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2020 releases Archives - NC Whiskey https://www.nc-whiskey.com/tag/2020-releases/ Bourbon, Cocktails, ABC Stores, etc. Thu, 04 Mar 2021 22:11:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.3 https://www.nc-whiskey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cropped-favicon-100x100.png 2020 releases Archives - NC Whiskey https://www.nc-whiskey.com/tag/2020-releases/ 32 32 181491097 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) In NC https://www.nc-whiskey.com/2020-buffalo-trace-antique-collection-btac-in-nc/ https://www.nc-whiskey.com/2020-buffalo-trace-antique-collection-btac-in-nc/#respond Wed, 09 Sep 2020 19:22:04 +0000 https://www.nc-whiskey.com/?p=1101 It’s that time of year again. Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced more details around the 2020 release of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. These rare, limited release whiskeys will drop in late September and early November across the country. They will come in limited quantities, especially in North Carolina. The 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection […]

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It’s that time of year again. Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced more details around the 2020 release of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. These rare, limited release whiskeys will drop in late September and early November across the country. They will come in limited quantities, especially in North Carolina. The 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) has a suggested retail price of $99 for each bottle.

2020 BTAC Details

2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

The 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection will consist of the same five bottles it usually does… each a unique, distiller select version of other, usually more common Buffalo Trace Products. The collection contains both three bourbons and two rye whiskeys. Here are the details about each bottle in the 2020 release.

2020 George T. Stagg Bourbon

George T. Stagg is the proverbial big-brother to the slightly more common Stagg Jr. Bourbon fans were underwhelmed in 2019 by the lower proof, though tastings proved to be popular once bottles were opened. The 2020 George T. Stagg is bottled a whopping 130.4 Proof (65.2%ABV), blowing last year’s bottle out of the water.

GTS is a favorite among BTAC collectors, and often one of the easiest to track down. The whiskey is from Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Mash Bill #1 (75% Corn, 10% Rye, and 15% Barley), and aged for at least 15 years. 2020 George T. Stagg has an MSRP of $99.

2020 Eagle Rare 17 Year-Old Bourbon

In my personal opinion, Eagle Rare 10 Year is one of the best value bourbons on the market. The BTAC version, Eagle Rare 17 Year-Old, is a much more mature version. It’s a deliciously delicate pour.

Also from BT’s Mash Bill #1, Eagle Rare 17 is aged all on the first floor of Warehouse P at Buffalo Trace in Frankfort Kentucky. ER17 is bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), so the near two decades of aging takes center stage in the flavor. As with all of these, 2020 Eagle Rare 17 Year-Old has an MSRP of $99.

2020 William Larue Weller Bourbon

William Larue Weller (WLW) is the kingpin of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Original Wheated Mashbill line. The grandfather to great pours like Weller 12 and Antique 107. Distilled in 2008, the 2020 William Larue Weller is younger than some of the other BTAC pours, but rings in at 134.5 Proof (67.25% ABV), this year’s bottle is HOT. Again, look for a suggested retail price of $99.

2020 Thomas H. Handy Straight Rye Whiskey

Uncut and unfiltered, Thomas H. Handy is a smoking rye whiskey full of pepper and warmth. Aged for about 16 years, this year’s Thomas H. Handy rye is bottled at 129 Proof (64.5% ABV). If you’re a fan of rye, this is one to keep an eye out for during the release season in late September and early November.

Thomas H. Handy is named after a bartender from Louisiana who first used rye in a Sazerac cocktail. We don’t necessarily recommend mixing this one, but drink it how you like I suppose. Like all of these BTACs, the 2020 Thomas H. Handy Straight Rye should retail at $99.


Thomas H Handy Sazerac
750ml

2020 Sazerac 18 Year-Old Rye Whiskey

The other rye whiskey in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is Sazerac 18 Year-Old. You’ve likely seen it’s 6-year-young little cousin (Baby Saz) on shelves somewhere. The 18-year expression of this classic rye goes down a little easier than the Handy. Bottled at 90 Proof (45% ABV), Sazerac 18 Year Rye is an enjoyable whiskey full of well aged leather and vanilla. And yep, you guessed it… the 2020 Sazerac 18-Year Rye Whiskey also has a suggested retail of $99.

