Old Charter Oak French Oak is a refined and elegant entry in Buffalo Trace's acclaimed experimental wood series, an ongoing collection that explores how barrels made from oak grown in different countries, climates, and soils shape the character of bourbon. For this release, Buffalo Trace acquired a small number of barrels crafted from oak harvested in the forests of France, the same prized, tight grained wood used to age some of the world's finest wines, and filled them in 2007 with Mash #1, the celebrated rye bourbon recipe behind Eagle Rare and E. H. Taylor. The tighter grain of French oak imparts more subtle, silky flavors than its American counterpart, producing a distinctly smooth and sophisticated bourbon. Aged roughly twelve years and bottled at 92 proof, it carries a deep amber color with reddish hues and a creamy, refined texture. The Old Charter name dates back to 1874 and honors the legendary Charter Oak tree, a longstanding symbol of American independence and free spirit, and each bottle wears a handsome wooden sigil depicting an oak and a worker rolling a barrel. As with every release in this series, supplies are limited and allocated, and bottles have been known to command well above retail on the secondary market. For the collector or the enthusiast who appreciates the influence of wood on whiskey, this is a genuinely special and educational pour, rich, balanced, and unlike a standard American oak aged bourbon. Enjoy it neat to fully appreciate the silky French oak influence, or over a single large cube on a quiet evening.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Expression |
Old Charter Oak French Oak, Barrel Aged |
| Mashbill |
Buffalo Trace Mash #1 (low rye bourbon recipe) |
| Age |
Approximately 12 Years |
| Maturation |
French Oak Barrels (filled 2007) |
| ABV |
46% |
| Proof |
92 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber with rich reddish hues.
Nose: Vanilla leads, with hints of apricot, cherry, and rose petal over a gentle oak frame.
Palate: Thick and creamy, like maple syrup, with the silky French oak coming through alongside honey, toffee, and cinnamon.
Finish: Long and refined, with chocolate, toasted oak, and a lingering brown sugar sweetness.
FAQ
What is the Old Charter Oak series? It is a limited, exploratory collection from Buffalo Trace that ages bourbon in barrels made from oak grown in different parts of the world to show how the wood affects flavor. Past releases have featured Mongolian, Canadian, and other oak varieties.
What makes French oak different? French oak has a tighter grain than American oak, which imparts more subtle, silky flavors and a smoother texture. It is the same wood traditionally used to age fine wine.
How old is it? The barrels were filled in 2007, and Buffalo Trace lists the age at around twelve years. It carries no age statement on the bottle.
What proof is it? It is bottled at 92 proof, or 46 percent ABV.
Is it hard to find? Yes. Like all Old Charter Oak releases it is limited and allocated, and it frequently sells well above its suggested retail price.
Where can I buy Old Charter Oak French Oak online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
