Milam & Greene Whiskey of Blanco, Texas, is introducing Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon, the fifth cask-strength whiskey in its 2024 Wildlife Collection. Each release of the Milam & Greene Wildlife Collection has become a must-have single-barrel selection for bourbon collectors who love to explore how environmental conditions impact the flavor of aging bourbon. This year’s Wildlife Collection theme pays tribute to the beauty of the wild birds that are spotted throughout Texas, and proceeds benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. The Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon will be available exclusively on the Milam & Greene Whiskey website and in the distillery tasting room beginning at 3 p.m. (CDT) on Oct. 17.
“Barn owls love to roost in the rafters, so for this special release, we plucked the barrel from the top row of our single-story, non-temperature controlled rickhouse,” says Heather Greene, Milam & Greene Whiskey CEO. “Typically barrels on the top row are exposed to more heat, so they lose more water to evaporation. That’s the ‘Angle’s Share.’ Water molecules are smaller than alcohol molecules, which makes it easier for them to escape through the pores of the barrel in hot and dry conditions. That increases the proof and concentrates the flavors in the barrel. This whiskey soars.”
Milam & Greene Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon is named for the nocturnal birds found year-round throughout Texas, that like to nest in many man-made structures such as barns, attics, and even whiskey warehouses. These owls are unlikely to be found during daylight, which can be taken as a recommendation for when to enjoy the Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon. Pour a glass at dusk and scan the treetops for silent owls patrolling the rolling hills and nearby fields.
“Barn Owls are nocturnal and nearly silent in flight, so catching a glimpse of one is truly special,” said Milam & Greene’s Head Whiskey Maker, Rikk Munroe. “Much like the wild Barn Owl, this whiskey is quite rare with only 158 bottles harvested from the barrel at a whopping 130 proof. Whiskey collectors will have to be quick to catch this Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon.”
The Wildlife Collection: Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon
This limited-edition, cask-strength Milam & Greene Wildlife Collection Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon was pulled from cask #508, yielding 158 bottles of 130 proof (65% ABV) whiskey. It was distilled in Tennessee with a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. It was barreled in Tennessee on March 8, 2016, where it was aged for six years and eight months. It was then transported to Blanco, Texas, and aged on the highest row, on the south side of Milam & Greene Rickhouse 1 for an additional one year and eight months during which it endured multiple days-long freezing events as well as extended periods of triple-digit heat. Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon was bottled on July 15, 2024, after aging for a total of eight years, four months, and seven days.
Mahogany in color, Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon bursts with aromas of sweet almond, maple syrup, cedar, barbeque smoke, brûléed turbinado sugar, and cherry Chapstick. It has a viscous mouthfeel layered with a big rush of cherry flavor, dates, chocolate toffee bar, and rye toast. The finish features more cherry flavor as well as hints of biscuit and caramel.
Pricing and Availability
Milam & Greene Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon is available for $149.99 only on the Milam & Greene website and in the distillery tasting room beginning at 3:00 p.m. (CDT) on Oct. 17. This extremely limited release of only 158 cask-strength bottles is expected to sell out quickly. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bottle of the Milam & Greene Wildlife Collection will benefit the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.