DRINK YE THIS KNOWLEDGE
BY GARY WOLLENHAUPT
bourbon
buy the barrel VISIT A DISTILLERY AND WORK WITH A MASTER DISTILLER TO SELECT A BARREL OF BOURBON FOR YOUR VERY OWN. YOU’LL WIND UP WITH 180-240 BOTTLES OF YOUR UNIQUE BLEND.
Also known as a private select barrel program, buying bourbon by the barrel brings you closer to the craftsperson producing this delectable indulgence. You’ll spend time with a master distiller, exploring rickhouses where the bourbon ages in charred oak barrels. Wandering through the rickhouse unleashes a sensory extravaganza, with aromas flooding the air and the roughhewn barrel staves tickling the fingertips. The real fun begins with tasting barrels to find the one you want to make your own. The master distiller will guide you through thieving the bourbon, or drinking it straight from the barrel. You’ll get to try a few barrels in order to settle on a flavor profile to call your own. Batches vary in flavor based on the barrel selection, so each batch has a unique profile. Depending on the program, you can get bottles to take home or wait for it to finish aging for maximum flavor. Go together with family or friends to share the cost
and the output from the barrel. Or join a bourbon club for access to exclusive barrels and tasting experiences. You can even personalize the label with your name or company name. If you have a favorite distillery, sign up for alerts on private barrel experiences. The open slots usually go fast. Some distilleries will offer half barrels to share the wealth. Remember, the longer the bourbon has aged, the less there will be in the barrel. The average cost of a barrel can run $8,000 to $15,000, with special barrels or very long ages running to $20,000 or more. Due to local and national liquor laws, you may have to work through a local retailer to pay for and take possession of the finished bottles. You may even be able to keep the barrel and get a personalized barrelhead as a memento. With a by-the-barrel selection, make bourbon come to life in a unique and personal way to make a truly one-of- a-kind experience.
57 ALSONJEWELERS.COM
Powered by FlippingBook