Bluegrass Distillers Elkwood Reserve Aged 11 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Spanish Oak Barrels The Prime Barrel Pick #168

A recent visit to Bluegrass Distillers in Midway, Kentucky, gave us the chance to sample four mystery barrels—each with a distinctly different flavor profile. Narrowing the field to one proved impossible, so we walked out with two. While both barrels began with the same bourbon distilled two weeks apart, their finishing casks transformed them into remarkably different experiences.

This 122 proof, cask-strength Elkwood Reserve 11 1/2 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon is finished in a distinctive second-use Spanish Oak barrel, creating a darker, more exotic expression of mature Kentucky bourbon.

A Spanish cooperage handcrafted the finishing barrel to wine-barrel specifications, using staves naturally air-seasoned for 24 months before being fashioned into the cask. The extended natural seasoning and specialized cooperage contribute to a refined, integrated oak influence rather than simply adding more oak character.  The Spanish Oak barrel is second-use, having previously finished a Kentucky bourbon.  

Distilled in September, 2014 from a 78/13/9 mashbill by an undisclosed legacy Kentucky distillery, this bourbon spent 11 years and 1 month in its original Char 4 American oak barrel.  It was then transferred to a second-use Char 3 Spanish oak barrel for an additional 5-month finishing period. The result is a complex and beautifully structured bourbon, combining a mature foundation of caramelized sugar and vanilla bean with the distinctive influence of Spanish Oak, bringing layers of dried dark fruit, exotic spice, toasted oak, and roasted nuttiness.  

Add this exceptional Elkwood Reserve 11 1/2 Year Old Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Spanish Oak to your collection and experience a rare expression of mature Kentucky bourbon shaped by an unusual and highly distinctive finishing cask.

Barrel Details:

Barrel: #35

• Distilled:  9/10/2014 by an undisclosed legacy Kentucky distillery
• Age:  11 1/2 years - 11 years, 1 month in original Char 4 cask then finished for 5 months in second-use Char 3 Spanish Oak barrel
• Mashbill:  78% corn, 13% rye, 9% malted barley
• Proof: 122 proof

Tasting Notes:

• Nose:  Vanilla bean, orange peel, caramelized sugar, roasted nuttiness, subtle baking spice, toasted oak
• Palate:  Dark caramel, vanilla bean, layers of allspice, clove and black pepper, roasted nuts, dried dark fruit
• Finish:  Long and gently drying, becoming increasingly exotic with dark fruit, allspice, black pepper, caramelized sugar, walnut, toasted oak

Nose: Dense waves of caramelized sugar and dark plum mingle with heavy oak spice and a striking dash of cinnamon.

Palate: Viscous and intensely layered, unleashing bold waves of toasted pecan, dried raisins, and rich vanilla bean heavily influenced by the Spanish oak.

Finish: Exceptionally long and driven by dry tannins, leaving lingering impressions of dark chocolate, stone fruit, and a warm, peppery bite.

Pair this high-proof powerhouse with a deeply seared, dry-aged ribeye steak. The robust fat content effortlessly tames the intense proof. Meanwhile, the caramelized crust beautifully highlights the dark fruit and spicy oak notes derived from the Spanish cask. It works perfectly.