Old Charter Oak French Oak is a Buffalo Trace Distillery exploration into various oak wood and their ability to enhance whiskey. The 2021 release of Old Charter Oak French Oak is the the third release and the sixth release overall for the brand. Typically French Oak has a tighter grain than American Oak therefore taking longer for the whiskey to penetrate deep into each stave for flavor.

Manufacturer: Buffalo Trace / Sazerac Company
Location: Frankfurt, Kentucky
Mashbill: Undisclosed. Believed to be Buffalo Trace Mashbill 1
Age: No Age Statement.
Proof / ABV: 92 / 46%
Retail Price: $70

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Deep Mahogany

Nose

Oak, cinnamon, burnt sugar, black tea, hints of butter

Palate

Sweet honey, oak and toffee

Finish

Herbal, vanilla, citrus, and pepper

In closing

Wow! All I can say is what a great pour from start to finish. The low proof I was thinking it would have a thin palate and have muted flavors but this pour is an absolute flavor bomb.

The nose is captivating; the cinnamon and burnt sugar immediately entice you but the subtle note of black tea and hints of butter really create an aroma that makes the drinker want to dive right in. The palate is oily and floods the mouth with sweet honey right up front transitioning to oak and toffee mid to back palate. The finish really drives home your a drinking something special by offering a long and enjoyable ride of flavors from vanilla and citrus but having this beautiful brown sugar aftertaste and aroma.

I highly suggest seeking this bottle of Old Charter Oak French Oak out but good luck they are extremely difficult to find!

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Buffalo Trace. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.