Here it is. Jim referred to it as Double Dragon, but its name is simple and elegant and tells a new story. May I introduce to you Beer Barrel Bourbon.
This is the latest creation from New Holland Artisan Spirits, and I’d like to emphasize the “Artisan”. Jim already described the bourbon in his post, and I would just add that it is nicely sweet and has a huge caramel and vanilla flavor, with a hint of the wood from the barrel. There is also a flavor of the Dragon’s Milk in there too, which is hard to describe, but there is just something “beery” about this bourbon that truly makes it the best of both worlds.
So here is some of the back story on this spirit. First it is Bourbon, not just whiskey. The bourbon used for aging was purchased in lots from a distillery in Kentucky (I presume), and is aged 5 years. By re-aging it in the Dragon’s milk barrels, and by removing the bourbon from the state of Kentucky it cannot be called Kentucky Bourbon, or Straight Bourbon. But it nonetheless is bourbon, and will be called such. New Holland’s Mad Distiller, Rich Blair was not at liberty to tell me which distillery produced the bourbon, yet. They need to work out the details of how credit will be given before he goes releasing that information to a bunch of hack bloggers like me and Jim.
He did say however, that it was a “big” distillery that I had no doubt had many of their products before. I’m thinking either Beam or Buffalo Trace, and if I was forced to make a guess I would say Buffalo Trace. We’ll see if I am correct on my assumption.
This bourbon was bottled at 80 proof, and I think it is perfect. They tried it at several different proofs and decided that all the flavor characteristics they were looking for shone best at 80 proof. I have to agree, and what was most startling to me was the fact that this bourbon finished so well at this proof. It almost reminded me of the finish on some scotches which can be quite warm and satisfying, this bourbon is the same. When I drank it I shared it with about 5 other people and to a person they all thought the proof was over 90, so this bourbon finishes well.
It was also unanimous when I shared this bourbon, it was one of the best bourbons anyone there had ever had. Some were very experienced bourbon drinkers, and others were noobs, but all loved it. When New Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon comes out, make sure you pick it up. Price wise it is reasonable and will run between $30 and $35 for a 350ml bottle. It will be distributed in the midwest and northeast, so enjoy you lucky folk. You will love this stuff!
-Don
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
I have a friend who is a brewer at New Holland and I will look into it. Thanks for the Kentucky bourbon clarification!
Not a problem John. We are here to serve!
Booo! None for us here in the Northwest. Sounds absolutely delicious and the kinds of notes and tastes I enjoy in a bourbon. By the looks of the table, you did your sharing at Brewforia? (It’s either sad or impressive that I know the bar you were sitting at based on the wood grain and finish.) So sorry I missed it!
You are correct, Chad. Too bad you weren’t in I had some to share along with cigars! We could have put a little hair in your chest…and head.
I have read your many posts about Dragon’s Milk with great envy, but alas, it is not available in Georgia. However, I was in South Carolina at a Piggly Wiggly (classic southern) grocery store and there it was, on sale even. I grabbed 2 4pks and ran. Wow. Big and boozy for sure, but so much more enjoyable as it warmed up. Now to find the BBB…
Won’t be hitting shelves for a few months, but well worth the price of admission!
I’ve gotta say that living with in 40 minutes of Hew Holland, 40 minutes of Bells & 10 minutes of Founders, I feel pretty spoiled sometimes.
I’ve only had a few glasses of New Hollands whiskey. Will definitely be looking out for this one.
You should buy this one when it hits the shelves…and, I hate you. 😉
Are we gonna have to send you a care package Don?
Care packages are always ALWAYS appreciated! 😉
How long till it hits store shelves?
Matt, I think Rich said it should hit in Michigan and surrounding states in the next couple of months, a few months after that for the north east.
I picked some up at binney’s in the chicagoland area. Always been a fan of Dragons Milk. The bourbon is smooth and worthy.