When Master Blender Jackie Zykan left her dream job as Master Taster at Old Forester Distillery, it allowed her to spread her wings like never before. Now with startup Hidden Barn Whiskey the rules have changed. That’s not to say there are no rules but, as a brand, Hidden Barn Whiskey can tap different distilleries to pull out distinct taste profiles not available from a single distillery.
The Hidden Barn team is made up of four friends and founders: Royce Neeley of Neeley Family Distillery, Nate Winegar and Matt Dankner of Colorado’s 5280 Whiskey Society and Zykan. For their newest and second release the team went to Western Kentucky to veteran owned M.B. Roland Distillery in Pembroke, Christian County, Kentucky.
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Series Two is composed of 10 barrels expertly blended by Master Blender Jackie Zykan. The barrels were pot distilled and aged at M.B. Roland using a generously high rye mash bill, resulting in a flavorful and complex spirit. The mash was fermented for three-four days using Christian County, Kentucky water and industry standard yeast. It was then double pot distilled and collected at 110 proof. The undiluted distillate was then matured in wood-fired Kelvin Cooperage American White Oak barrels. Barrels rest on property, and once matured, are filtered only for sediment before bottling. On a side note, Master Distiller Paul Tomaszewski along with his wife Mary Beth (MB) and his M.B. Roland Distillery was the founding craft distillery of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour.
“As with all Hidden Barn releases, we are looking to showcase the nuance and depth of flavor found only in small batches which allows each barrel to really shine,” said Zykan. “With Series Two, we opted for a high rye mash bill to showcase the multifaceted contribution this flavorful grain brings to a bourbon recipe.”
Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Series Two #001 Release Notes
Hidden Barn Series Two showcases a high rye mash bill and its versatility outside of just spice. Batch #001 presents as a viscous mouthfeel with juicy, overripe blackberry and a hint of sweet Concord grape. The palate brings in smoky undertones, milk chocolate, and roasted nutty notes. The finish is clean on the front of the palate with fresh mint shining through. Series Two Batch #001 is presented at an undiluted batch proof of 112 proof (56% ABV).
Producer: MB Roland Distillery, Pembroke, Kentucky, D.S.P. 15,010
Mash: 60 percent Corn (Christian County Grain), 35 percent Rye (Walnut Grove Farms), and 5 percent Malted Barley (Southfork Malt House)
Fermentation: 3-4 days using Christian County, Kentucky water
Distillation: Double pot distilled, collected at 110 proof
Barrel: wood-fired Kelvin Cooperage American White Oak
Maturation: Between 5-6 years
Number of barrels: 10
Fill: 112 proof (undiluted)
Filtration: Sediment filter only
What’s Inside (in order of prominence): juicy, overripe blackberry, sweet Concord grape, smoky undertones, milk chocolate, roasted nuts, fresh mint
Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Series Two will be available starting in December and is offered at a suggested retail price of $74.99. In addition to the launch of the second series, Hidden Barn Series One, Batch #005 is currently available, along with a limited-edition release finished in Madeira Casks.
Hidden Barn products are currently distributed in Kentucky and Colorado and available online in Florida, California along with 20 additional states and the District of Columbia. Also in December, distribution will begin in Missouri, Zykan’s native state.
Learn more about Hidden Barn Whiskey.
Learn more about M.B. Roland Distillery.
View all Veteran Owned Distilleries.
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Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Series Two
Get to Know M.B. Roland Distillery
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