Koopers Whiskey is introducing a limited-edition 8-year barrel-proof, the Texas Oak Bourbon. Koopers, based in Ledbetter, Texas (an hour outside of Austin), put this first-of-its-kind expression through a maturation process that’s quintessentially Texas. For starters, the bourbon’s journey begins like every one of Koopers’ whiskeys, in traditional charred American oak barrels. But for the Texas Oak Bourbon, Koopers has a second maturation process in toasted Texas-grown white oak.
The Texas-grown white oak finish barrels were produced by Standard Cooperage in Blanco, Texas, famous after becoming the Lone Star’s first cooperage. What makes Texas-grown white oak special is that it’s battle-tested, particularly from the state’s harsh and unpredictable climate. In Austin, the region experienced 22 days of 100-plus-degree weather. On Thursday, the region surpassed that with 23 days.
But that’s what makes Texas Oak Bourbon distinct from the rest. Its journey and maturation.
“The Texas Oak Bourbon was conceived as a showcase for oak, not as an afterthought to the whiskey,” said Master Blender Troy Kooper. “We select barrels of mature 8-year-old bourbon with a strong sense of identity, including a solid core of sweetness, structure, and grain character that we wanted.”
But the Texas oak casks is the twist, which enhances the whiskey with rich aromatics, additional cinnamon spice, pecan, and a more layered, textural finish. But don’t get it twisted: Texas and American oak are a perfect marriage for this blend.
“We transferred the bourbon into toasted Texas-grown white oak casks to amplify what was already working and to add a distinctly local voice,” added Troy. “Our goal was finding the point where the traditional American oak and Texas-grown oak complemented rather than compete with each other. The final blend is expressive but not overwhelming, assertive without becoming harsh, and unmistakably shaped by the place where it was finished.”
Texas Oak Bourbon is bottled at its natural barrel proof of 114.8, allowing the whiskey to retain its full intensity. It opens on the nose with aromas of toasted caramel, Texas pecan, maple syrup, orange peel, and dark cherry. Take a sip and expect baked apple and stone fruit, layered with maple syrup, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
But here’s the kicker: Koopers Whiskey made only 360 bottles available for purchase, which you can do online and at its tasting room beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22.
By the numbers
MASH BILL: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
AGE: 8 Years
PROOF: 114.8 (Barrel Proof)
FINISH: Toasted Texas-Grown White Oak
COOPERAGE: Standard Cooperage, Blanco, Texas
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Indiana
DISTILLERY: MGP Ingredients
PRICE (SRP): $70 per 750ml bottle
