Buzzard’s Roost received a quiet begin in 2020, and now the Louisville-based model is on a tear, with no less than eight expressions of bourbon and rye now obtainable. In late 2021, bottling, getting older, and ending operations moved to Bardstown Bourbon Firm; all spirits nevertheless are nonetheless sourced from MGP in Indiana.
We not too long ago acquired a small armada of Buzzardly bottles for evaluation, to which we are going to get tasting presently.
Buzzard’s Roost Straight Bourbon Toasted French Oak – 5 years outdated, completed in uncharred toasted French oak. 74% corn, 21% rye, 5% malted barley. I used to be undoubtedly anticipating extra depth and intrigue right here. This whiskey has an overload of wooden and popcorn up entrance, with notes of leather-based and cloves dominant over any sense of fruit or sweetness. The palate’s a straight-up go to to the (burnt) popcorn manufacturing facility, secondary notes of licorice and burnt almonds masking a light-weight contact of Maraska cherry, main from there to an asphalt-laden end. I really feel like I should be lacking the idea of what the toasted French oak end was purported to be bringing to this one. 105 proof. B- / $85
Buzzard’s Roost Straight Bourbon Barrel Power – 4 to six years outdated, barrel power; a mix of two rye-based mashbills (complete proportions unspoken). A stable expression of overproof (although by no means scorching sizzling) bourbon, hitting all the appropriate notes. Butterscotch and spice galore seem on the expressive nostril, with a wholesome slug of oak beneath — although it’s by no means overbearing. Notes of cloves are reasonable right here in addition to on the palate, which layers in brilliant cherry, chocolate, and a wholesome baking spice character. It is a stable, no-frills bourbon that’s just a bit inexperienced across the edges, however in any other case lands (surprisingly gently) all of the excessive factors one expects from the model. 114.4 proof. A- / $85
Buzzard’s Roost Cigar Rye – 4 12 months outdated, 95% rye/5% barley mash that’s completed in oak barrels “frivolously smoked with aged Kentucky cigar tobacco leaves.” Extraordinarily uncommon, and maybe an acquired style. The nostril doesn’t connote tobacco instantly however slightly eucalyptus, filtered by way of oak staves. There’s an odd, vague sweetness that’s someplace between coconut nectar and Bit-O-Honey, however it’s additionally sharp with pepper and a pink wine be aware. The palate is extraordinarily spicy and a bit robust, maybe evoking contemporary tobacco however once more returning extra to minty eucalyptus, then a wierd assortment of rhubarb, cinnamon, and combined pink fruit notes. The end is the place tobacco feels clearest, although it’s the least fulfilling a part of a considerably unbalanced expertise. 105 proof. B / $75
Buzzard’s Roost Straight Rye Barrel Power – 4 12 months outdated rye, proof varies a bit round 115. No massive surprises right here on an unfinished, high-proof rye (presumably 95/5) that’s nonetheless exhibiting a contact of its youth. Peanutty and spicy on the nostril, there’s a light-weight layer of baked apples beneath — albeit delicate. Extra of the identical arrives on the palate, a mixture of peanut and popcorn and ruddy baking spices, rimmed with darkish chocolate. The extra cereal-heavy components fade into the background in time, letting these fruity spice notes carry the whiskey on its method to the end. Toasty and oaky and balanced with sufficient fruit on the again finish, I gravitated to it increasingly more because the night went on, although that is hardly a fancy providing. 115 proof as tasted. B+ / $75
Buzzard’s Roost Cigar Rye
$75
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