Buying Buffalo Trace Antique Collection in NC

If you’re interested in finding the 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection in North Carolina, start building relationships now. Your absolute best bet, especially in smaller towns around the state, is to start making friends with ABC store operators and employees. They may be able to tip you off to when 2020 BTAC is hitting shelves. Most boards won’t actually let this hit shelves, though.

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is rare and allocated, so most boards will either distribute to loyal customers via a list, or hold a lottery to distribute. Ask around, but be nice. Remember, you aren’t entitled to any of these, and most ABC employees are just doing their jobs. Hunt kindly, be generous, and be kind.

Buying 2020 BTAC Online

The 2020 BTAC series will certainly land in online stores like Mash&Grape, or 1-877 Spirits, but you’ll pay a steep premium for the convenience. Throw the $99 MSRP out the window, demand is so high for these bourbons you’ll pay at least $450 for a George T. Stagg, and maybe $1,500 for an Eagle Rare 17.

Related Bourbons and Ryes

Weller Special Reserve


Weller Special Reserve
Nestor Liquor
1 L

Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon


Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon
Nestor Liquor
750ML

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey


Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Nestor Liquor
1 Liter

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Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel USA Release https://www.nc-whiskey.com/blantons-straight-from-the-barrel-usa-release/ Thu, 27 Aug 2020 17:54:45 +0000 https://www.nc-whiskey.com/?p=1063 Earlier this year, Buffalo Trace Distillery announce that the fabled Blanton’s Gold version of their single barrel bourbon would be release in the United States for the first time. Now, they’ve also promised a domestic release of another special Blanton’s: Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel. Blanton’s SFTB United States Release Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel’s […]

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Earlier this year, Buffalo Trace Distillery announce that the fabled Blanton’s Gold version of their single barrel bourbon would be release in the United States for the first time. Now, they’ve also promised a domestic release of another special Blanton’s: Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel.

Blanton's Straight From The Barrel USA Release

Blanton’s SFTB United States Release

Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel’s USA release was announced by Buffalo Trace Distillery on August 27, 2020 with a promise of the first drop coming this fall. As is true with the Blanton’s Gold Edition, the SFTB release will be a limited annual drop. Don’t expect to see this on the shelves every time you walk in. Instead, you can anticipate a release similar to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC)– a handful of bottles, at best, released to limited stores.

Blanton’s SFTB is an uncut and unfiltered version of Blanton’s Single Barrel and Blanton’s Gold. Because it comes, well, “straight from the barrel”, the proof will vary depending on which barrel each bottle came from. If you’re a fan of high-proof, cask strength bourbons, this will be one for you to try. As a reminder, Blanton’s Original Single Barrel is 93 Proof (46.5% ABV), while Blanton’s Gold Edition clocks in a 103 Proof (51.5% ABV). Previous barrels of Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel have been over 130 Proof (65% ABV).

Buffalo Trace Distillery offers a suggested retail price of $150.

Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel in NC

Like other allocated bourbons, Blanton’s SFTB will be a highly sought after limited release in North Carolina. The State ABC Warehouse will distribute their cases across local ABC counties/towns on a lottery system, and those local ABC boards will in turn distribute them to their customers as they see fit.

Online Bourbon Shopping icon

If you’re incredibly lucky, and you know when bottles are being released, your local ABC might have them available on the shelf or visible behind the counter. Other ABC locations may distribute via a lottery system or raffle. Still others will only distribute allocated bourbon to those on a list.

We always recommend building relationships with your local ABC store employees and being a good patron of their other, non-allocated products. Be a good customer and a better friend.

Can You Buy Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel Online?

Most heavily allocated bottles will be available from some online retailers, but usually not at retail pricing. If they are, they will likely sell out immediately. If you’re willing to pay a premium for the convenience and availability, NC Whiskey recommends checking out Bounty Hunter’s bourbon selection. I wouldn’t expect to see Blanton’s SFTB anywhere online for at least a few months, and when you do see them, expect prices above $300.

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Bomberger’s Declaration and Shenk’s Sour Mash In NC https://www.nc-whiskey.com/bombergers-declaration-and-shenks-sour-mash-in-nc/ Tue, 04 Aug 2020 15:08:07 +0000 https://www.nc-whiskey.com/?p=560 On August 4th, we saw Bomberger’s Declaration and Shenk’s Sour Mash added to the North Carolina ABC Stock sheet. These whiskeys may have been available here in the past, but not for a couple years at least. They have, however, been available outside of the state. Here’s what you need to know. Shenk’s and Bomberger’s: […]

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On August 4th, we saw Bomberger’s Declaration and Shenk’s Sour Mash added to the North Carolina ABC Stock sheet. These whiskeys may have been available here in the past, but not for a couple years at least. They have, however, been available outside of the state. Here’s what you need to know.

