Review: Buckner’s Bourbon 15 and 17 Years Old
Review: Buckner’s Bourbon 15 and 17 Years Old
Augusta Distillery was founded in 2018 and has largely functioned as a bottler of exceptional sourced bourbon. Since that time, Augusta has transitioned into a fully functional distillery with Alex Castle appointed as the first master distiller in May 2024. As Augusta waits for in-house whiskey to come of age, the distillery continues to bottle Old Route 8 and Buckner’s, sourced from various origins. Drinkhacker is no stranger to Augusta Distillery as Buckner’s Bourbon 13 Years Old was named as a Top 10 Whiskey of 2023. Following the success found in 2023, Augusta has since released Buckner’s Bourbon with age statements of 15 years old and 17 years old. Like previous releases, both offerings are single barrel bottlings.
Buckner’s Bourbon 13 Years Old caught Kentucky lightning in a bottle, but can lightning strike twice? Let’s dig into both of the new well-aged bourbons to find out!
Buckner’s Single Barrel Bourbon 17 Years Old Review
Augusta Distillery does not disclose much about the origins of this sourced bourbon, including the mashbill. The non-chill filtered bourbon is distilled in Bardstown and popular speculation is that it originated from Barton 1792 Distillery, but there is no confirmation of this.
After 17 years of oaken slumber, the nose opens with notes of juicy dark plums. Sensations of black licorice weave through, adding depth. Nutmeg brings warmth, while Barq’s cream soda balances the profile. The aromas are exceptionally pleasant, demanding attention and patience for full appreciation. The palate unfolds with some slightly astringent notes of black walnuts, met with the deep sweetness of molasses. A subtle hint of light cranberry juice introduces a slightly tart contrast, while burnt orange peel brings a bittersweet, zest complexity. As the liquid clings to the palate, the roasted essence of coffee beans leaves an earthy impression. A gentle trace of plum adds some sweetness, while a final hint of black licorice offers a bittersweet and slightly herbal character.
Buckner’s Bourbon 17 Years Old offers a truly magnificent sipping experience. Every facet of the bourbon is remarkable, but it comes with a price of $420. Buckner’s Bourbon 13 Years Old came with 4 less years of maturation and a $200 price. Is it reasonable to add an additional $220 to the price for an additional 4 years of aging? Despite being a truly fantastic nosing and tasting experience, the significant price jump is a bit hard to handle. As a point of reference, Calumet Farm Straight Bourbon 16 Years Old is distilled by Barton 1792 and comes with a price of $160. While likely being sourced from the same distillery, different profiles were chosen by Augusta and Calumet Farm. However, Calumet Farm is priced $260 less for only a year less in age. If you’re looking for a bourbon that you will surely love and cherish, Buckner’s Bourbon 17 Years Old is that bourbon, but it’s far from the best value on the market. 120 proof. A / $420 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Buckner’s Single Barrel Bourbon 15 Years Old Review
Just as with the 17 year old expression, Augusta Distillery does not disclose the distillery of origin or the mashbill. Augusta Distillery did note that this expression was sourced from the Bardstown area. Popular speculation points toward the 15 year old expression coming from stocks of “Buffalo Turkey” currently circulating on the sourced market. While full transparency is lacking, it is believed that Buffalo Turkey was distilled at Buffalo Trace to meet the specifications of Wild Turkey in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Most of the NDPs bottling the Buffalo Turkey have claimed that the bourbon originated in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, despite being distilled in Frankfort. Augusta Distillery did not comment on whether or not Buckner’s Bourbon 15 Years Old is indeed Buffalo Turkey, but Lawrenceburg is roughly 40 miles from Bardstown and would be considered part of the Bardstown region, as indicated by Augusta.
After 15 years of aging, the nose opens with the roasted almonds, offering a toasty richness. Dried dates follow with a subtle sweetness, adding a sticky caramel-like character. The standout note, however, is peaches and cream, drawing memories of Breyer’s peach yogurt with fruit on the bottom. With peaches and cream acting as star of the show, the nose is oddly bright for 15 years of age. Leading the way on the palate, burnt brown sugar delivers a caramelized sweetness balanced by a hint of mild astringency. Toasted pecans offer a touch of earthiness, seamlessly blending with pumpkin pie spice shining through. A slight note of figs surface on the back-end to accompany a juicy mouthfeel that ties it all together. As the finish approaches, the creamy richness of chocolate pudding arrives. Cloves add a spicy kick, gradually giving way to an herbaceous undertone that adds intrigue. The finish is incredibly long, allowing the flavors to evolve and linger.
Buckner’s Single Barrel Bourbon 15 Years Old is an equally stellar bourbon as the 17 year old, but with a lesser price of $319. Buckner’s Bourbon 17 Years Old is truly remarkable, but I am equally enamored with this expression at $100 less in cost. I’ve been able to try a couple of other Buffalo Turkey bottlings at 15 years old, and while all have been truly enjoyable, Buckner’s is my favorite to date. While some might want to compare Buckner’s Bourbon 15 Years Old to Russell’s Reserve 15 Years Old at $250, perhaps the better comparison is River Roots Founders Select Bourbon 15 Years Old at $300. If I had to make a choice between the two Buckner’s expressions, I’d take the 15. 119.3 proof. A / $319
Buckner's Single Barrel Bourbon 17 Years Old
USD420
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I don’t believe the Buckner 15 is buffalo turkey in my opinion of course. I’ve had a few of them including OKI and seelbachs thinking they were russels 15 alternatives initially. The buckner reminds me more of a heaven hill product. It’s surprising how fast the buffalo turkey offerings have sold out yet buckner 15 sits on their site readily available. I think if it really was a buffalo turkey product it would be gone. Still very good whiskey!!