We hand picked this single barrel at the distillery this past September after touring the grounds of this sprawling, awe inspiring project. This cult independent two man show had built a reputation for themselves quietly as the next big thing in Bourbon and Rye. Well the word has gotten out and since the brand got picked up by Campari, with their Wild Turkey campus down the road and the 100 plus years and three generations of wealth the Russell clan brings to the table, Wilderness Trail has officially become a must know name. Thankfully, its far from all hype. The whiskies are spectacular and complex well beyond their competitors at this age.
Aged for 4yr and 5 months in a single custom Independent Stave Char #4 barrel, stored at Rickhouse B-E11-11-2. The old school techniques here like the sweet mash, low barrel entry proof and proprietary touches like the yeast (#48 in this case) makes this a truly singular and deeply flavorful dram.
You'll be handsomely rewarded by adding a few drops of water and letting this spirit warm and open up in your hands. After a few minutes deep notes of fresh spearmint, autumn orchard fruits, honey ginger tea cake, sweet butter and crackling electric spice notes will elevate your senses and coat your palate. Very limited.