Bomberger's Delcaration and Shenk's Sour Mash
Shenk’s and Bomberger’s, courtesy Michter’s Distillery

Shenk’s and Bomberger’s: A History

Shenk’s Sour Mash and Bomberger’s Declaration are enigmas to some in the whiskey community. There’s a loose (or not so loose) connection with Michter’s. So what’s the truth about these two special bourbons?

Most of the bottles you know from Michter’s Distillery, like the US*1 collection (Unblended is coming to NC soon, too), Barrel Strength Bourbon and Rye, or their Toasteds, are all sourced distillate that Michter’s barrels, ages, and bottles according their specialties. Bomberger’s and Shenk’s aren’t included in the standard Michter’s offerings, but it does say “Bottled By Michter’s” on the labels.

Actually, Michter’s wasn’t always called Michter’s. The distillery was first founded waaayyyy back when the United States was in its infancy by a Swiss Mennonite farmer name John Shenk. In the mid 1800s, the distillery has switched hands and was renamed Bomberger’s. This name held until sometime in the mid 1900s when the named changed once again to Michter’s. This “Legacy Series” from Michter’s pays homage to their roots as one of the oldest distilleries in the country.

Shenk’s Sour Mash Whiskey

According the aforementioned stock sheet, this bottling of Shenk’s Sour Mash Whiskey is aged 6 years. Technically, this whiskey is neither a bourbon or a rye. The designation of Kentucky Whiskey is given despite what is likely a rye-forward mash bill. This whiskey is aged in toasted French Oak barrels and bottled at 91.2 proof (45.6% ABV).

If you weren’t able to get your hands on 2019’s special Michter’s Toasted Barrel Sour Mash, I’d imagine you can get a good feel for what it tastes like by trying out a Shenk’s. Shenk’s Sour Mash will be sold in North Carolina ABC store at $89.95.

Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Bomberger’s is, in fact, a real bourbon. It’s at least 51% corn in the mash bill and aged at least 4 years in new charred American white oak barrels. From what I can tell, there is no official age statement on this bottling, but one might come with the actual bottles when they hit shelves. It’s listed at 108 proof (54% ABV), which is higher than most Michter’s offerings. This one will retail in NC for $99.95.

NC Availability

There’s no word as of yet on how allocated this release will be in North Carolina. There’s usually decent availability in neighboring states, where it’s often found on shelves and rarely marked up to exorbitant secondary prices. It will likely be scarce at first as the excitement of something new tends to add extra demand against a limited supply, but hopefully over time it will be more readily available.

As always, keep an eye on your local ABC and hopefully they’ll get it in soon.

More Info

If you found this helpful and want to stay up to date on the Shenk’s and Bomberger’s release, or get information about other limited releases and NC ABC news, join our mailing list:

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Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2020 – 150th Anniversary https://www.nc-whiskey.com/old-forester-birthday-bourbon-2020-150th-anniversary/ Tue, 23 Jun 2020 15:46:48 +0000 https://www.nc-whiskey.com/?p=418 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is an annual limited release that celebrates the birthday of the distillery’s founder, George Garvin Brown. Brown is credited as the first distiller to bottle in glass. Old Forester has officially released the details of their 2020 Birthday Bourbon, to be released starting September 2, 2020. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2020 […]

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Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is an annual limited release that celebrates the birthday of the distillery’s founder, George Garvin Brown. Brown is credited as the first distiller to bottle in glass.

Old Forester has officially released the details of their 2020 Birthday Bourbon, to be released starting September 2, 2020. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2020 is set for release this fall in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the distillery. It joins E.H. Taylor 18 Year Marriage and Wild Turkey Master Keep BIB in the list of highly coveted 2020 bourbon releases.

2020 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Details

This years expression of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is aged 10 years, making it a little younger than some previous bottlings under the same name. It will be released at 98 Proof (49% ABV). The mash bill reflects Old Forester’s standard bourbon lineup at 72% Corn, 18% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley.

