Sazerac Company, the American distilling powerhouse behind Buffalo Trace, is bringing one of its most exclusive experiences to the UK for the first time: the Sazerac Barrel Select (SBS) programme.
Long popular in the United States, the SBS initiative gives individuals and small groups the chance to select and purchase their own private barrel of bourbon. Each barrel offers a unique and unrepeatable flavour profile, making it a prized experience for serious whiskey enthusiasts. Now, UK residents will be able to get involved until 11 June.
At the heart of SBS is the appeal of single-barrel bourbon. Unlike blended whiskey, which combines liquid from multiple barrels for a consistent flavour, single-barrel expressions draw from just one cask. That means each barrel reflects the individual quirks of its ageing environment and oak characteristics. It offers enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience the subtle differences that make each barrel a distinctive example of American whiskey.
To celebrate the international expansion, Sazerac has reserved a limited number of Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon barrels specifically for the UK market.
How it works
UK residents interested in purchasing a private barrel can sign up for a free membership with Sazerac
. From there, members will be contacted with the opportunity to buy a barrel on a first come, first served basis. Once selected, they’ll have two options for how they make their pick:
- Visit Buffalo Trace in Kentucky
- A private behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery for the purchaser and up to seven guests.
- A guided tasting session to select a barrel.
- A private lunch at the distillery.
- The chosen barrel is bottled (usually around 250 bottles) and shipped to Sazerac’s UK bonded warehouse.
- Travel and accommodation costs are not included.
- Tasting in London
- A private tasting experience at Buffalo Trace Distillery London in Covent Garden.
- Three barrel samples to compare, guided by an expert.
- The chosen barrel is bottled and delivered to the UK, along with the empty cask, if requested.
Costs vary depending on the barrel yield and bottle price. The average cost per bottle of Buffalo Trace bourbon is £34, and typical barrels produce around 250 bottles. Excise duties and delivery fees are included in the final cost.
For those not looking to buy an entire barrel, the SBS tasting experience in London offers another route into the world of single-barrel bourbon. Priced at £60 per person, the session includes guided tastings of three single-barrel expressions and a personalised take-home bottle.
“The UK has an incredibly discerning appreciation for quality whiskey,” said Diego Bianchi, General Manager of SBS. “We are thrilled to introduce the Sazerac Barrel Select program to the UK, offering a special opportunity to engage with one of our most requested programs that has captivated fans in the United States for years.”
The move comes as interest in personalised whiskey experiences continues to grow globally, and the UK’s bourbon scene becomes increasingly sophisticated.
