Hancock's President's Reserve is a single barrel Kentucky straight bourbon from the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and one of the more under the radar members of the distillery's celebrated single barrel family. Introduced in 1991, it is named for Hancock Lee, who along with his brother Willis established the Leestown settlement on the banks of the Kentucky River in 1775, an early shipping port for tobacco, hemp, and whiskey, and the historic ground on which Buffalo Trace stands today. Hancock's is built on Buffalo Trace's coveted high rye Mash Bill Number 2, the same sought after recipe behind Blanton's, Elmer T. Lee, and Rock Hill Farms, containing an estimated twelve to fifteen percent rye, the highest rye content among Buffalo Trace's bourbons. Each bottle is drawn from a single barrel rather than a blend, so no two are exactly alike, and it is bottled at a distinctive 88.9 proof, the lowest proof among the distillery's Mash Bill Number 2 single barrels, which gives it an especially soft, smooth, easy going character. Though it carries no age statement, the bourbon is generally believed to be aged around eight years. Expect a deep amber pour with a light, sweet nose of vanilla, sweet corn, caramel, toasted pecan, and a hint of tropical mango and papaya, a balanced palate of honey, cherry, cinnamon, oak, and gentle spice, and a smooth, warm finish. Approachable yet genuinely tied to one of bourbon's most respected high rye recipes, and increasingly hard to find on shelves, it is a rewarding single barrel for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in a classic Manhattan.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Sazerac Company (Age International) |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Expression |
Hancock's President's Reserve, Single Barrel |
| Mashbill |
Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2 (high rye, estimated 12 to 15% rye) |
| Age |
No Age Statement (believed approximately 8 years) |
| Maturation |
New Charred Oak; Single Barrel |
| ABV |
44.45% |
| Proof |
88.9 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber.
Nose: Light and sweet, with vanilla, sweet corn, caramel, toasted pecan, and a hint of mango and papaya.
Palate: Balanced, with honey, cherry, cinnamon, oak, and gentle spice.
Finish: Smooth and warm, with lingering vanilla and light oak.
FAQ
What mashbill is Hancock's made from? It uses Buffalo Trace's high rye Mash Bill Number 2, the same recipe behind Blanton's, Elmer T. Lee, and Rock Hill Farms, with an estimated twelve to fifteen percent rye.
What proof is it? It is bottled at 88.9 proof, or 44.45 percent ABV, the lowest proof among Buffalo Trace's Mash Bill Number 2 single barrels, giving it a soft, smooth character.
Is it a single barrel? Yes. Each bottle comes from a single barrel rather than a blend, so there is natural variation from bottle to bottle.
How old is it? It carries no age statement, but it is generally believed to be aged around eight years.
Who was Hancock Lee? He co-founded the Leestown settlement on the Kentucky River in 1775, the historic site where Buffalo Trace Distillery stands today. The bourbon is named in his honor.
Where can I buy Hancock's President's Reserve online? Available here
