipating extra depth and intrigue right here. This whiskey has an overload of wooden and popcorn up entrance, with notes of leather-based and cloves dominant over any sense of fruit or sweetness. The palate’s a straight-up go to to the (burnt) popcorn manufacturing unit, secondary notes of licorice and burnt almonds masking a light-weight contact of Maraska cherry, main from there to an asphalt-laden end. I really feel like I have to be lacking the idea of what the toasted French oak end was presupposed to be bringing to this one. 105 proof. B- / $85
Buzzard’s Roost Straight Bourbon Barrel Energy – 4 to six years outdated, barrel power; a mix of two rye-based mashbills (whole proportions unspoken). A strong expression of overproof (although by no means scorching scorching) bourbon, hitting all the best notes. Butterscotch and spice galore seem on the expressive nostril, with a wholesome slug of oak beneath — although it’s by no means overbearing. Notes of cloves are average right here in addition to on the palate, which layers in brilliant cherry, chocolate, and a wholesome baking spice character. It is a strong, no-frills bourbon that’s just a bit inexperienced across the edges, however in any other case lands (surprisingly gently) all of the excessive factors one expects from the type. 114.4 proof. A- / $85
Buzzard’s Roost Cigar Rye – 4 12 months outdated, 95% rye/5% barley mash that’s completed in oak barrels “calmly smoked with aged Kentucky cigar tobacco leaves.” Extraordinarily uncommon, and maybe an acquired style. The nostril doesn’t connote tobacco instantly however somewhat eucalyptus, filtered by oak staves. There’s an odd, vague sweetness that’s someplace between coconut nectar and Bit-O-Honey, nevertheless it’s additionally sharp with pepper and a purple wine notice. The palate is extraordinarily spicy and a bit robust, maybe evoking contemporary tobacco however once more returning extra to minty eucalyptus, then a wierd assortment of rhubarb, cinnamon, and blended purple fruit notes. The end is the place tobacco feels clearest, although it’s the least pleasing a part of a considerably unbalanced expertise. 105 proof. B / $75
Buzzard’s Roost Straight Rye Barrel Energy – 4 12 months outdated rye, proof varies a bit round 115. No huge surprises right here on an unfinished, high-proof rye (presumably 95/5) that’s nonetheless displaying a contact of its youth. Peanutty and spicy on the nostril, there’s a light-weight layer of baked apples beneath — albeit delicate. Extra of the identical arrives on the palate, a mixture of peanut and popcorn and ruddy baking spices, rimmed with darkish chocolate. The extra cereal-heavy parts fade into the background in time, letting these fruity spice notes carry the whiskey on its option to the end. Toasty and oaky and balanced with sufficient fruit on the again finish, I gravitated to it an increasing number of because the night went on, although that is hardly a fancy providing. 115 proof as tasted. B+ / $75
Buzzard’s Roost Cigar Rye
$75
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