The batch consists of 95 barrels, all barreled on June 5th 2010, and hand selected by Old Forester’s Master Distiller and Master Taster. Each bottle has an MSRP of about $130.

Buy OF Birthday Bourbon 2020 Online

Keep an eye on your favorite online retailers. I usually recommend checking out Mash and Grape. Keep in mind that any online stores are likely to mark the price up significantly against the $130 MSRP.

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is a highly allocated limited release, and finding it online will be extremely tricky. It won’t be available until September 2nd at the earliest, but even then it will trickle into stores and online retailers over the next month of so.

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon in NC

Like all limited releases, your best bet on finding the 2020 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon in North Carolina is to buddy up with your local ABC store or board, and keep an eye on the NC ABC Warehouse.

As you hunt for whiskey throughout the state, ask ABC store employees how their store manages the distribution of limited releases. Put your name down for any lotteries you can, or schedule them on your calendar if you need to be there in person. Happy hunting!


Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
750ml

Weller Special Reserve


Weller Special Reserve
Nestor Liquor
1 L

Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon


Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon
Nestor Liquor
750ML

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Weller Single Barrel Officially In The Lineup https://www.nc-whiskey.com/weller-single-barrel-officially-in-the-lineup/ https://www.nc-whiskey.com/weller-single-barrel-officially-in-the-lineup/#respond Tue, 19 May 2020 20:04:31 +0000 https://www.nc-whiskey.com/?p=223 Earlier this year we discussed rumors that Buffalo Trace Distillery was launching a new orange-label Weller to the William Larue lineup. Rumors are finally confirmed, and we’re expecting to see Weller Single Barrel in stores as early as summer 2020. This new bourbon boasts hints of mint, cherries, and vanilla on the nose. The palate […]

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Earlier this year we discussed rumors that Buffalo Trace Distillery was launching a new orange-label Weller to the William Larue lineup. Rumors are finally confirmed, and we’re expecting to see Weller Single Barrel in stores as early as summer 2020.

This new bourbon boasts hints of mint, cherries, and vanilla on the nose. The palate is said to burst with caramel and chocolate, with a peppery finish of cinnamon and coffee.

Weller Single Barrel has suggested retail price of $50.

Weller Single Barrel Bourbon Label

Weller Single Barrel Orange Label

The Weller Single Barrel offering is a new 97 proof (48.5% ABV) version of Buffalo Trace’s Original Wheated Bourbon mashbill. The Weller Orange Label is the newest addition to a coveted line of wheated bourbons that includes Weller Special Reserve, Antique 107, and Weller 12, as well as other annual releases of Weller Full Proof and CYPB.

Get Men and amazing gift this time - scotch and cigars delivered to their door!

Weller SiB will be an annual release that offers fans of the mashbill an opportunity to try this favored bourbon in a unique pure form. Buffalo Trace has found success will a similar lineup of it’s high-rye mash bill in the Colonel E.H. Taylor vertical. E.H. Taylor Single Barrel has been a successful annual release for Buffalo Trace, and gives whiskey collectors a slightly easier prey than the highly coveted (and highly allocated) Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

Weller Single Barrel In North Carolina

It’s already hard enough to find the more lasting versions of the Weller lineup in North Carolina ABC stores. NC and Buffalo Trace have had a tough time negotiating the appropriate allocations for the state. You’ll want to make sure you’re on good terms with your local ABC board, but there’s a good chance Weller Single Barrel will be held back for the most loyal patrons, or for a lottery. If you get your hands on one, will you send me a sample?

Where To Buy Weller SiB

If you’re lucky, you can get your hands on Weller Single Barrel in a local liquor store or ABC shop. Otherwise, you might have to win a lottery. The online retailers are always an option, but their prices can be inflated and it’s hard to get them to ship to NC. I recommend keeping an eye on Bounty Hunter and Sip Whiskey, or aggregated delivery sites like Saucey.com and Drizly.

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Old Forester Barrel Strength – OF Single Barrel Barrel Proof https://www.nc-whiskey.com/old-forester-barrel-strength-single-barrel/ https://www.nc-whiskey.com/old-forester-barrel-strength-single-barrel/#respond Tue, 19 May 2020 17:41:14 +0000 https://www.nc-whiskey.com/?p=216 I don’t know about you, but I love a good Barrel Proof whiskey. I’m one of many, and the trend is good for us because more and more distilleries are starting to release Barrel Proof versions of their quality bourbons. One highly anticipated of such releases is the Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength, promised […]

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I don’t know about you, but I love a good Barrel Proof whiskey. I’m one of many, and the trend is good for us because more and more distilleries are starting to release Barrel Proof versions of their quality bourbons. One highly anticipated of such releases is the Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength, promised to drop in North Carolina this summer.

