Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat Bourbon

A little background

This new annual release wheat recipe bourbon from Buffalo Trace is made from the same high quality grains as the W.L. Weller bourbon whiskey. However, this whiskey was aged in specifically designated kosher barrels under the auspices of the Chicago Rabbinical Council in order to satisfy Passover requirements. After aging for seven years, this wheat recipe bourbon was bottled at 94 proof after ensuring the bottling lines were cleaned beforehand to ensure that no contact was made with non-Kosher spirits. The first release of this expression came in April 2020 and it will be released again each year after Passover. This bottle retails for $39.99.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Deep copper

Nose

The nose provides a little more ethanol than expected for the proof and reminded me more of the Weller Antique 107 expression. Once the ethanol calms I found a familiar profile full of caramel, sweet vanilla, some baking spice, and plenty of bright, crisp fruit notes with an emphasis on green apple, apricot, and citrus peel.

Palate

The mouthfeel is definitely thicker than the Weller Special Reserve but it doesn’t quite match up to the Antique 107. There is plenty of caramel, nougat, and vanilla along with some soft cherry syrup. There are some notes of baking spice and cinnamon, but the sweet notes really dominate.

Finish

The finish is medium and predominantly sweet. The cinnamon and spice intensify on the tongue but the caramel and cherry notes remain along with some pleasant notes of baked green apple. I was reminded of a fresh apple tart at the back end of the pour.

In closing

Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat is a quality 7-year-old wheated bourbon that provides a heavier mouthfeel and fuller body than its standard release counterpart, Weller Special Reserve. However, the flavors really aren’t much different than the Weller S.R. and the lower proof holds back some of the flavor intensity that you can find in the similarly aged Weller 107. While I enjoyed this bottle, I think I will stick to some of Buffalo Trace’s other wheated expressions that deliver a similar experience but come with a smaller price tag at both the retail and secondary markets.