Old Charter Oak French Oak is the latest release from Buffalo Trace Distillery, as the company continues to explore different and unique oak tree varietals.
Buffalo Trace obtained a small number of barrels from France in 2007, and filled them with its Mash #1, the same mash bill used to make Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare and several other bourbons at the distillery. The Old Charter Oak French Oak has now been bottled, and will hit retail shelves in late June.
Tasting notes for the French Oak describe it as having a nose of vanilla with hints of apricot, cherry and rose petal. The palate is a thick and creamy maple syrup, with the oak flavor coming through, the company reports. A finish of chocolate and toasted oak round it out.
This is the second release in the Old Charter Oak Collection. The first expression, Mongolian Oak, was released late last year. All the Old Charter Oak Bourbon series will release over time, with a third release scheduled for later this year. Subsequent releases are planned a few times each year, indefinitely.