Wilderness Trail is a distillery located in Kentucky, known for producing exceptional bourbon whiskey. One of their standout offerings is the Wilderness Trail Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which is a small batch, bottled-in-bond wheated bourbon.
The term “Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey” signifies that this bourbon is produced in Kentucky and meets specific legal requirements. To be labeled as such, the bourbon must be made from a mash bill consisting of at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, distilled to no more than 160 proof, entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof, and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.
The Wilderness Trail Kentucky Straight Bourbon is also described as “small batch,” which means it is produced in limited quantities using a traditional approach. This allows for more attention to detail and a focus on quality, as the distillers can closely monitor each step of the production process.
Furthermore, this bourbon is also labeled as “bottled-in-bond,” which is a designation created by the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. This act was established to guarantee the authenticity and quality of distilled spirits. To be labeled as bottled-in-bond, the whiskey must be the product of one distillation season, one distiller at one distillery, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years, and be bottled at 100 proof.
What makes this particular bourbon unique is that it is a wheated bourbon. Most bourbons use rye as the secondary grain in their mash bill, but Wilderness Trail opts for wheat instead. This choice imparts a softer, smoother flavor profile to the bourbon, with less spice and more sweetness. The wheated bourbon style has gained popularity in recent years, and Wilderness Trail has embraced this trend with their own expression.
In terms of my personal experience, I have had the pleasure of tasting Wilderness Trail Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey on several occasions. The first thing that struck me was its rich amber color and inviting aroma. The nose is filled with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, with just a hint of wheat sweetness.
Upon taking the first sip, I was immediately impressed by the smoothness and balance of flavors. The wheated mash bill lends a creamy texture and a gentle sweetness to the bourbon. I detected flavors of toffee, butterscotch, and toasted oak, with a subtle spice that lingers on the palate.
The finish of Wilderness Trail Kentucky Straight Bourbon is long and satisfying, leaving a warm, comforting sensation. It is a bourbon that can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, allowing the complex flavors to shine through.
Wilderness Trail has crafted an exceptional bourbon with their Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The combination of being small batch, bottled-in-bond, and a wheated bourbon sets it apart from other offerings in the market. Whether you are a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of whiskey, this expression is definitely worth seeking out and savoring.