In Summer 2019, when Buzzard’s Roost began with three barrels of rye, co-founders Judy Hollis Jones and Jason Brauner already had long-range vision, leading them to purchase several barrels of aged bourbon to put down for a special day. That day is about to arrive.

Buzzard’s Roost will release Founders Seven-Year-Old Straight Bourbon ($125) and Aged 11 Years Straight Bourbon ($150) at its Whiskey Row Experience at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. A limited number of bottles will be available as pre-sale online.

Both bourbons are double-oaked, undergoing secondary maturation in Buzzard’s Roost’s signature, new Char #1 oak barrels that were precision-toasted to coax out very specific flavors from the wood. From Day One, Buzzard’s Roost’s point of difference has been its proprietary secondary maturation – or double-barreling – process that leads to rare flavor profiles.

“These are some of the most exciting bourbons we’ve produced,” Buzzard’s Roost Master Blender Jason Brauner said in a news release. “We bought barrels of aged bourbon and then spent considerable time determining the exact toast profile for the second barrels, to result in the best flavors. They started as excellent bourbons, and both aged beautifully, evolving into even better bourbons.”

As for the long-range vision, CEO Hollis Jones notes that the brand is now in 23 markets (including Canada) and has earned the respect of the most discerning palates. Wine Enthusiast gave Buzzard’s Roost’s new Bottled in Bond Bourbon 95 points, while Toasted French Oak Bourbon received 94 points.

Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Rye was named Best American Rye in the International Whisky Competition, while Toasted American Oak Bourbon was named Best Bourbon in the 2024 Barleycorn Awards.

“The accolades mean a lot to a young craft brand like Buzzard’s Roost,” Hollis Jones said. “But what means the most is sharing these whiskeys with friends and customers and watching our brand grow, reaching new whiskey lovers who keep the momentum going.”

Both Bourbons share the same mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. The 7 YO is 109.2 proof, and the 11 YO is 113.8 proof. Guests can try before they buy at the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience, with pours available for purchase at the bar, and both will be included in tasting flights while supplies last.

Read more: Buzzard’s Roost Releases New American Whiskey

About Buzzard’s Roost

Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey is an independent blender, bottler and distiller of exceptional whiskeys crafted using pioneering techniques. The whiskeys are created using a combination of techniques for secondary maturation including 18-month-seasoned oak barrels for intensified flavors and exclusive use of Char #1 over very specific toast levels to coax complex flavors from each barrel, leading to rye whiskeys and bourbons with flavors unlike any other. The products are distributed in 23 markets including Alberta, Canada, and select products are available online and at the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience at 624 W. Main Street in downtown Louisville.