Get men a gift they really want - Their Favorite Booze!

The Old Forester Barrel Strength offering will be the same high-corn mashbill that their standard Single Barrel bears:  72% Corn, 18% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley. The biggest difference is that the Barrel Proof version will likely drop in the 130-135 Proof range. That’s 65%-67.5% ABV. This hazmat-approaching proof puts it in direct competition with recent Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Stagg Jr. batches.

What really seems to set the Old Forester Barrel Strength apart from other barrel strength expressions — like the aforementioned EC Barrel Proof or Larceny Barrel Proof — is that Old Forester’s version is a Single Barrel. This means that most bottles will vary ever so slightly in their proof and taste. This is similar to how Four Roses distributes their Single Barrel Barrel Strength bourbons, and it’s very likely we’ll soon start to see collectors focusing on specific rickhouses and floors that these barrels sit while aging. Preview labels indicate we’ll know the warehouse and floor of each bottle’s barrel.

old forester single barrel barrel strength

Old Forester Barrel Strength in North Carolina

The North Carolina state warehouse added Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Proof to their price list in the middle of May. We haven’t noticed the libation itself pass through the distribution chain, but we can expect to see it show up sometime this summer (2020).

old forester barrel strength

The expectation for Old Forester Barrel Strength is that the Single Barrel bourbon will be pretty widely available, not dissimilar to its Elijah Craig and Larceny counterparts. Early excitement around a new bourbon release like this will make it scarce for a time, but there’s not anticipation that it would be heavily allocated or hidden behind counters and “in the back” like Blanton’s or Buffalo Trace.

There will also be a robust Single Barrel selection program. I recommend reaching out to your local bourbon groups, ABC board, or other organization and plan a barrel selection of your own.

As always, you can check online vendors. You might have to pay a premium, but it’s a good option for those who are desperate and/or have deep pockets.

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Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series SE4 X PR5 https://www.nc-whiskey.com/makers-mark-wood-finishing-series-se4-x-pr5-2020/ https://www.nc-whiskey.com/makers-mark-wood-finishing-series-se4-x-pr5-2020/#respond Mon, 18 May 2020 22:27:47 +0000 http://www.nc-whiskey.com/?p=198 After the raving success of Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series RC6 in 2019, the distiller has announced the 2020 release of this new annual limited series. This year’s stave choice is titled Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series SE4 X PR5 (that’s a mouthful!). SE4 X PR5 is a denotation that refers to the wood staves […]

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After the raving success of Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series RC6 in 2019, the distiller has announced the 2020 release of this new annual limited series. This year’s stave choice is titled Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series SE4 X PR5 (that’s a mouthful!).

Maker's Mark SE4 X PR5

SE4 X PR5 is a denotation that refers to the wood staves used to flavor this Maker’s Mark custom batch. If you’re familiar with Maker’s Mark’s Private Selects, then you know a little bit about how their stave profiles work. The difference here is that we actually have two unique stave profiles, married together into one Maker’s Mark expression.

The two stave profiles, SE4 and PR5 are uniquely aged with help of the Independent Stave Co. and then married together to create a totally unique expression. At 112.5 Proof (56.25% ABV), Maker’s Mark promises “amplified notes of vanilla, baking spices, and creamy caramel.”

Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2020

The RC6 2019 Limited Release wasn’t too difficult to find. Unlike a lot of limited releases, it showed up in abundance on shelves, not hidden behind ABC store counters or reserved for lotteries. Hopefully we’ll see the same treatment in North Carolina for this 2019 version.

Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series SE4 X PR5 is a 2020 Limited Release developed to accentuate the classic vanilla and caramel notes that MM fans know and love. If you’re a fan of Maker’s Mark RC6 or Maker’s Mark 46, this is a must try release in 2020. At a humble MSRP of only $70, this will be worth searching for on shelves or through online retailers. Keep an eye on Bounty Hunter or others so you don’t miss it.


