Buffalo Trace Distillery uses Amaranth grain for new Colonel E.H. Taylor bourbon

Buffalo Trace Distillery announced a special release bourbon whiskey, with Amaranth as the flavoring grain instead of rye. This 100 proof Bottled-In-Bond small batch bourbon was aged over a decade and is a special one-time-only release.  Other grains used in this recipe are corn and malted barley.    

Although it is technically not a grain, Amaranth was originally cultivated by the Aztecs who called it “the Grain of the Gods”. It is similar to wheat, but offers a complex taste with subtle flavors ranging from a nose of butterscotch and spearmint, to a finish of pecans and dark berries.                  

Tasting notes describe this bourbon as having a fresh spearmint on the nose, followed by honey, with a hint of cherry.  On the palate, coffee and vanilla come through.  The finish is long, with oats and honey.

This Amaranth Bourbon Whiskey is the tenth release in the collection of E. H. Taylor, Jr. whiskeys, which includes Cured Oak, Barrel Proof Bourbon, Straight Rye Whiskey, and Small Batch Bourbon. 

The Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. collection was first released in early 2011 and several subsequent releases have followed.  Like some of the previous releases, this one-time-only bottling is very limited. Also consistent with past releases, the Amaranth Bourbon displays a vintage label and is offered inside a distinct canister reminiscent of Taylor’s whiskey package from over one hundred years ago.

This special bottling of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Amaranth Bourbon Whiskey will be available starting in late July in limited supply.  The suggested retail price is $69.99 per 750ml bottle.