Buzzard's Roost Straight Bourbon Finished with Toasted French Oak Staves (750ml)

Cinnamon | Nutmeg | Crème brûlée | Toasted oak | Baking spices

Caramel | Buttercream frosting | Graham cracker | Brown sugar | Stewed apples

Baking spices | Cinnamon | Buttercream frosting | Burnt brown sugar | Toasted oak

This is the second release of Buzzard’s Roost Toasted French Oak, and the brand utilized “precision toasted” French oak staves for this second batch. According to the press release, “three important differentiators between French oak staves and whole barrels were considered before creating this new release: While French oak barrels can only be toasted for very short periods of time, French oak staves can be toasted for as much as 18 hours, allowing the heat to tame extra tannins that are present in French oak; French oak has a greater concentration of hemicellulose than other types of oak, resulting in more sugar molecules for caramelization; The ability to toast French oak for a longer time leads to greater concentrations of flavor producers.”

The resulting whiskey is quite sweet overall, with a tasty buttercream frosting note that weaves its way throughout the sip. It starts with warming cinnamon spice, nutmeg, and baking spices on the nose, which are complemented by crème brûlée and toasted oak. Caramel forms the base for the midpoint, which is accented by graham cracker, brown sugar, and stewed apples. It’s also here where the buttercream frosting note emerges and never really disappears, as it lingers on into the finish. Accents of baking spices, cinnamon, burnt brown sugar, and toasted oak round the sip out.

Starting with an MGP sourced bourbon and using toasted French oak staves as opposed to finishing in toasted French oak barrels - and then bottling at 5 proof points less - doesn’t inspire confidence at the onset. However, a few sips in, and you quickly gain an appreciation for what the brand has done to dial in the desired flavor profile here. The whiskey displays the quintessential French oak flavors quite well, while maintaining a steady balance between fullness of flavor and drinkability. Overall, it all comes together and works quite well.