Bourbon Enthusiast x Maker’s Mark Private Select 2 (Winter Pick)
750ml

$74


Bourbon Enthusiast x Maker’s Mark Private Select Bourbon


Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon 750ml
750ml

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Blanton’s Gold United States Release 2020 https://www.nc-whiskey.com/blantons-gold-united-states-release-2020/ https://www.nc-whiskey.com/blantons-gold-united-states-release-2020/#respond Mon, 18 May 2020 20:41:46 +0000 http://www.nc-whiskey.com/?p=192 Quick Links: Bounty Hunter Tasting Notes How to Buy For years, Blanton’s Gold has been an international release coveted by United States bourbon collectors and enthusiasts. Traveling abroad, US whiskey lovers hunted for Blanton’s Gold from Europe to Japan. Now, Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced that Blanton’s Gold will be released in the United States […]

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Quick Links:

For years, Blanton’s Gold has been an international release coveted by United States bourbon collectors and enthusiasts. Traveling abroad, US whiskey lovers hunted for Blanton’s Gold from Europe to Japan. Now, Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced that Blanton’s Gold will be released in the United States as early as June 2020.

Blanton's Gold Edition Bourbon 103 Proof Single Barrel Bourbon

Blanton’s Single Barrel vs. Blanton’s Gold

Blanton’s Gold will be a welcome addition to the to Buffalo Trace release lineup. Among favorites like Weller Antique 107 and Stagg Jr., Blanton’s is a whiskey hunter’s favorite prey. But other than its international availability, what’s different about this new Blanton’s release from the regular US release of Blanton’s Single Barrel?

Online Bourbon Shopping

The answer: almost nothing is different. Blanton’s Single Barrel and Blanton’s Gold offer the same mashbill from Buffalo Trace, and the same Single Barrel designation. The main, if not the only, difference between these two bourbons is the proof. The classic Single Barrel from Blanton’s rings in at 93 proof, or 46.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). Blanton’s Gold, previously only available outside of the United States, is the same bourbon recipe and ambiguous age statement, but boasts a hotter 103 proof, or 51.5% ABV.

This hotter expression of the Blanton’s you all know and love will likely be a little more complex. Higher proof bourbons are becoming increasingly popular. Buffalo Trace Distillery earns annual interest in their high-proof Antique Collection (BTAC). Fans also enjoy the E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Stagg Jr. releases. The 103 proof single barrel won’t be quite that hot, but will still add some zing to sippers.

Tasting Notes

Blanton’s gold is described as having a nose of honey, rye, chocolate, and heavy vanilla. Oliy and buttery, the taste is oaky with dried fruits, honey, and pepper. The finish is long, but not too hot, with hints of apple or pear. As previously mentioned, this Single Barrel bourbon will be 103 Proof and has an MSRP in the United States of $120 dollars.

How To Buy Blanton’s Gold

In North Carolina, for our target audience, the retail price at local ABC stores is set at $119.95. The allocation is likely to be limited and this release will certainly fly off the shelves. The good news is that typical hunters may grab a Gold Edition before the classic 94 proof SiB. More options means more general availability, but these bourbons will both still be tough to find.

Until recently, the secondary market prices on Blanton’s Gold have been fairly high, because of limited availability in the United States. I suspect that this domestic release will bring those prices down significantly as the bourbon becomes easier to find. Forget the secondary market on this bourbon for now, and try to hunt it in stores or online.

You can also try online retailers. Customers outside of NC will have some luck with Drizly home delivery.

Related Products

Weller Special Reserve


Weller Special Reserve
Nestor Liquor
1 L

Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon


Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon
Nestor Liquor
750ML

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey


Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Nestor Liquor
1 Liter

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Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Bottled-In-Bond 17 Year Bourbon https://www.nc-whiskey.com/wild-turkey-masters-keep-bottled-in-bond-17-year-bourbon/ https://www.nc-whiskey.com/wild-turkey-masters-keep-bottled-in-bond-17-year-bourbon/#respond Tue, 12 May 2020 23:50:10 +0000 http://www.nc-whiskey.com/?p=175 Wild Turkey is set to release their newest addition to the Master’s Keep line. 2020 boasts the fifth bottling in this series, Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Bottled-In-Bond is an exciting 17 year old expression of the Wild Turkey mash. It will be bottled at 100 Proof (50% ABV) and is said to have notes of […]

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Wild Turkey is set to release their newest addition to the Master’s Keep line. 2020 boasts the fifth bottling in this series, Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Bottled-In-Bond is an exciting 17 year old expression of the Wild Turkey mash. It will be bottled at 100 Proof (50% ABV) and is said to have notes of dark cherries, vanilla, toasted oats, spice and hints of smoke. The MSRP is around $149.95, but it will sell in North Carolina ABC stores at $174.95.

wild turkey master's keep bottled in bond 17 year

This isn’t the first time a Master’s Keep release has come packaged with a 17-year age statement. The first edition, just called “Master’s Keep” was a 17 year bourbon aged in stone warehouses.

