Antique 107 is not a single barrel bourbon. It is a small batch bourbon, meaning that it is a blend of multiple barrels to achieve a consistent flavor profile. However, each batch of Antique 107 is carefully selected and bottled from a limited number of barrels, ensuring that each release has its own unique characteristics.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and evaluate many different bourbons, and I can say that the small batch approach taken with Antique 107 allows for a level of complexity and depth that is truly exceptional. Each barrel adds its own nuances and flavors to the final blend, creating a bourbon that is greater than the sum of its parts.
The aging process plays a crucial role in the development of the flavors in Antique 107. Bourbon must, by law, be aged in new charred oak barrels, and the time spent in these barrels allows the spirit to interact with the wood, extracting flavors such as vanilla, caramel, and spice. However, the aging process is not an exact science, and each barrel will age slightly differently. This variation is what makes each barrel of Antique 107 unique.
When selecting barrels for a small batch release, the master distiller will taste and evaluate each barrel to determine its quality and flavor profile. Only the best barrels will be chosen to be included in the blend, ensuring that each bottle of Antique 107 meets the high standards set by the distillery.
I had the pleasure of visiting a distillery that produces small batch bourbons, and I was able to witness firsthand the care and attention to detail that goes into the barrel selection process. The master distiller explained that they taste hundreds of barrels before settling on the ones that will be used in their small batch releases. It was fascinating to see how the flavors varied from barrel to barrel, and how the master distiller was able to identify the barrels that would contribute to a balanced and complex final product.
While Antique 107 is not a single barrel bourbon, it is a small batch bourbon that is carefully crafted to showcase the unique characteristics of each barrel. The attention to detail and the expertise of the master distiller ensure that each bottle of Antique 107 is a truly exceptional bourbon that is meant to be savored and enjoyed.