Old Charter Oak French Oak

Old Charter Oak French Oak

Introduction

This is a mash bill #1 bourbon from Buffalo Trace that has been aged in new, charred, French oak barrels. That’s right, French oak! There is no requirement that bourbon be aged in American oak. Of course, most bourbons are, because American oak is readily available and cheaper. However, any type of oak may be made into barrels and charred to make bourbon. The Old Charter line has experimented with different types of oak in the past from different countries. French oak generally has a tighter grain. It’s used to make some of the world’s finest wines. Old Charter Oak French Oak has the same mash bill as Eagle Rare, and it’s reportedly aged the same as Eagle Rare 12. It’s only 3 proof points lower than Eagle Rare 12. So, how does French oak change the character of the bourbon? Is there a noticeable difference? How does Old Charter Oak French Oak compare to Eagle Rare 12? Will the different origin and the tighter grain of the oak impart different aromas and flavors to the bourbon?

Discussion

As I’ve stated before, I’m a big fan of Buffalo Trace’s mash bill #1, the low rye mash bill. There’s a magnificent dessert like quality, especially from the Eagle Rare line. The American oak imparts vanilla and caramel to the fruity esters, coming from the yeast strain and the oxidation reactions in the barrel. What if the origin of the oak is changed? Would it change the aroma and the flavor of the bourbon? Old Charter Oak French Oak is aged in new, charred French oak barrels, instead of American oak barrels. The age of the bourbon is roughly the same as Eagle Rare 12. The proof is only 3 points lower. However, Old Charter Oak French Oak is a completely different animal. The nose and the palate lean more toward softer, floral notes, like honeysuckle. The fruitiness is more peach oriented, with less raisin and berry. The French oak yields less boldness and less spiciness than the American oak. I can’t say it’s any better or worse, but it’s definitely different. Both bourbons are exceptional. Since Old Charter Oak French Oak is aged in new, charred oak barrels from France, I recommend pairing it with Inside Out by XYZ. Though they were a Sunset Strip band, they were formed in France.