Angel’s Envy Bourbon Finished In Port Barrels

Where to Buy Wild Turkey Master’s Keep BiB

Shop Bounty Hunter Rare Wine & Spirits

The Master’s Keep releases from Wild Turkey aren’t typically the most rare finds. North Carolina boards will likely all see a few of these bottles at least. Some of the older expressions of this special release are still available on shelves in certain places (if you. know where to look).

In North Carolina, our usual advice applies. Shop loyal to a single ABC store if you can, and get to know the employees. If nothing else, they can probably give you a heads up on when these will start hitting shelves (likely by the end of May or early June 2020.

You can also keep an eye on online stores like Bounty Hunter, Drizly, and Saucey. They don’t all ship to NC, but they might ship to someone you know.

The Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Bottled-In-Bond 17 Year should be easy enough to find if you keep your ear to the ground and do some whiskey hunting. Any tips of your own? Leave them in the comments!

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Wild Turkey Master's Keep 17 Year

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Colonel E.H. Taylor 18 Year Marriage https://www.nc-whiskey.com/colonel-e-h-taylor-18-year-marriage/ https://www.nc-whiskey.com/colonel-e-h-taylor-18-year-marriage/#respond Wed, 06 May 2020 01:02:54 +0000 http://www.nc-whiskey.com/?p=162 On May 5th, 2020, Buffalo Trace Distillery confirmed the release of their new E.H. Taylor 18 Year Marriage whiskey. This ambitious release is a marriage of whiskey made from three of Buffalo Trace’s top bourbon mashbills: one Wheated Bourbon (similar to their Weller line) and two high ryes. Aged 18 years, Buffalo Trace will be […]

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On May 5th, 2020, Buffalo Trace Distillery confirmed the release of their new E.H. Taylor 18 Year Marriage whiskey. This ambitious release is a marriage of whiskey made from three of Buffalo Trace’s top bourbon mashbills: one Wheated Bourbon (similar to their Weller line) and two high ryes. Aged 18 years, Buffalo Trace will be releasing these at a recommended MSRP of $69.99 starting in June 2020.

E.H. Taylor 18 Year Old Marriage Label

E.H. Taylor 18 Year Marriage in North Carolina

Buffalo Trace has indicated that their 18 Year Marriage bourbon will be an extremely limited release, which means it will be a rare find all over the world. If last year’s E.H. Taylor Amaranth (Grain of the Gods) is any indication, North Carolina ABC will get an extremely limited amount.

Typically, with allocated items like this, the state ABC will put cases and bottles up for Lottery, because there aren’t enough to go around to all the local ABC boards. If your local board is lucky enough to get a case (6 bottles for this bourbon), then it will be up to them to distribute as they see fit. For some boards, they may hold the bottles and distribute in a lottery. Others could put them on the shelf for a first-come/first-serve distribution. Still others will choose to hold them “in the back” for preferred customers. I don’t make the rules. It’s never a bad idea to become friends with your local store, though.

Angel’s Envy Bourbon Finished In Port Barrels

Other Options for Acquisition

If you’re not in North Carolina, you might have better options. Online delivery options like Drizly and Saucey would be worth keeping an eye on. Some online stores like Chips Liquor already have a product listing up.

Read more about online ordering.

What is a Whiskey “Marriage”?

Most often in bourbon, you hear about Batches and Blends. A Batch of bourbon is two or more barrels that, after aging, are mixed together immediately before bottling. A Blend occurs when two types of whiskey are mixed together at the point of batching.

A Marriage is similar to this, but with some distinction. In the Whiskey world, a marriage usually occurs when two different whiskies are blended together in another barrel. In other words, the individual bourbons would do their normal aging in barrels, then mixed together and added to another barrel. This extra aging and oak adds extra character and helps the two (or three, in the case of the E.H. Taylor 18 Year Marriage) become one.

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