Hancock’s President’s Reserve

Hancock’s President’s Reserve

Introduction

This is another single barrel bourbon from Mash Bill #2 at Buffalo Trace. It’s known as the “high rye” mash bill, but it’s really only medium rye. It’s the same mash bill as Blanton’s, Elmer T. Lee and Rock Hill Farms. There isn’t much information available on this bourbon, as it doesn’t even appear on the Buffalo Trace website. It seems to be an afterthought from the distillery, though the parent company Sazerac at least mentions it. Hancock’s Reserve clocks in at a very odd 88.9 proof. It’s non-age stated, so it has to be at least 4 years old. It’s only 1.1 proof points lower than Elmer T. Lee, and I doubt it’s any older. It’s difficult to find, and like most Buffalo Trace products, it’s overpriced on the internet. So, does Hancock’s Reserve offer an extraordinary experience to justify its existence?

Discussion

You’ve got to wonder why Buffalo Trace even bothers to make Hancock’s Reserve. Blanton’s is the standard bearer for their Mash Bill #2 bourbons. It embodies all the traditional flavors of bourbon with a boost of cherry. Rock Hill Farms is a decent entry. It has a higher proof than the original Blanton’s, but if proof is all that matters, then buy Blanton’s Gold Edition. It’s much better. For that matter, by Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel, and enjoy one of the best bourbons out there. Elmer T. Lee is totally overrated. It’s hard to find and expensive on the internet. Plus, it doesn’t compare to the original Blanton’s. So, where does that leave Hancock’s Reserve. Well, the truth is, nowhere. To be fair, it’s not a bad bourbon. It’s still a sipper. I still wouldn’t mix it in a cocktail. I’ll finish the bottle, but I’ll never buy it again. There’s a little caramel and vanilla, topped with a little allspice, but the flavors are faint and muted. The finish is short, but it carries a surprising amount of heat. There are much better bourbons that are cheaper and easier to find than Hancock’s Reserve, especially in Buffalo Trace’s own lineup. They should simply drop this product. For that reason, I chose to pair with Sorry To Disappoint Ya by Will The Thrill.