Buffalo Trace Hancock’s President’s Reserve

A hidden gem of a Bourbon waiting to be discovered with rich tones and single barrel character.

Some argue, but since the original distillery building on this site dates from 1775, most folks consider the Buffalo Trace Distillery to be the oldest continually operating distillery in the US. It sits on the banks of the Ohio River in Frankfort, Kentucky, on the same 150 acres — completing 245 years of continuous operation. It even used the “medicinal” loophole to operate during Prohibition. Now owned by Sazerac, its history includes a veritable Who’s-Who of historic Bourbon owners and Master Distillers who continue today to craft some of the finest and most popular Whiskey brands in America.

Buffalo Trace Hancock’s President’s Reserve is intriguing. No one is “officially” talking, but this non-age-statement dram in the inconspicuous bottle is rumored to have the same mash bill — Buffalo Trace #2 — as our perennial favorite Blanton’s. And both are “single barrel” releases. And Blanton’s comes in at 46.3% ABV, and Hancock’s sits at about 44.45%. What are we saying? Um… nothing. But “IF” all that info is true, then Hancock’s is on-average a slightly younger and marginally lower proof of one of our favorite daily drams. So, it’s a tasty/stealthy great deal.

Smartass Corner:
Hancock Lee was instrumental in the founding of Leestown in 1775. It was an important trading port for rope, tobacco, and distilled Spirits destined for Bourbon Street markets in New Orleans. Now the state’s capital of Frankfurt, it’s strategic location on the Kentucky River near present-day Lexington made it an important depot during the American Revolution and War of 1812.