The Kentucky based Buffalo Trace Distillery, has announced the launch of its 26th Experimental Collection release.

Buffalo Trace Experimental Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops (45% ABV) is the distillery’s latest example of its commitment to “Honor Tradition, Embrace Change,” by examining how an ingredient commonly used in beer production impacts a spirit’s final flavour profile.

Over a decade ago Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley questioned how the presence of hops would impact a spirit. So 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.

Buffalo Trace Experimental Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops, is said to deliver notes of citrus and herbal notes found in beer, creamy vanilla and seasoned oak on the nose. Followed by notes of lemon, orange zest, robust oak and herbal flavours on the palate.

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.

Commenting on the launch, Harlen Wheatley, said: “Hoppy beers are a playground for brewers; there are many techniques used to capture different flavours. It inspired us to play around with this essential beer ingredient as well. Thanks to the eleven-plus years of aging, the hop aroma and hop flavours are evident while providing a balanced bitterness that blends well with the spirit’s oaky whiskey character.”

Buffalo Trace Experimental Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops, is now available directly from the distillery, for a RRP of $46.99.