Tonight’s pour is a special one—not just for the whiskey itself, but for the lore wrapped around it. From Augusta Distillery comes Buckner’s 15-Year Single Barrel Barrel Proof Bourbon, picked by Preet Liquor. This isn’t just any pick, this is what many in the enthusiast community affectionately (and cryptically) refer to as a “Buff Turkey.” And yes, I know that sounds like something you’d toss on the smoker come November, but stick with me.
Now, Augusta Distillery has been steadily making noise with their Old Route 8 release and a growing lineup of sourced bourbons at varying ages. Personally, I never hopped on the Route 8 hype train, price point and timing just didn’t line up for me. But what they’re doing now with their single barrel offerings is turning heads, and this Preet Liquor pick had me curious. For the record, I trust Preet Liquors they’ve been around, and they’ve got a great reputation. So, when I saw this online, I figured it was worth rolling the dice on a birthday bottle.
Here’s where things get fun. The term “Buff Turkey” refers to a somewhat legendary moment in whiskey history. Around 15 years ago, Wild Turkey reached out to Buffalo Trace with a problem, they were needing some extra whiskey to be created. Buffalo Trace said, “Sure, we got you,” and proceeded to distill Wild Turkey’s mash bill using their own yeast, barrels, and likely even their corn. Flash forward a decade and a half, and Wild Turkey decides these barrels just don’t quite fit their house profile. Rather than to blend them or sell them as a "special release", they sell them off to independent bottlers. This started the craze seeing these “Buff Turkey” bottles trickle out under various labels.
Now here’s the kicker: Augusta Distillery labeled the back of this bottle as being distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, not Frankfort. That sent up red flags for me, especially since all signs (mash bill, sourcing story, age, etc.) point to Buffalo Trace as the origin. According to T8ke, who also did a barrel pick though Augusta Distillery, the release was small enough that they didn’t want to go through the hassle of making a new label. To be frank, I feel that’s a bit lazy. While I have little to no knowledge on the process, time, or money it takes to have a new label approved, this just opens the door for doubt and confusion, especially in a category already filled with lore and speculation.
Age Statement: 15 years. (Single Barrel & Barrel Proof).
ABV: 64.45%.
Mash bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.
Area of Distillation: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
Appearance: Dark amber.
On the nose:
Warm and bold right from the start. A layered medley of oak, vanilla, and caramel hits first, followed by a dusting of spice and barrel heat that tells you this one’s been sitting around for a while. There’s a heavy oak presence, like double-oaked without the label, but also a core of dark cherries, blackberries, and a touch of sweet tobacco. A faint wisp of sun tea and maybe even a whisper of eucalyptus sneak in if you dig deep. It’s nuanced, complex, and inviting.
Taste:
This one doesn't hold back. Deep, dark cherry, black cherry candy level, wraps around rich tea notes and a bold velvet mouthfeel. That eucalyptus from the nose makes a comeback, adding an unexpected, refreshing layer. It’s got some real depth: dusty corn sweetness, oak warmth, and spicy complexity all playing in harmony. There’s a toffee-vanilla creaminess hiding under all the fruit, but the profile stays 90% dark fruit and 10% sweet dessert. It’s a well-balanced, slow-sipping pour with waves of flavor that evolve as it coats your palate.
Finish:
Long, lingering, and absolutely satisfying. It doesn’t cling in a cloying way, but instead settles in with a warming spice and slow-fade sweetness. Hints of tobacco and tea echo in the finish, while that black cherry note hangs around just long enough to make you want to dive back in. It’s not rewriting bourbon history, but it’s absolutely telling a compelling chapter.
Final Thoughts:
For a single barrel barrel proof bourbon aged 15 years and wrapped in whiskey folklore, Augusta Buckner’s Preet's Liquor pick delivers. It’s rich, complex, and a joy to sip. While the labeling choices by Augusta Distillery are frustrating, the whiskey inside the bottle speaks for itself. Compared to something like Russell’s Reserve 15 at $250, you’re gaining a single barrel, barrel proof experience that brings a unique flavor profile to the table. It doesn’t feel like a ripoff, just a high-priced, high-quality pour that’s targeted at the enthusiast crowd.
It’s not a bottle I’d say everyone needs to own, but if you get the chance to try one, it’s worth the experience. A slice of whiskey history wrapped in a beautiful, bold pour.
Rating: A (Excellent).
Cost: $335 for 750ml.
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