Augusta Distillery Won World’s Best Bourbon at SFWSC 2023

BuffTurkey Barrel
Barrel No: 55
Proof: 115.8 / 57.9%

This is the long-awaited follow-up to Buckners inaugural offering.
The 15-year Single Barrel has matured for a decade and a half to provide an extraordinary pour that leaves a striking first impression, followed by layered complexities on the way to a lingering finish.

What is BuffTurkey?

Around 2009-2010, following a change in ownership, the Campari Group invested in Wild Turkey, leading to expansion and concerns about maintaining sufficient production.To address potential bourbon shortages, Wild Turkey partnered with Buffalo Trace to distill whiskey for them.

Buffalo Trace used Wild Turkey’s traditional mash bill (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley).Crucially, the distilling used Buffalo Trace’s proprietary yeast strain, not Wild Turkey’s.The distilled product was then sent to Wild Turkey to be aged.

In the last few years when Wild Turkey got totasting the finished product, they agreed it was too different from the typical Wild Turkey profile.Unable to release it under the Wild Turkey brand, they sold the barrels to various Non-Distiller Producers, Augusta Distillery being one of them.

This is a once-off collaboration from two of Kentucky’s biggest distilleries that will most likely never be seen again. These are highly sought-after, older bourbons (14-16 years old) with a distinct flavour profile due to the combination of Wild Turkey’s mash bill and Buffalo Trace’s yeast.

“Augusta Distillerys Buckners 15 Year Single Barrel offers a rich and complex bourbon experience with a profile that stands out among modern releases. The nose presents classic bourbon notes of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice, complemented by a distinctive dusty barrel funk that adds depth and character. On the palate, layers of cinnamon, brown sugar, walnuts, and Hersheys syrup unfold, leading to a long, slightly bitter finish with citrus, fudge, and oak. This whiskeys praline-forward profile and the presence of well-aged barrel notes make it a unique find. As a premium offering, its price reflects both the extended aging and the rarity of its distinctive dusty funk, making it a compelling choice for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a well-matured bourbon with a bold, nostalgic character.” – Matthew Evans, Whiskey Consensus (91 Points)

“Damn it is a hefty price for this 15-Year Old, but good god that finish is amazing!” – Bourbon Bossman

“Buckners Single Barrel Bourbon 15 Years Old is an equally stellar bourbon as the 17 year old, but with a lesser price of $319. Buckners Bourbon 17 Years Old is truly remarkable, but I am equally enamored with this expression at $100 less in cost. Ive been able to try a couple of other Buffalo Turkey bottlings at 15 years old, and while all have been truly enjoyable, Buckners is my favorite to date. While some might want to compare Buckners Bourbon 15 Years Old toRussells Reserve 15 Years Oldat $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 Buckners expressions, Id take the 15.” – Jacob Kiper, Drinkhacker (95 Points)