2023 NYC: Penelope Bourbon and Kings County Distillery

The Pascale's team sought another Penelope Bourbon Architect Barrel Pick after the first one, a 99% corn mash bill, sold out almost instantly! This Penelope Bourbon offered an experimental, exceptional flavor at 6 years old– "mellow corn on steroids", mentions a Pascale's team member. This remarkable barrel is destined for Pascale’s Liquors in Liverpool, NY.

During our visit to Kings County Distillery in New York City, the team appreciated the original architecture, steeped in history, and located within the iconic Navy Yard. The Pascale’s team tasted six different barrels and settled on a remarkable 5-year cask strength bourbon at 131 proof, offering complex flavors and depth. This exceptional pick will be available at Pascale’s Wine & Liquors in Fayetteville, NY.

Fun Fact: Kings County Distillery started with filling 15-gallon barrels but has transitioned to filling 53-gallon barrels to keep up with production. The smaller yield creates a drastically different flavor profile (our upcoming pick one of the original 15-gallon batches).

During our action-packed three days, we visited multiple distilleries, picking the following six different barrels to bring back home:

1. 11-year Knob Creek Bourbon
2. 8-year Buffalo Trace
3. 7-year Sazerac Rye
4. Yellowstone Cask Strength at 119 proof
5. 5-year Old Ezra Cask Strength at 120 proof (sourced from Heaven Hill)
6. 5-year Rebel Yell Cask Strength at 120 proof (sourced from Heaven Hill)

Visiting Buffalo Trace Distillery was akin to "whiskey Disneyland," as the team was treated to an exclusive, behind-the-scenes all-access experience. During our visit, we were able to see the original OFC Distillery wall exposed during a recent flood, OFC barrels in the process of aging, and even caught a glimpse of the production of this year's Eagle Rare 17 (though we know no details unfortunately)!

This unforgettable experience involved a private tasting in Warehouse H, which is not part of the regular tour. Warehouse H is where Blanton's and Rock Hill Farms are produced and the team saw production first-hand! Pascale's 8-year private barrel pick from Buffalo Trace stands out as a unique find. The average age of Buffalo Trace is around 7 years (rumored), and the additional year added further depth and character to the whiskey.

At Knob Creek, the team participated in a private barrel pick that used a unique sampling technique. Instead of numbers, colors were used to avoid associating quality or preference with numerical values.

The Pascale's team also visited the Bardstown Whiskey Library, which holds one of the three only remaining entire chess piece sets of Old Crow ceramic decanters from the 1980s.

Two of these barrels (7-year Sazerac Rye and Yellowstone Cask Strength) were selected in partnership with the Syracuse Bourbon Society, and are expected to arrive in early summer 2023.

Buffalo Trace
8-Year Private Barrel Bourbon

Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, has been producing exceptional bourbon whiskey for over 200 years. The distillery is renowned for its long history and tradition of fine craftsmanship, and is now owned by the Sazerac Company.

Our 8-year Buffalo Trace Private Barrel Pick is distinct due to its additional year of aging, which enhanced the whiskey's depth and character. The usual age for Buffalo Trace is not recorded, however rumors place it at between 5-7 years of average age.