The process begins with milling. Grains are milled into coarse powder without compromising the integrity of the grains. The mill grains are cooked with pure Kentucky limestone water for about an hour at 240ᵒF to create a sweet mash. This sweet mash, along with sour mash from a previous distillation, is fermented for 3-5 days as yeast transforms natural sugars to alcohol. The fermented mixture enters the top of Buffalo Traces' column still and descends naturally, while steam rises and creates an alcohol rich vapour that’s re-condensed into a crystal clear liquid, called "White Dog".
For maturation, new white oak barrels are charred before aging begins. Charring is a critical step that caramelises the wood and allows the bourbon to extract rich. The #4 level char (55 seconds) creates a burnt caramel layer from which the bourbon gains rich, complex flavours and illuminating golden hues. At ten years there's hints of leather and cloves. Even careful consideration goes into warehousing, choosing lower, mid and top floor aging will determine the speed at which a spirit will age - the bottom level has subtle temperature changes, allowing the bourbon to age slowly into a smooth and sweet whiskey that's gentle on the palate. while the top level, with its rapid temperature, will age bourbon quickly with drier oak flavours from the wood. Finally proofing, the crucial final step of the process, add some pure and crisp water to your bourbon so it's not too strong. Bourbon straight from the barrel is often 140 proof, but most people prefer a more approachable taste. At 100-120 proof expect strong and complex, deep in flavours with a lingering finish.
As Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr. famously said, "We make fine bourbon at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always fine bourbon." This enduring philosophy continues to resonate through both the Old Rip Van Winkle and Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve labels, now meticulously crafted at Buffalo Trace, according to Pappy’s original recipe. It's no surprise these bourbons are sought after, consistently earning industry acclaim and numerous prestigious awards. Their legacy of excellence continues to inspire whiskey makers and enthusiasts worldwide.
