Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey arrived on the scene in 2019 beneath the steerage of founders Judy Hollis Jones and Jason Brauner. From the outset, the model created a transparent id by secondary maturation in customized toasted barrels coopered by Impartial Stave Firm. These 53-gallon new American white oak casks function staves seasoned outdoor for a minimum of 18 months, adopted by a #1 char and a proprietary toast. The outcome has usually been a layered spice character that distinguishes the portfolio in a crowded area.
A lot of the whiskey launched to this point has been transparently sourced from MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. In February 2026, the model expanded its vary with Buzzard’s Roost 4 Grain Double Oak Bourbon, introducing a contemporary angle. As an alternative of fermenting 4 grains collectively in a single mash, the workforce blended two mature bourbons: one constructed on a wheated recipe and one other centered on rye. Mixed, the ensuing composition lands at 73% corn, 6% rye, 16% wheat, and 5% malted barley.
This launch additionally marks a geographic shift. 4 Grain is distilled by an undisclosed distillery in Ohio. Whereas the label stays discreet, the model has shared that distillation happened with a companion in central Ohio. Indicators level towards Center West Spirits in Columbus as a possible collaborator. Identified for working with atypical grains equivalent to darkish pumpernickel rye, Center West distills a four-grain wheated bourbon for its personal labels, although that home mashbill differs from the derived mix offered right here. The distillery additionally handles a spread of customized mashbills for purchasers, opening the door to quite a few potentialities.
A better have a look at the numbers suggests a mix weighted closely towards a 75% corn, 21% wheat, 4% malted barley bourbon, supported by a smaller portion constructed on 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% % malted barley. The rye-heavy element matches the MGP mashbill, whereas the wheated mashbill mirrors MGP’s 21% rye mashbill. Given Buzzard’s Roost’s observe report, the situation factors towards contract distillation in Ohio utilizing mashbills aligned with these established Indiana templates. It’s possible that roughly 80-85% of the mix is comprised of wheated bourbon.
What stays unsure is the grain choice itself. Did the distillate incorporate the extra distinctive varietals usually related to Center West, or did the model request a extra conventional grain?
The bourbon matured for at least 5 years earlier than getting into the toasted ending barrels for a further 8 months. Between the four-grain idea and the Ohio distillation, this bottling indicators a notable shift from the previous. Whether or not that shift represents a turning level for the model stays to be found. Let’s pour a glass and discover out if completely different is sweet!
Buzzard’s Roost 4 Grain Straight Bourbon Evaluation
The nostril opens with the aroma of a cherry Dum-Dum, softly muted, alongside the chewy crust of a freshly baked smooth pretzel. The bready pretzel notice shifts shortly to dried orange peel and mulled apple cider, conjuring a transparent sense of winter. Toasted barrel affect contributes a managed spice that enhances the sweeter components with out overpowering.
On the palate, an preliminary hit of tobacco offers strategy to sweet corn. The sweetness carries ahead with notes of Werther’s Originals and spiced apple cider, supported by a medium-viscosity mouthfeel. As on the nostril, the profile leans candy, with the toasted barrel performing as a balancing accent somewhat than the point of interest.
The end reveals almond butter and muted root beer, earlier than candy Bazooka bubble gum delivers the ultimate push. General, I’m totally impressed with Buzzard’s Roost 4 Grain. It defies expectation in the very best manner. Whereas the profile clearly favors sweetness, the toasted barrel spice offers a pleasant counterbalance, protecting the expertise from turning into cloying. It’s uncommon to come across a bourbon this candy that additionally carries such an excellent measure of spice.
Candy-leaning bourbons are sometimes reserved for dessert or a specific craving. Right here, the meshing of sweetness and spice makes the profile versatile and broadly interesting, appropriate properly past a dessert pour. That is the sweetest expression I’ve tasted from Buzzard’s Roost and the least spice-forward, but it presents precisely the proper proportion of spice for the underlying mix.
100 proof.
A- / $80
Buzzard’s Roost 4 Grain Bourbon
USD80
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