The Colonel E.H. Taylor Cured Oak Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

This special release gets its name from the special staves that were used for its barrels.  These oak staves were allowed to dry outside in the open air for 13 months before they were used to construct the barrels.  Six months is the normal dry time for staves used at Buffalo Trace who teamed up with their main cooperage partner, Independent Stave Company, in an attempt to allow the whiskey to abstract more of the flavors that are stored deep inside the oak staves.

This 17-year-old, 100 proof Bourbon was aged in Warehouse C, which Taylor himself erected in 1881 on the Buffalo Trace Distillery property.

Nose: The nose on the Cured Oak is impressive and balanced. Woody with cherries or other dark fruit and just a bit of caramel sweetness that came out even more after a few drops of water. It grabs your attention, particularly if you are partial to older bourbons.
Taste: The nose on the Cured Oak carries over to the sip. There’s a depth of flavor from the oak, dark fruit and even some more caramel than expected. The palate is where you realize the amount of influence the wood can have on a whiskey. The dryness of the oak and even some peppery spice dances over some caramel sweetness.
Finish: Delivers a nice, medium-length finish. Fans of aged bourbon will appreciate the dryness as it fades.