Buckner’s 13 Year Single Barrel Bourbon / 2025 Release
The Stats
- Distillery: Augusta Distillery (sourced)
- Location: Augusta, KY
- Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Age: 13 Years
- Proof: 143.9 (71.95% ALC/VOL)
- Mash Bill: Undisclosed
- Release: August 2025 (Limited Release)
- Price: $250
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Augusta Distillery has Buckner’s 13 as its battle flag. When Augusta launched in 2020, they didn’t dip a cautious toe into the bourbon pool; they did a cannonball. Their very first release was a 13-year-old, single-barrel, uncut and unfiltered bourbon. That debut didn’t just turn heads; it won Best Bourbon in the World at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Five years later, the question is simple: Does Buckner’s 13 still hold up as a masterpiece, or is it just riding on old glory?
A Statement Release
The 2025 edition of Buckner’s 13 reaffirms Augusta’s philosophy: bourbon should be bold, unapologetic, and memorable. Aged for thirteen full years and bottled at cask strength, this single-barrel beast clocks in at 143.9 proof. That number alone tells you it’s not here to make friends.
While Augusta is a young distillery, the whiskey itself clearly isn’t. Rumors suggest that this liquid originates from Bardstown, KY, with a mash bill that leans 74% corn, 18% rye, and 8% malted barley —a familiar recipe to some, but one that shines uniquely in Buckner’s high-aged whiskey.
Everything about this bottle is designed to stand out, from its stately, display-worthy design to the white paint-marker-style detailing that pops against the glass. It’s a pour for a special occasion, or at least for when you’re ready to test the upper limits of your palate.
Tasting Notes
Aroma:
Right out of the gate, Buckner’s 13 hits with deep, rich, dark cherries. Imagine diving face-first into a bushel of them—sweet, tart, and a little wild. Behind that fruit rush comes vanilla cream, brown sugar, and a touch of strawberry. Hints of oak, leather, and faint citrus zest round out the nose, promising both heft and elegance.
Taste:
The first sip? A wall of heat—no surprise at nearly 144 proof. But once the palate adjusts, complexity shines through. Bold red fruit leads the way, quickly followed by maple sweetness, caramel drizzle, and roasted nuts. Oak is ever-present, giving structure without overwhelming the fruit. Each sip evolves—spice, leather, and earthy undertones join the party, but cherry remains the star of the show.
Finish:
Long, warming, and powerful. Layers of oak, vanilla cream, and charred sweetness linger, carried by that ever-present proof. Expect a peppery kick on the back end, softened by echoes of fruit and dessert-like richness.
Artfully Bourbon Rating
8.5 / 10 - Very Good
Buckner’s 13 is not trying to be approachable. It’s not a “daily sipper.” It’s a statement piece—iconic, bold, and absolutely brimming with character. For those who love high-proof monsters, this is both a test of endurance and a reward of flavor.
At $250+ (if you can find it), it’s a steep investment. But Augusta Distillery has once again proven that Buckner’s 13 is no gimmick. This release isn’t just resting on past awards—it earns its spot as one of the standout pours of 2025.
If you want bourbon that’s smooth, this isn’t your bottle. If you want bourbon that challenges, rewards, and leaves a lasting impression, Buckner’s 13 belongs on your shelf.
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