Sips & Sites & Bites

Buffalo Trace Distillery just unveiled the 26th release in its Experimental Collection: Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops. This new spirit pushes the boundaries of tradition, blending beer’s hop flavors with whiskey’s deep oak notes.

Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley first conceived this idea over a decade ago, inspired by the rising popularity of hoppy beers. To explore how hops might influence a distilled spirit, Wheatley infused two distinct hops … Saaz, a European variety found in pilsners, and Zythos, an American hop known for its tropical and herbal characteristics … into a raw distillate for 30 minutes. After redistilling, the liquid aged for 11 years and seven months in charred white oak barrels.

The result is a 90-proof spirit with a distinctly hoppy nose, featuring citrus and herbal aromas balanced by vanilla and oak. The palate offers vibrant lemon and orange zest, complemented by fresh herbs and robust oak, with a clean, refreshing finish.

“We wanted to create something entirely unique,” Wheatley said. “The long aging process lets the hop flavors shine without overpowering the whiskey’s character. It’s a balance between the hoppy bitterness and the smooth, oaky richness of the spirit.”

While the spirit is best enjoyed neat, Wheatley encourages experimentation, suggesting it works well in cocktails like a Manhattan.

As part of Buffalo Trace’s Experimental Collection, this release speaks to the distillery’s ongoing commitment to innovation. With more than 30,000 experimental barrels aging at the distillery, each release offers a unique tasting experience, though only a select few make it to market.

Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops is available in limited quantities at Buffalo Trace’s gift shop, priced at $46.99 for a 375ml bottle.