Buffalo Trace Distillery tells BourbonBlog.com they are releasing their 26th Experimental Collection expression: Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops. While the process resembles “whiskey-making,” some key factors prevent it from being classified as one.
But hey, we’re not complaining.
Because hops aren’t allowed in whiskey by definition, this 11-year experiment stands apart as something entirely new.
As the Distillery’s latest example of its commitment to “Honor Tradition, Embrace Change,” this new addition examines how an ingredient commonly used in beer production impacts a spirit’s final flavor profile.
Buffalo Trace Experimental Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops will be available in limited quantities on select dates at the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop, beginning late January 2025 at a suggested retail price of $46.99.
Bufallo Trace tells us that due to the limited nature of these releases, all expressions from the Experimental Collection are offered in 375ml bottles.
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At a Glance: How This Spirit Was Made
- Aged: 11 years, 7 months in charred white oak barrels
- Process: Hops were infused into the raw distillate for 30 minutes, then redistilled and aged
- Hops Used: Saaz Noble (floral, herbal) & Zythos (tropical, citrus)
- Flavor: Hoppy citrus, herbal notes, creamy vanilla, and seasoned oak
- Proof: 90
- Bottle Size: 375ml
- Price: $46.99
- Availability: Limited release at Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop (Late Jan 2025)

Where Beer Meets Whiskey: The Origins of This Bold Spirit
Ideated over ten years ago, while bitter beers with floral aromas were growing in popularity, Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley questioned how the presence of hops would impact a spirit. Therefore, he infused two distinct hops—Saaz noble hops, a Czechoslovakian variety commonly found in Bohemian pilsners, and Zythos, an American hop with tropical and subtle herbal notes – into a raw distillate for thirty minutes. The new make distillate, infused with European and American hops, was redistilled and aged in charred white oak casks for eleven years and seven months.
Bottled at 90-proof, the nose of Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops is uniquely hoppy, reminiscent of citrus and herbal notes found in beer, intertwined with creamy vanilla and seasoned oak undertones. Vibrant citrus flavors with pronounced lemon and orange zest play with fresh herbal flavors and robust oak notes on the palate. The finish is clean and refreshing.
Currently, more than 30,000 experimental barrels of whiskey are aging in Buffalo Trace Distillery’s warehouses. Each of the barrels has unique characteristics and experimental changes in the mash bill, types of wood, barrel toasts, and more. Since not every experiment is deemed worthy of bottling, these whiskeys are released periodically and sold on a limited basis.

“Hoppy beers are a playground for brewers; there are many techniques used to capture different flavors. It inspired us to play around with this essential beer ingredient as well,” Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley remarks. “Thanks to the eleven-plus years of aging, the hop aroma and hop flavors are evident while providing a balanced bitterness that blends well with the spirit’s oaky whiskey character.”
“Enjoying Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops neat is the best way to learn about it, but I encourage fans to experiment with the spirit at home,” Wheatley states. “A hopped spirit creates a unique cocktail experience. Test it out as a Manhattan and move from there. Curiosity is key.”
The World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery began experimenting with various recipes and barrel treatments over two decades ago. As the 26th release from Trace Distillery’s Experimental Collection, Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops exemplifies the Distillery’s commitment to crafting fine products.
“At the core of our Experimental Collection is a passion for pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable drinking experiences for our fans,” says Buffalo Trace Distillery Global Director Andrew Duncan.” After tasting it with our distillers, we agreed Release #26 embodies our relentless drive for innovation. Merging the worlds of beer and whiskey is especially exciting—we believe beer lovers will appreciate its bold hoppiness while discovering the depth of its whiskey-like qualities. A spirit like this, crafted at this scale, is truly rare.”

Becky Bratton
I’m excited about this new experimental bourbon, buttt question is how does a person like me get a bottle,
If I’m rich , if I’m in politics or know the right connection I will not be able to get it , I’m 66 and stand in line when my son can’t to get him EH Taylor with no luck. He is not a seller he like bourbon and Buffalo Trace is best ,
Please contact me on how I can get something I will be willing to drive thete from coastal NC
Thank you
Becky